The Manorburn Dan is East of Alexandra in the hills at the very bottom of the Ida Valley and is accessed via Upper Manorburn Road. At the start of Upper Mannorborn Road is a set of gates, these are not locked so head through and close the gate after yourself.
The road becomes more and more surreal as you climb into the hills. The sparse vegetation combined with rugged outcrops of rocks and mounds makes it seem like you’ve left all civilisation behind. Once you reach Manorburn Dam, you’ll find a bunch of cute batches and a really nice reservoir (good for a swim). The road used to go all the way around the water but has been turned into walking and mountain bike tracks by DOC.
While Upper Manorburn Road is a gravel road all roads in this area have lots of little nasty sharp rocks quite capable of creating a pinch flat or puncture. Some in the road rocks could also damage a mag rim if you hit them too fast.
Contributed by: @michael_j_breen
Track type: Gravel Road
Track composition: Bumpy, Firm, Undulating
Slippery when wet? Yes
Suitable for bikes <650cc? Beginner
Suitable for bikes >650cc? Beginner
River crossings? No
There is no “DOC track” for access of any kind around the Upper Manorburn. All of the land around the Upper Manorburn is private farmland and there is no access for walkers, bikers or anyone else without permission of the owners. Please update your article.