Mountain bikes NZ trails that entice riders from all over the world. From a geothermal wonderland to an alpine wilderness, the country’s stunning landscapes and thrilling tracks are energising and unforgettable.
Climb up to the top of Mount Ruapehu and ride a trail through the UNESCO-listed national park. This multi-day ride follows old logging roads with a spectacular view and charming backcountry huts to stay in overnight.
Ohakune
Ohakune emits an energetic yet laidback vibe, offering year-round mountain biking adventures and activities. It is home to two major ski fields on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, the Turoa and Whakapapa.
Both ski fields attract visitors from around New Zealand and abroad to enjoy skiing and snowboarding during winter. The area also offers accommodation and various food and beverage options. The ski season runs from June to October. For more information about mountain bikes NZ, click here.
World-renowned mountain bike trails surround the town with something for every rider, from beginners to experts. The Peaks Motor Inn offers excellent accommodation in Ohakune and is a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains. Some of the best mountain biking trails in the region include Rangataua Forest and Whakarewarewa Forest. Rangataua Forest offers challenging downhills, muscle-testing uphills, and stunning scenery.
Whakarewarewa Forest is another mountain biking hotspot, with trails ranging from beginners to advanced levels. Its popular Rude Rock trail is an adrenaline-pumping flow trail that will leave you wanting more.
One of the most famous mountain bike rides in New Zealand, this trail is a must-do for any MTB enthusiast. It follows old logging tracks in State Forest 42 in Tongariro National Park and boasts challenging downhills and muscle-testing climbs.
Explore the historic Ohakune Old Coach Road on a self-guided tour from Horopito. The half-day ride features views of Mt Ruapehu, the Taonui Railway Viaduct and Waimarino Plains. You will also see the historic Marton Sash and Door and native New Zealand plant and bird life. The track is a popular part of the Mountains to Sea Great Ride and can be enjoyed by all skill levels. For more information about mountain bikes NZ, click here.
Nelson
The name Nelson is often uttered in mountain bikes NZ circles with visions of big pedal climbs and grade 5+ descents, but the Nelson region offers much more than just high-tech tracks. There are flowy jump trails, green and blue progression trails, dedicated bike parks and backcountry heli-drops if you want to take your riding adventure further afield.
Nelson is one of the earliest settled regions in New Zealand and boasts a rich heritage showcased at Founders Heritage Park. You can learn more about the area’s history while walking on a historic railway line or at the onsite museum housed in an old church. The town is also a popular base for exploring nearby caving sites, vineyards and Abel Tasman National Park.
With the effervescent Great Taste Trail, a series of urban flow trails, and a variety of bike hire options, Nelson is a great place to explore on two wheels. It’s easy to ride out into the hills from the centre of Nelson, making it a convenient option for people on a tight schedule or with limited time who are still keen to get their MTB fix.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, a day trip to the Wairoa Gorge is well worth it. This iconic Nelson trail has several things going for it: it’s a loop trail, doesn’t require multiple hours to complete and features a long downhill section that is a lot of fun.
The ‘The Gorge’ is sometimes known to be home to more than 70km of world-class hand-built single track, with trails starting at grade 3 and ranging up to a backcountry level. It’s only a 45-minute drive from central Nelson.
Rotorua
Rotorua is a world-class mountain biking destination with impressive trails set amongst towering redwoods and lush native bushes. Whether you want to rip down a super-fast BMX track in the heart of the city, race at the world-renowned Crankworx event, or conquer Whakarewarewa Forest’s acclaimed trail network – there is a ride here for everyone from first-time mountain bikers to extreme downhill competitors and everybody in between.
The Whakarewarewa Forest is a World-class MTB Trail Network in the heart of the North Island, offering challenging uphill climbs and thrilling downhill rides. The trails have been meticulously crafted to suit every level of ability, from beginners (there is even a kids loop for pre-ride wobbles) to advanced downhillers and the most demanding riders looking to tackle the Whaka 100 challenge!
Taking the hard work out of riding, Skyline Rotorua’s gondola lift transports you and your bike to a series of sweet downhill trails. Once at the top, you’ll discover a mountain biking paradise that uses the gondola’s vertical drop to offer epic tracks with a big payoff! For more information about mountain bikes NZ, click here.