Great mountain bike rides
New Zealand is single track heaven for keen mountain bikers.
Whether you're after steep, gnarly tracks through forests or scenic cruises through the South Island spectacular high country, there's something to suit all energy levels.
There are way too many areas to list here but we've included a selection of the best.
Hawkes Bay
The Esckale MTB Park is just 15 minutes drive north of Napier on the East Coast of the North Island. Set amongst 600ha of the privately owned Tangoio Forest the park is also home to New Zealand's largest mountain bike club with over 500 members from all over the Hawkes Bay. With an elevation of 240m at the highest peak there are stunning views across the Bay. There are over 80km of specialist cross-country trails, endless forestry roads and 4x4 tracks to cater for all levels of rider ability - from the novice beginner through to the experienced professional. For at least 80% of the year the clay/dirt-based trails are sprinkled with pine needles so are hard, dry and ride very fast, creating an awesome riding experience on the open and flowing style single-track.
Rotorua
Rotorua on the Central Plateau of the North Island is a mecca for mountain bike adventure.
Whakarewarewa Forest plays host to some of the best mountain bike tracks in the Southern Hemisphere, some would say the World, with the World Mountain Bike Championships being held there in 2006. Whaka Forest is within easy riding distance from the City Centre. An extensive and varied network of trails weave their way beneath the forest canopy rewarding riders with stunning views. There are beginner trails, undulating single track, challenging cross-country, and downhill offer riding for everyone.
Wellington
Wellington's network of purpose built mountain bike trails on Makara Peak offers riding for all levels, from two hour first timers through to full day adventures. There are 250 hectares of fun and action with spectacular views of the city and surrounds. Makara Peak has easy tracks, which are benched and have had gravel laid to prevent the hapless novice from coming to grief. Easy tracks can be ridden any time of the year. Intermediate tracks have some sections of gravel, while expert tracks have none, but can't really be ridden safely when it's wet. Protection and enhancement of the environment is vital and over the last three years over 300 volunteers, from local businesses to the Salvation Army, have planted thousands of native trees, pulled weeds and helped destroy pests like possums and goats. The work being done will provide an extraordinary area of regenerated native bush for future generations. The park has around 12km of single track and there are plans to lay another 5km of single track. The rest is dual track, shared with walkers. As well as the easy tracks there are plenty of challenges for expert and extreme riders. The Vertigo, for example, is a steep obstacle-riddled downhill while the 1km Ridgeline track, the first built on the Peak, offers the extra challenge of a potential blast of Wellington's famous wind.
Naseby
Right in the heart of the Maniototo just a couple of hours from Queenstown, Naseby is a historic gold mining town and home to one of the best mountain biking areas in New Zealand - the Naseby Forest - offering both gentle and challenging mountain biking experiences. There is a web of trails with long flowing trails down and technical yet smooth climbs. The campsite is relaxed and friendly, set amongst the trees and within easy walk of the pub.
Central Otago Rail Trail
The Otago Central Rail Trail is one of the must-do activities in the South Island. While fairly flat and definitely untechnical, it offers a fascinating insight into this wild and remote area following the once a vital railway link that is now New Zealand's first recreational rail trail. Cyclists, walkers and horse riders enjoy the 150km gravel path. It takes three to five days to complete starting from either Clyde or Middlemarch or if time is lacking you can discover its treasures on any of its short sections. The trail takes you across old wooden trestle bridges and viaducts; past schist rock, tussock grasses, awesome gorge scenery and spectacular mountains; through farmlands, goldfields and pioneer settlements. There is no charge for its use although donations can be made in the boxes provided.
Lake Wanaka
Wanaka is home to arguably the most scenic mountain biking in New Zealand. There's a maze of hundreds of trails, weaving through the forest on the slopes above the lake for all abilities. For those with a death wish there are also some serious jumps, built by the slightly more insane members of the local mountain bike club who also maintain the tracks to an excellent standard. You can also ride the highest mountain bike track in New Zealand, accessed by helicopter. There's no question, it'll be the ride of your life!
More Information
For more information on these and other areas visit