For those who want a more rugged adventure, New Zealand’s hilly terrain makes it a fabulous mountain bike playground! There’s a growing number of specially designed mountain bike tracks, as well as many single and 4WD (four-wheel drive) tracks through beautiful native bush. Make sure that you are permitted to ride these tracks, as some, especially those in National Parks, are for walkers only.

There is a large assortment of trails throughout New Zealand with the terrain as varied as the locations. The select luxury lodges utilised by Luxury Adventures offer small networks of trails and usually bikes are available for use at the Lodges. A large number of mountain bike parks now exist around the main centres with a host of well defined trails. It you’d like to make a day of it there are just as many day rides – such as the famous 42 traverse in the North Islands Tongariro National Park. For the ultimate down hill thrill talk to us about helibiking in the South Island.

Key New Zealand mountain biking destinations

Auckland
Woodhill: This is the number one area in auckland to mountain bike. What it lacks in elevation it makes up for with numbers of trails, proximity to New Zealand\’s largest city Auckland and its sand base which makes it rideable year round and even better in the winter. You’ll find some excellent riding here and all within 30 mins of the city, nothing to extreme but a lot fun and a decent workout. Further information on Woodhill.

Riverhead: Riverhead is the lesser known little brother to Woodhill in Auckland but for those in the know this is the best place to ride. Again it has similar elevation to Woodhill but is steeper and more technical. Its rooty clay base makes for fast and fun riding. Best ridden in the summer months. Further information on Riverhead.

Fourforty: Fourforty Mountain Bike Park is a gravity assisted mountain biking park within one hours drive of downtown Auckland. Boasting 440 meters in vertical height which is high for auckland Auckland. Its by far the premium destination for gravity mountain biking in the upper north island. The trails cater for beginner to expert riders. Further information on Fourforty.

Rotorua
Whakarewarewa forest: Host to numerous mountain biking events including Crankworx. this world class riding destination should be on everyones New Zealand list. A large array of trails of all levels including gravity assisted await you at the mountain biking mecca that is Rotorua. Further information on Whakarewarewa forest.

Skyline Gondola Rotorua: Skyline Rotorua is the newest addition to Rotorua’s MTB scene. Purpose built trails of varying levels are offered at this gondola assisted gravity park. Further information on Skyline Gondola Rotorua.

Taupo
Craters MTB park: Located just North of Taupo township, there is something in the mountain bike park for everyone. Over 50kms of single track trails that range from Grade 2 (easy) to Grade 4-5 (Technical). Craters has something for every mountain bike enthusiast. Further information on Craters MTB park.

National Park
42 Traverse: This is one of the most iconic rides in New Zealand. The 42 traverse is a mountain bike ride through what was previously known as State Forest 42. Renowned for long and often rutted down hills. Throughly enjoyable and suitable for all levels. Further information on 42 Traverse.

Wellington
Wellington Mtb trails: Wellington is made for mountain bikers. The hilly, bush-clad landscape makes for exhilarating riding, and with 350km of mountain biking trails right on the city\’s doorstep its worth taking your bike when visiting the capital. Further information on Wellington trails.

Nelson
Nelson Mtb trails: Perhaps the best overall riding in the country with an established network of truly epic trails, enough said! Further information on Nelson trails.

West Coast
West Coast Mtb trails: Alot of new trails coming online and of course, the current undisputed heavyweight champion of New Zealand Adventure rides, The Old Ghost Road. You can read more about this trail in Tony’s blog review of the Old Ghost Road.

Christchurch
Christchurch Mtb trails: Another Mtb paradise covering a vast area of mountainous terrain. Best to check out the Christchurch single track club for information on trails. Further information on Christchurch Mtb trails.

Queenstown
Queenstown Mtb trails: Each summer a large amount of bikers of all standards flock to Queenstown as it is now seen as a stand alone destination for mountain bikers. Several professional mountain bikers use the region as a winter training ground. Further information on Queenstown Mtb trails.

Skyline Gondola Queenstown: Fast, flowing, steep, technical and fun would sum up the trails on the Queenstown gondola. Well worth riding. Further information on Skyline Gondola Queenstown.

Wanaka
Wanaka Mtb trails: There are four main areas to ride in and around Wanaka; Wanaka Lakeside Tracks, Deans Bank Track and the Sticky Forest. Further information on those areas can be found here. The other main area which is gravity focused and open in summer only is the Cardrona Bike park.

Please contact us if you would like more information on mountain biking in New Zealand with Luxury Adventures.