.png)
Top Mountain Bike Tracks & Destinations in New Zealand
- Plango New Zealand
- Mar 30
- 7 min read
New Zealand is a paradise for mountain bikers, offering a diverse range of trails that cater to all levels of riders. Whether you're looking for thrilling downhill runs, scenic cross-country routes, or multi-day adventures through remote landscapes, this list covers the best destinations across both the North and South Islands. Here are the top mountain bike destinations and tracks in New Zealand, complete with recommendations for bikes, apps, local rental shops, and cultural insights.
NORTH ISLAND
Whakarewarewa Forest (Redwoods)
Location: Rotorua, North Island
Ability Level: Beginner to Advanced
Course Type: Purpose-built single track
How to Get There: Fly into Rotorua, then a short drive to the forest.
Recommended Bike Setup: Full suspension bike with 120mm travel.
Local Bike Rentals: Rotorua Mountain Bike Hire offers various bike options.
Whakarewarewa is a must-visit spot, featuring over 130 kilometres of trails set in a forest of towering Californian redwoods. Whether you're new to mountain biking or an expert, there's a trail suited for your skill level, all within a stunning natural environment. Rotorua is also famous for its geothermal activity, hot springs, and Māori culture.
Add a Zipline experience to your Rotorua adventure!
Taupō - Super Volcanic Trail Network
Waikato River Trails
(A Great Ride of New Zealand)
Pureora Forest Park
Great Lake Trails
Craters MTB Park
Huka Trails
Fun & Cruzy
Taupō, renowned for its beautiful lake and geothermal activity, also offers a variety of mountain biking trails. The trails around the area cater to all abilities, from easy lakeside paths to technical climbs and descents. Over 30 wildly different trails covering more than 380km
More Info: Love Taupō
Riverhead Forest
Location: Auckland, North Island
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Course Type: Forestry trails
How to Get There: Fly into Auckland and drive to the forest.
Recommended Bike Setup: Hardtail bike for smoother trails.
Local Bike Rentals: Available from local shops in Auckland.
Riverhead Forest offers a mix of fun and technical trails, making it a great option for intermediate riders. Located just outside of Auckland, it’s perfect for those looking for a quick getaway or a local adventure.
Plan a day to enjoy one of these popular tours!
Woodhill Mountain Bike Park
Location: Auckland, North Island
Ability Level: Beginner to Advanced
Course Type: Sand-based trails
How to Get There: Fly into Auckland and drive to the park.
Recommended Bike Setup: Hardtail or full suspension bike.
Local Bike Rentals: Woodhill Mountain Bike Park offers bike rentals.
Woodhill Park’s trails wind through pine forests and sand dunes, providing both easy loops and challenging downhill runs. It’s one of the top spots near Auckland for a day of biking and features some of New Zealand’s best-maintained tracks.All Trails - Woodhill Mountain Bike Park
The Timber Trail
Location: Pureora Forest, North Island
Ability Level: Intermediate
Course Type: Forest trail
How to Get There: Fly into Hamilton, then drive to the trailhead.
Recommended Bike Setup: Hardtail or full suspension bike.
Local Bike Rentals: Rentals available in the area.
The Timber Trail offers 85 kilometres of beautiful riding through ancient forests. It’s one of New Zealand’s Great Rides and is especially popular for its smooth flow and breathtaking landscapes. More Info: The Department of Conservation
Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park
Location: Wellington, North Island
Ability Level: Intermediate
Course Type: Singletrack
How to Get There: Fly into Wellington and take a short drive to the park.
Recommended Bike Setup: Full suspension bike for technical terrain.
Local Bike Rentals: Wellington Mountain Bike Hire rents bikes for various trails.
Makara Peak offers a 40-kilometre network of trails perfect for intermediate riders. Located just outside Wellington, it features flowing single track, technical descents, and stunning views over the city and coastline.
Photo Source: Greater Wellington Parks
Rimutaka Cycle Trail
Location: Wellington, North Island
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Course Type: Gravel roads and rail trails
How to Get There: Fly into Wellington and drive to the trailhead in Upper Hutt.
Recommended Bike Setup: Touring bike or hybrid bike for gravel roads.
Local Bike Rentals: Available in Wellington from various rental shops.
This 115-kilometre trail spans the Rimutaka Ranges, taking riders from the Wairarapa Valley through lush forests and historic rail tunnels. It's an easy to moderate ride, perfect for those seeking a more relaxed but scenic journey.
Photo Source: Great Rides New Zealand
Hawke’s Bay Trails
Location: Hawke's Bay, North Island
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Course Type: Sealed and gravel roads
How to Get There: Fly into Napier and explore the region by bike.
Recommended Bike Setup: Hybrid or touring bike for the road-based trails.
Local Bike Rentals: Available in Napier and Hastings.
Hawke’s Bay is not only known for its fine wines but also for its great cycling trails, which wind through vineyards, orchards, and the coastal regions. It’s perfect for a laid-back ride with plenty of opportunities to stop for local produce.
Book a guided wine tour!
SOUTH ISLAND
Photo Source: Great Rides
Around the Mountains Cycle Trail (Great Rides)
Location: Southland, South Island
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Course Type: Gravel and sealed roads
How to Get There: Fly into Queenstown and drive to Kingston to begin the trail.
Recommended Bike Setup: Touring or hybrid bike for gravel roads.
Local Bike Rentals: Rentals available at Around the Mountains Cycle Trail for touring bikes.
This 186-kilometre loop takes you through farmland, alpine views, and lakes, showcasing the diversity of New Zealand’s Southland region. The trail is great for riders looking for a multi-day journey with an easy-to-medium difficulty level.
More information - Great Rides & Around the Mountains Cycle Tours
While in Queenstown - Book one of these popular tours!
Heaphy Track
Location: Kahurangi National Park, South Island
Ability Level: Intermediate
Course Type: Multi-terrain (forest, alpine, beach)
How to Get There: Fly into Nelson, then drive to Kōhaihai.
Recommended Bike Setup: Hardtail or full suspension bike.
Local Bike Rentals: Nelson Mountain Bike Hire has suitable bikes for the track.
This 78.4-kilometre trail offers diverse landscapes, from dense rainforests to alpine meadows and beaches. It’s a fantastic Great Ride, open to mountain bikers from May to September. While biking, you’ll experience some of the country’s most beautiful natural environments.
Queenstown Bike Parks
Location: Queenstown, South Island
Ability Level: Beginner to Advanced
Course Type: Downhill and cross-country trails
How to Get There: Fly into Queenstown Airport, then a short drive to the parks.
Recommended Bike Setup: Full suspension downhill bikes for bike park; cross-country bikes for other areas.
Local Bike Rentals: Bike It Now in Queenstown rents bikes for all types of riding.
Queenstown is an adrenaline junkie’s dream with its world-renowned bike parks. The Queenstown Bike Park features downhill trails accessible by the Skyline Gondola, while the surrounding region offers scenic cross-country routes along Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown is also the adventure capital of New Zealand, with endless options for bungee jumping, jet boating, and hiking.
Photo Source: Department of Conservation
Old Ghost Road
Location: West Coast, South Island
Ability Level: Advanced
Course Type: Remote singletrack
How to Get There: Fly into Westport, then drive to the Lyell Reserve trailhead.
Recommended Bike Setup: Full suspension with durable tires.
Local Bike Rentals: Westport Bike Hire provides bikes for rugged trails. More Information - Department of Conservation (DOC)
Spanning 85 kilometres through New Zealand's most remote wilderness, the Old Ghost Road is a challenging multi-day ride that explores deep forests, high mountain passes, and gold-mining history. The track is perfect for experienced riders seeking a true backcountry experience.
Explore more around Christchurch and The West Coast!
Lake Dunstan Trail
Location: Otago Region, South Island
Ability Level: Intermediate
Course Type: Gravel trail
How to Get There: Fly into Queenstown, then drive to Clyde to access the trail.
Recommended Bike Setup: Hardtail or full suspension mountain bike.
Local Bike Rentals: Bike It Now in Clyde has bikes available for rental.
The Lake Dunstan Trail, a 25-kilometre route, takes riders along the stunning shores of Lake Dunstan. This intermediate trail offers a smooth ride with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, making it ideal for those seeking a picturesque but manageable challenge.
Photo Source: Singletracks.com
Craigieburn Valley
Location: Canterbury, South Island
Ability Level: Advanced
Course Type: Alpine singletrack
How to Get There: Fly into Christchurch and drive to the trailhead.
Recommended Bike Setup: Full suspension mountain bike.
Local Bike Rentals: Christchurch-based rental shops offer bikes for alpine terrain
.
The Craigieburn Valley is an iconic track for advanced mountain bikers, with steep and challenging descents set in a rugged alpine environment. With views of the Southern Alps, it's a trail that pushes your skills while providing some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
Photo Source: www.singletrack.com
Mount Hutt Bike Park
Location: Canterbury, South Island
Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Course Type: Downhill tracks
How to Get There: Fly into Christchurch and drive to the park.
Recommended Bike Setup: Full suspension downhill bike.
Local Bike Rentals: Christchurch-based rental shops offer bikes suited for downhill.
Mount Hutt is a favorite for downhill mountain bikers. With a range of trails that vary from moderate to challenging, it provides exciting descents and panoramic views. The park is open in the summer months when the ski slopes are transformed into biking trails.
Queen Charlotte Track
Location: Marlborough Sounds, South Island
Ability Level: Intermediate
Course Type: Coastal singletrack
How to Get There: Fly into Blenheim or Picton, then take a water taxi to the track.
Recommended Bike Setup: Hardtail or full suspension mountain bike.
Local Bike Rentals: Picton Bike Hire provides rentals suitable for the track.
This 70-kilometer track winds through lush forests and along the stunning coastline of the Marlborough Sounds. It’s perfect for those seeking a mix of scenic coastal views and forest trails.
More Top Mountain Bike Destinations and Tracks in New Zealand
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping downhill runs, scenic cross-country paths, or multi-day adventures, New Zealand’s diverse trails and stunning landscapes have something for everyone. Be sure to rent the right bike for your chosen track and check out local guides to enhance your experience.
Additional Resources
Department of Conservation - Mountain Biking Track grades, mountain biking guidelines and commercial operators
Visit Great Rides for more tracks!
Download this app https://www.greatridesapp.com/
Comments