Mountain biking New Zealand
If you're not sure where to mountain bike in New Zealand, you obviously haven't been to Rotorua.
This central North Island city is one of the world's premier mountain biking destinations. Majestic forests dot the region and the most popular of these - Whakarewarewa Forest, just minutes from the city centre, is a mountain biking heaven; an adventure playground comprising thousands of hectares of forest awaiting exploration. Californian Redwoods planted in 1901 stand guard over a network of the best cycle trails New Zealand can offer. Tracks are signposted according to difficulty and there is something for all skill levels.
The purpose-built trail network caters to everyone, from beginners and families to experts looking for extreme action. Enthusiasts can easily fill an hour, a day, a weekend or longer with action-packed adventure, whether cross-country or downhill. The forest also provides the perfect introduction to mountain biking; families can enjoy the gentle beginner trails. Entry to the forest is free, making it a popular cheap New Zealand holiday option.
Trails weave their way through lush native ferns beneath soaring forest canopies of Redwood, Radiata, Douglas Fir, Eucalyptus and Larch trees. Riders can catch glimpses of Rotorua's beautiful lakes and geothermal activity through the trees.
The first mountain bike trails were built by local mountain bike enthusiast Fred Christianson and community service workers in 1993. Over the years these tracks, with the assistance of the local club and community, have developed and grown into a vast network of trails that makes the forest popular with all levels of mountain bikers.
Bikes and equipment can be hired from a range of shops around Rotorua and staff members at these places have great local knowledge. Take a guided tour, learn how to ride a bike correctly with a skills clinic or simply explore at leisure with a detailed trail map.
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To download our Mountain Biking Map/Guide, click here.
