Rotorua is a world-famous mountain biking haven & home to Crankworx Rotorua
In 2019 the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) renewed Rotorua’s four-year status as being one of the world’s best mountain biking destinations with their most prestigious gold-level Ride Centre™ status.
The world-renowned network of nearly 200 kilometres of mountain bike trails in Whakarewarewa Forest consists of expertly built trails crafted to suit everyone, from absolute beginners (there’s even a kids’ loop, great for working out any pre-ride wobbles) through to extreme downhill competitors, and for any age and fitness level.
If you’re a road cycling enthusiast who enjoys scenic routes, riding Te Ara Ahi ‘Thermal by Bike’ is a great option, taking you past geothermal areas, beautiful lakes and forests, and significant historical and cultural sites. You can also ride all the way around Lake Rotorua, with a dedicated cycle trail encompassing all but the narrower curving areas in Hamurana.
There are many more options in and near Rotorua, such as Skyline MTB Park, Rainbow Mountain, Moerangi Track, Western Okataina Walkway, the Timber Trail and Whirinaki Forest Trails, to name a few.
Don't let the lack of gear hold you back. Rotorua is home to more than its fair share of quality bike shops, making it easy to hire or purchase (as well as repair) whatever you need, and get first-hand trail advice.
Crankworx Rotorua
The annual mountain biking festival and world competition Crankworx first came to Rotorua in 2015 and lured the best of the best riders from around the globe to compete for world titles in a variety of downhill and trick events on Mt Ngongotahā. The week-long Crankworx Rotorua, to be held 1-7 November 2021, is an incredible festival for competitors and spectators alike.
Adventurers Travel Company
Cycling & Mountain Biking, Central
Adventurers is a specialist travel agency, creating custom adventures in Rotorua and throughout New Zealand. We are unique in what we do. We use our own knowledge of mountain biking, cycling and hiking to organise or help you organise, an exceptional holiday doing what you love outdoors.
Lake Tikitapu
Cycling & Mountain Biking, East
Lake Tikitapu, affectionately known as Blue Lake, is a local favourite and well known to regular visitors to Rotorua.
Happy Ewe Cycle Tours
Cycling & Mountain Biking, Central
Happy Ewe Cycle Tours provides a guided bicycle adventure around central Rotorua. You'll ride at your own leisurely pace to 27 key historical, geothermal and cultural sights.
HeliBike Rotorua
Cycling & Mountain Biking, Central
Helicopter travel with adventure activities in New Zealand bush.
Hemo Gorge Trail - Te Ara Ahi
Cycling & Mountain Biking, Central
Hemo Gorge Trail is two-way, Grade 2, shared trail that takes cyclists and walkers off SH5 for access to the Waipa Mountain Biking car park. It is part of the Te Ara Ahi cycleway that continues to Rainbow Mountain. The trail is 1.5km from the Te Puia carpark to the Waipa car park (actual trail length to Waipa trailhead: 1.5km).
Te Ara Ahi Bike Transport - Thermal Land Shuttle
Cycling & Mountain Biking, Central
Based on our local knowledge and know-how, we provide transport services and tours for you (and your bikes) around Rotorua and the wider North Island.
Planet Bike Mountain Biking
Cycling & Mountain Biking, Central
Planet Bike offers freedom bike hire, mountain bike tours for first timers to expert, bike fixes, Bike Bitz'n spares, trail information & maps, as well as 'Coffee 2 go'. Planet Bike are principal sponsors of the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club.
Skyline MTB Park
Cycling & Mountain Biking, Central
Skyline Rotorua is home to New Zealand's first year-round Gondola assisted bike lift, accessing world-class downhill mountain biking.
Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge
Cycling & Mountain Biking, Central
Explore an amazing geothermal area where threatened bird populations make their home.
New Zealand Mountain Biking - Whirinaki Forest
Cycling & Mountain Biking, Central
Come with us and ride through some of New Zealand's best ancient native forest on meandering mountain bike trails. This full day trip includes guide and transport, food, and bike hire. We can take it nice and easy close to the road, or we can go all out and fly deep into the heart of the Whirinaki!
Freestyle Airbag - Velocity Valley
Cycling & Mountain Biking, Central
Now you can have a crack at your first bike backflip without a care in the world thanks to Velocity Valley's Freestyle Airbag.
Mountain Bike Rotorua
Cycling & Mountain Biking, Central
Mountain Bike Rotorua is your gateway to Whakarewarewa Forest, the stunning jewel in the crown of the adventure destination that is Rotorua. Located in the forest itself, the friendly team here at the MBR base has everything you need to get biking.