Cycling & Mountain Biking

Rotorua is a world-famous mountain biking haven and home to Crankworx

There’s a very good reason Rotorua was chosen as the first Crankworx home outside its Canadian birthplace: there’s dirt gold on these hills. 

The annual mountain biking festival and world competition first came to Rotorua in 2015 and lured the best of the best riders 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 2020, is an incredible festival for competitors and spectators alike. 

At the opposite end of town, another world-renowned network of mountain bike trails awaits. Whakarewarewa Forest, aka “the Redwoods Forest”, contains nearly 200 kilometres 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.

We don’t like to blow our own trumpet, but 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. 

If you’re lacking gear but want to see what all the fuss is about, Rotorua is home to more than our fair share of quality bike shops, making it easy to hire what you need and get first-hand trail advice. Give it a whirl.
 

Other well-beaten tracks

Skyline Rotorua is home to New Zealand’s first all-season Gondola-assisted mountain bike lift park, allowing you to access world-class downhill mountain biking. The site of Crankworx Rotorua and UCI World MTB events, Skyline Rotorua Gravity Park’s 8.5-kilometre network has a variety of trails ranging from Grade 3 to 5. 

Other top destinations for mountain bikers are Rainbow Mountain, Moerangi Track, Western Okataina Walkway, the Timber Trail and Whirinaki Forest Trails. All are excellent trails in individual ways, so it might be tough to pick and choose. Have a look at the RideNZ site for helpful information to help you to pare down your list – if you must.
 

Cycling

Lest you think we favour only bikes with dual suspension and luggy, dirt-loving tyres, we can reassure you there are other two-wheeled options you can use to see the sights. 

Cruiser bikes and e-bikes are popular ways to cruise the streets in comfort and style, all offering entertaining, informative guided tours of Rotorua. 

If you’re a cycling enthusiast and looking to give the legs and lungs a solid workout, riding Te Ara Ahi Thermal by Bike is a great option and it takes you past geothermal areas, beautiful lakes and forests, and significant historical and cultural sites.