Mountain biking in parks & backcountry

Explore the thrill of mountain biking in New Zealand's stunning parks and backcountry. Discover diverse trails, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, Aotearoa offers something for everyone.

Why Aotearoa?

Discover what makes mountain biking in Aotearoa truly special. From unique terrain to incredible scenery, experience the adventure of a lifetime on New Zealand's world-class trails.

For every rider

Whether you're a beginner looking for gentle trails or an experienced rider seeking challenging descents, our mountain biking destinations cater to all skill levels. Find your perfect ride and explore the beauty of Aotearoa. Explore some of Aotearoa Adventures' favourite mountain biking locations in New Zealand. Discover what makes these spots stand out with their unique trails and stunning landscapes.

Redwoods / Whakarewarewa — Rotorua

Rotorua is NZ’s MTB capital for a reason: hero dirt, native forest, and a trail menu that runs from green family loops to expert jank. You’ll stitch together pumpy flow (think endless rollers and berms) with spicy tech (roots, off-cambers, sniper turns) and finish with a soak at a hot pool if you’re doing it right.

  • Ride highlights (sampler):
    • Flow: Dragon’s Tail, Challenge Roadside, Corners, The Dipper (kids love it).
    • Mid-tech: Tuhoto Ariki linkups, Billy T, Split Enz → Pondy DH → Rollercoaster mega-run.
    • Spice/steep: Hot X Buns, Kataore (advanced), Taniwha.
  • Skill/bike: Everything from green to double-black. Trail or enduro bike (120–160mm).
  • Logistics: Massive signposted network; free to ride; car parks at Waipa + Nursery Rd; shuttles operate on weekends/holidays.
  • Best time: Year-round; shoulder seasons are tacky-heaven.
  • Local tip: Start with a Waipa → Hill Rd climb; finish on Split Enz for views and giggles. Book a post-ride soak (e.g., secret hot stream/thermal pools) to keep the legs happy.

Queenstown Bike Park (Skyline Gondola) — Downhill laps

Roll out of town, load the gondola, and drop straight into a web of bermy blue lines, faster blacks, and legit DH. It’s gravity-fed, social, and stupidly convenient—espresso to drop-in in minutes.

  • Ride highlights:
    • Warm-up: Hammy’s (long blue with mega berms).
    • Step up: Thundergoat / Squid Run.
    • Black/DH: Original, Vertigo top-to-bottom, Slippery Ninja, and seasonal race lines.
  • Skill/bike: Intermediate to expert; DH or enduro with good brakes. Full-face + pads strongly recommended.
  • Logistics: Buy gondola bike passes; shop/rentals at base; patrol on duty; laps all day.
  • Season: Spring–autumn peak (park opens most of the year, check maintenance closures).
  • Local tip: Do a few mellow laps to learn the chatter and braking points—the dirt turns dry and marbly in late summer.

Cardrona Bike Park — Summer lift-access (alpine)

High-alpine schist, wide-open sightlines, and purpose-built jump/tech lines off the lifts. It’s the Southern Alps park vibe: fast, airy, and photogenic with a proper progression ladder.

  • Ride highlights:
    • Flow/jumps: Mile High → Morning Glory, Sweet As.
    • Tech: Arcadia, Captain’s DH.
    • Scenic: Ridge-line connectors with huge mountain views.
  • Skill/bike: Strong intermediate and up for the whole park; beginners can stick to greens. Enduro or DH with solid tires.
  • Logistics: Summer-only lift operation; rentals, coaching, and patrol on-site. Cooler at altitude—bring an extra layer.
  • Local tip: Wind and weather roll in quick—start early for hero conditions, then head to Wānaka for a lake dip after.

Kaiteriteri MTB Park — Tasman

Golden beaches meet golden singletrack. The park sits above the bay with a tight network of well-marked trails: green cruisers for families, blues with flow for days, and a few black lines to keep strong riders honest.

  • Ride highlights:
    • Family/green: Easy Rider, Cruise Control.
    • Flow blues: Jaws, Flowsion linkups; descend to the beach for a swim.
    • Advanced: Rock’n’Roller pockets some tech.
  • Skill/bike: All levels. Short travel trail bikes shine.
  • Logistics: Ride from the beach; maps at trailheads; café and swims on tap.
  • Best time: Year-round; summer = combine with Abel Tasman day trips.
  • Local tip: Do a mid-morning session, lunch at Mapua/Marahau, then an afternoon beach chill.

Makara Peak — Wellington (all-levels network)

Welly’s home hill delivers honest climbs, sweet native bush, and descents that balance flow with rooty challenge. It’s a volunteer-built gem with smart grading and lines for everyone.

  • Ride highlights:
    • Green to blue: Koru → Sally Alley → SWIGG / Starfish for a confidence-building loop.
    • Blue/tech: Leaping Lizard, Ridgeline (iconic wind-swept top), Peak Flow for berms.
    • Spicier: North Face, Vertigo in the wet (roots galore).
  • Skill/bike: Green to double-black. Trail bike (130–150mm) ideal; grippy tires for windy/wet days.
  • Logistics: Multiple access points (South Karori Rd popular); free to ride; maps on-site; frequent community dig days.
  • Local tip: Northerlies can be feisty—drop into bushy lines when it howls on the ridge.

Old Ghost Road (advanced) — West Coast epic

NZ’s bucket-list backcountry ride: 85-ish kilometres of benched singletrack strung across wild valleys, swing bridges, ghost towns, and alpine tops. It’s remote and committing—more “light bikepacking mission” than casual day out.

  • Ride highlights: Lyell historic start • Lyell Saddle & Ghost Lake Hut outlooks • Skyline Ridge exposure • Stern Valley • Mokihinui Gorge finish.
  • Skill/fitness: Strong intermediate–advanced rider with solid endurance and backcountry nous. Exposure, long days, changeable weather.
  • Typical plan: 2–3 days hut-to-hut (book early) or a big 1-day sufferfest for the very fit. Common overnights: Ghost Lake + Seddonville/Stern huts.
  • Bike/kit: Robust trail bike (130–160mm), fresh brakes, sticky tires, tubeless sealant, tools/spares, warm/wet layers, PLB.
  • Logistics: One-way between Lyell and Seddonville; book hut bunks and a shuttle/car relocate; water available at huts/streams (treat).
  • Local tip: Ride Lyell → Seddonville for more favourable gradients. Start early to clear the alpine before afternoon weather.

7 Mile / Glendhu / Sticky Forest — Queenstown & Wānaka trail trio

7 Mile / Glendhu / Sticky Forest — Queenstown & Wānaka trail trio

Three lakeside networks that serve up everyday fun without lift tickets. 7 Mile (QT) is compact flow and tech loops under pine; Glendhu (Wānaka) is a modern park-style network with a climb trail and polished descents; Sticky Forest (Wānaka) is a local maze of short, playful lines and jumps.

  • 7 Mile (QT):
    • Vibe: Short loops, roots, rock gardens, pocket berms.
    • Trails: Kachoong (tech), Gravitron (flow), Seven Mile circuits.
    • Good for: Quick sessions, mixed groups.
  • Glendhu (Wānaka):
    • Vibe: Purpose-built climb → multiple graded descents with sweeping views.
    • Trails: Monsoon Hoon (blue flow), Hare Time / Jairolla (blues), Dark Matter (advanced).
    • Perks: Café, rentals, coaching, shuttles (sometimes).
  • Sticky Forest (Wānaka):
    • Vibe: Pine-needle playground; jumps, jibs, and sneaky tech.
    • Trails: Veil of Tears, Deans Bank (nearby XC loop by the river).
  • Bike/skill: All networks suit trail bikes; Glendhu rewards progression-minded riders.
  • Local tip: Windy afternoon? Hide in 7 Mile/Sticky pines. Calm golden hour? Glendhu views go off.

Old Coach Road — Ohakune (family-friendly)

Historic cobbles, viaducts, bush corridors, and gentle gradients make this a perfect family/intro ride with genuine “wow, that bridge!” moments. It’s rail heritage with lush central North Island vibes.

  • Ride highlights: Taonui & Hapuawhenua viaducts • Historic coach road surface • Native bush tunnels.
  • Skill/bike: Grade 2; hybrid/MTB/e-bike friendly; kids capable.
  • Logistics: 15–20 km options (out-and-back or shuttle); start Ohakune or Horopito; allow photo stops.
  • Best time: Year-round; winter is crisp (watch ice), autumn colours are mint.
  • Local tip: Add the Ohakune Carrot Park and hot chocolate stop—kids will think you’re a hero.

Wainuiomata / Tunnel Gully — Wellington region options

Wainuiomata / Tunnel Gully — Wellington region options

Two under-the-radar Wellington-area gems. Wainuiomata (Wainui Trail Park) is a purpose-built network with easy access and clear grading; Tunnel Gully blends family-grade rail trail with side loops through cool, ferny forest and, yes, an atmospheric tunnel.

  • Wainuiomata:
    • Vibe: Compact park with climb trails and graded descents.
    • Trails: Labyrinth of blues/greens; Spoonhill for a longer loop.
    • Who for: Learners to confident intermediates; after-work laps.
  • Tunnel Gully:
    • Vibe: Family-friendly rail trail + bush; dark tunnel = bring lights.
    • Who for: Mixed groups, e-bikers, cruisy weekenders; tack on local singletrack if you want.
  • Bike/skill: From kids’ bikes to trail bikes.
  • Local tip: Northerly blowing at Makara? These can be more sheltered.

For every rider

Whether you're a beginner looking for gentle trails or an experienced rider seeking challenging descents, our mountain biking destinations cater to all skill levels. Find your perfect ride and explore the beauty of Aotearoa. Explore some of Aotearoa Adventures' favourite mountain biking locations in New Zealand. Discover what makes these spots stand out with their unique trails and stunning landscapes.

What to pack (park & trail days)

  • Helmet (full-face for lift/DH), gloves, eyewear. Knee pads at minimum; elbow/back if going big.
  • 1–2 L water, snacks, sunscreen, lip balm.
  • Multi-tool, pump/CO₂, tube/plug kit, quick link, small first-aid.
  • Charged phone with offline maps (TrailForks), cash/card.
  • Lightweight shell; Wellington/Alps weather changes on a dime.

Trail etiquette & safety

  • Look before you leap; pre-ride, re-ride, then freeride.
  • Call your passes; yield to uphill; don’t skid corners.
  • Respect closures and work crews; say thanks to volunteers.
  • In backcountry (Old Ghost Road): ride with a buddy, carry a PLB, tell someone your plan, and pack real layers.

Backcountry advice

Planning a mountain biking trip in the New Zealand backcountry? Our top advice is to be prepared. Check weather conditions, pack essential gear, and always inform someone of your plans. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!