Best Mountain Biking Spots in NZ
We might be coming into winter, but that’s no reason not to keep up your awesome outdoor lifestyle! Sure, maybe you won’t spend as much time going for swims. There are, however, still plenty of ways for you to enjoy New Zealand’s amazing outdoor landscapes when the temperatures drop.
Don’t leave your mountain bike in the shed all winter - take it with you on your van trip for the ultimate mountain biking tour! (Or, stop by bike hire places on the way). Most of the bike trails in New Zealand are suitable for riding all year round, so check out Mojo Campers’ list of our FAVE winter mountain biking spots!
Multi-Day Trails
If you want to extend your riding adventure and get totally immersed in the experience, try out the South Island’s Old Ghost Road or the North Island’s Timber Trails!
1. Old Ghost Road, West Coast
We’re getting the most advanced track on our list out of the way - so if you’re a beginner or intermediate mountain biker, skip straight to #2! Old Ghost Road is an advanced Grade 4 trail that is 85 kilometres long, making it the longest single track in the country, combining steep climbs and sides with a narrow trail.
It takes two to four days for competent riders to complete this trail. You will cross twenty-one bridges, traverse through wild country, enjoy breathtaking views, and push your skills to their limits.
2. The Timber Trail, Pureora Forest Park
Located in the heart of the North Island, The Timber Trail is just about as long as Old Ghost Road but is graded around 2-3, suitable for higher beginners/intermediate riders. Its tracks are purpose-built, you will climb over 1,400m, descend nearly 1,800m, and cross 35 bridges - including the 141-metre long Maramataha suspension bridge.
There are heaps of captivating historical relics along the way from bygone timber loggers. Best of all, you will get to enjoy the incredible dawn chorus from the forest’s flourishing native birds, including tūī, kererū, and the rare kōkako.
Best Day Mountain Biking Spots
If you’re looking for trails you can do in a day, check out these fantastic spots.
3. Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua
Known to locals as The Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest contains one of the oldest networks of mountain biking trails in the country. There’s something for everyone at The Redwoods, so even if you have zero experience mountain biking and are just there to have a go, there is no better place than here. Bike hire and shuttles are also available to encourage new riders.
As you might have guessed from the name, The Redwoods Forest is not entirely native - but rather a mix of Californian Coast Redwoods and native plants and shrubs. That combination makes for a pretty interesting landscape - remember to get off your bike before you take a good look at the canopy!
4. Queenstown Bike Park
It stands to reason that the adventure capital of New Zealand is packed with mountain bike trails - and they do not disappoint. Queenstown Bike Park is simultaneously the most interesting to get to and the most convenient if you are already checking out the Queenstown centre, as you can access the 30+ trails via the Skyline Gondola.
There is plenty of fun there for riders of varying abilities, but if you have your Mojo Campervan with you, it can be tricky to get parking right in the centre of Queenstown. If that’s a hassle you would rather avoid, there are tons of other incredible trails in the area, all of which are run by Queenstown Mountain Bike Club.
5. 42 Traverse
One of the oldest trails in New Zealand, 42 Traverse has been around since before mountain biking was cool. Taking around three to six hours to complete, bikers today still love it for its thrilling downhills and incredible scenery. It starts on the fringe of Tongariro National Park and takes you through 46 kilometres of lush regenerating forests, old forest roads, river crossings, and plenty of awesome lookout points where you can stop and admire Mt. Ruapehu, Mt. Tongariro, and Mt. Ngāuruhoe.
In theory, 42 Traverse is suitable for biking all year round, but heavy rainfall can make the rivers impassable. Make sure you check with the local mountain biking operators about the trail conditions if you’re keen to head there for a winter ride.