Rotorua

The North Island’s adventure capital, and renowned for mountain biking. If hot springs, bubbling mud pools and dramatic geysers don’t wow you, the world-class rides will! Rotorua hosts many MTB champs, the annual Crankworx Rotorua Bike Festival, and is one of just six areas in the world awarded ‘Gold-level Ride Center’ status.

Rotorua prides itself on being a world-class mountain biking destination. The Redwood Whakarewarewa Forest, one of the oldest mountain biking networks in the country, has over 90km of master-crafted, downhill and cross country trail. Other rides around Rotorua take you through some of the country’s most stunning geothermal areas. The scope of riding here is substantial and tracks cater more than adequately for all ages and abilities.

Rotorua Dirt Features

The Annual Off-Roading Riding Dept Trip to Rotorua by Mike Cowlin

Local Trail Guide - Rotorua

Rainbow Mountain

Located 25km south of Rotorua on SH5, this a 11km, technical loop for advanced riders only. Start at either the carpark on SH5 or from Te Ranga (Kerosene Creek). The track runs along the Te Ara Ahi Cycle Trail before turning off up the summit track, an uphill-only bike trail. From the summit it is a Grade 4, advanced, downhill bike-only track which connects back onto the Te Ara Ahi trail.

Redwood Whakarewarewa Forest

Located just South of Rotorua, just off SH5, Redwood Whakarewarewa Forest has more than 70 trails ranging from Grades 2 (beginner) through to Grade 6 (expert). The trails are well maintained and cater for expert and intermediate Downhill and Cross Country riders with the ‘core’ trails offering excellent riding for beginners and families. Parking is off the Waipa State Mill Road and there is a shuttle service.

Moerangi Track, Whirinaki Forest

A must-do, the Moerangi track is 35km of intermediate single track, and with the 1000m of climbing involved makes this ride both challenging (uphills) and rewarding (downhills). The track requires a medium/ high level of fitness but the three DOC huts along the way make great spots for taking a breath and catching your breath.

The Western Okataina Walkway

WOW is a 19km, grade 3 old logging road which starts at Millar Road and eventually climbs to Whakapoungakau junction. The track is dual use and is a more adventurous ride because of the rough and challenging ride terrain.