The Top 10 Reasons to Go Mountain Biking in New Zealand

The Top 10 Reasons to Go Mountain Biking in New Zealand are:

1. World-Class Trails for All Abilities
2. Diverse Landscapes
3. Stunning Scenery
4. Thrilling Descents
5. Challenging Climbs
6. Unique Cultural Experiences
7. Friendly Locals
8. High-Quality Bike Hire
9. Expert Guiding
10. Sustainable Tourism

So, are you ready to dive in? Let’s unpack the top 10 reasons why you need to experience mountain biking in New Zealand!

1. World-Class Trails for All Abilities

New Zealand’s commitment to trail development is incredible. We’re talking about a vast network of meticulously crafted trails that cater to every skill level. Whether you’re just starting out and want to enjoy mellow, flowing singletrack, or you’re a seasoned rider craving technical challenges and heart-stopping descents, you’ll find your perfect match here.

A few of the best destinations are:

• Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest: This is a mecca for mountain bikers, and for good reason! With over 200km of trails, you can find everything from beginner-friendly loops like the Te Puia Track to expert-level descents like Te Tahi o Te Rangi. This is also where you can find the world-famous Skyline Gondola, offering a thrilling uplift to some of the best descents in the forest.
• Queenstown Bike Park: The heart of the South Island for adrenaline junkies. Home to a huge variety of trails and some of the longest gondola-assisted descents in the world. Beginner-friendly options weave through the trees, while advanced riders can challenge themselves on black diamond tracks like Huck Yeah and World Cup.
• Craigieburn: This Canterbury gem is a favourite among locals, offering a fantastic mix of flowy trails and challenging, technical sections.

2. Diverse Landscapes

New Zealand’s landscape is like a highlight reel of nature’s best work. Seriously, picture this: one minute you’re riding through lush, ancient rainforest, the next you’re traversing a rugged, alpine ridgeline with panoramic views that’ll leave you speechless. We’re talking volcanic landscapes, pristine coastlines, glacier-carved valleys, and everything in between.

Some of the best landscapes are:

• The Old Ghost Road: This epic 85km journey is a must-do for any serious mountain biker. You’ll experience the full spectrum of New Zealand’s natural beauty, from dense rainforest to open tussock lands and rugged mountain passes.
• Queenstown & Wānaka: The landscapes surrounding these two adventure capitals are truly mind-blowing. Imagine riding alongside turquoise lakes, past snow-capped peaks, and through golden tussock fields.
• North Island’s Volcanic Landscapes: The central North Island is home to active volcanoes, geothermal areas, and stunning crater lakes. Exploring this region by bike is a truly unique experience.

3. Stunning Scenery

Let’s be honest, the scenery is a massive part of what makes mountain biking in New Zealand so special. You’re not just riding; you’re immersed in some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet. Every pedal stroke is rewarded with jaw-dropping views, making even the toughest climbs worth the effort.

Where to experience it:

• The Otago Central Rail Trail: This historic trail offers a gentler pace and showcases the unique beauty of Central Otago. You’ll cycle alongside the Clutha River, through charming gold rush-era towns, and across stunning viaducts and tunnels.
• The Heaphy Track: This Great Walk is also open to mountain bikers (seasonally) and offers unparalleled views of the Tasman Sea, lush rainforest, and the rugged mountains of the Kahurangi National Park.
• Queenstown’s Ben Lomond Trails: As you descend from the top of Bob’s Peak, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. It’s an iconic ride with scenery that’s hard to beat.

4. Thrilling Descents

New Zealand is a downhill rider’s paradise. We’re talking long, flowing descents, steep, technical chutes, and everything in between. Whether you prefer fast and smooth or rocky and challenging, you’ll find descents here that’ll get your adrenaline pumping.

Where to experience it:

• Rotorua’s Skyline Gondola: Access a network of world-class downhill trails, including the famous Mr. Black, National Downhill, and the flowy Te Puia Track.
• Queenstown Bike Park: With over 30km of lift-accessed trails, you can spend all day lapping your favourite descents.
• Cardrona Bike Park: Just a short drive from Wanaka, Cardrona offers a great mix of beginner-friendly descents and challenging black diamond runs.

5. Challenging Climbs

Okay, I know not everyone loves a good climb, but trust me, the climbs here are worth the effort. They’re not just about getting to the top; they’re an integral part of the New Zealand mountain biking experience. You’ll test your strength, your endurance, and your mental grit, but the rewards at the summit are always worth it.

Some of my favourite climbs are:

• The Old Ghost Road: This trail features some significant climbs, but the stunning views from the ridgelines make every pedal stroke worthwhile.
• Skyline Queenstown access road: This local favourite is a lung-buster, but the panoramic views from the top are incredible.
• The 42 Traverse: This North Island classic features a mix of challenging climbs and rewarding descents through stunning native forest.

6. Unique Cultural Experiences

New Zealand’s rich Māori culture is deeply intertwined with the land. Many tours offer opportunities to learn about Māori history, traditions, and customs, adding another layer of depth to your adventure.

Where to find the best cultural experiences in New Zealand:

• Te Puia, Rotorua: Located within the Whakarewarewa Forest, Te Puia is a Māori cultural centre where you can witness traditional performances, learn about Māori arts and crafts, and see the famous Pohutu Geyser.
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds: This historically significant site is where the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document, was signed. A visit here offers a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s history and the relationship between Māori and Pākehā (European settlers).
• Local Marae Visits: Some tours have the privilege of visiting local marae (meeting grounds), where you can experience a traditional Māori welcome and learn about the local iwi (tribe).

7. Friendly Locals

Kiwis are renowned for their friendly, welcoming nature, and the mountain biking community is no exception. You’ll find a supportive and inclusive atmosphere on the trails, with locals always happy to share their knowledge and passion for the sport. Seriously, you’ll encounter friendly faces on the trails, in the bike shops, and at the local pubs. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation – you might just discover a hidden gem of a trail or get some insider tips on where to find the best post-ride coffee.

8. High-Quality Bike Hire

Don’t worry about the hassle of bringing your own bike. You can find high-quality bike hire throughout New Zealand, including top-of-the-line mountain bikes from trusted brands, ensuring you have the best possible equipment for your adventure. You can also often find all the necessary protective gear, so you can ride with confidence.

9. Expert Guiding

There are many experienced guides throughout New Zealand, who are passionate mountain bikers who know these trails like the back of their hands. They can take care of all the logistics, from planning your itinerary to ensuring your safety on the trail. They’ll also provide expert instruction and advice, helping you to improve your skills and get the most out of your riding experience.

How they can help:

• Custom Itineraries: They can work with you to create a bespoke itinerary that matches your skill level, interests, and budget.
• Safety First: Your safety is a top priority. Guides are trained in first aid and wilderness safety and carry all the necessary equipment.
• Local Knowledge: They will share their insider knowledge of the best trails, hidden gems, and local secrets, ensuring you have an authentic New Zealand experience.

Check out our tours today!

10. Sustainable Tourism

Many operators are passionate about preserving New Zealand’s natural beauty for future generations. Many are committed to sustainable tourism practices. They will work to minimize environmental impact by supporting local businesses, promoting responsible trail use, and educating their guests about the importance of conservation.

How it’s practiced:

• Leave No Trace: Following Leave No Trace principles on all tours, ensuring that the trails are left as they are found.
• Supporting Local Communities: Partnering with local businesses and supporting initiatives that benefit the communities where they operate.
• Conservation Efforts: Actively supporting conservation projects and educating guests about the importance of protecting New Zealand’s unique environment.

Related Questions

Ready to Ride?

There you have it – my top 10 reasons why New Zealand should be your next mountain biking destination. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the stunning scenery, challenged by the world-class trails, and welcomed by the friendly locals.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for your next big adventure or a beginner eager to explore the world of mountain biking, New Zealand has something to offer.

If you’re looking for expert guidance, local knowledge, and unforgettable adventures, check out our guided mountain bike tours. We’d love to share our passion for riding with you!

Got questions about planning your New Zealand mountain biking trip? Feel free to contact us!

You Might Also Like…