Top Mountain Biking Trails in New Zealand

Last Updated on September 24, 2024

Are you stuck about your next destination to burn some calories and unwind as you pedal? If you are, you are in the right place. Ranked as the third most popular travel destination in the whole world according to a 2022 NZ Herald report, New Zealand has many trails to give you memories of a lifetime.

You won’t have any trouble finding your next mountain biking destination once you check out the list we prepared for you!

And you’ll want to make sure you and your friends have bike racks that can accommodate the whole crew, because hitting these trails with friends will make the experience even better.

Skyline Queenstown

Popularly known as the Whistler of the Southern Hemisphere, Queenstown is strategically located – just a few minutes from the CBD. Its more than 1000 meters of descending on offer ensures you do not get bored quickly.

Can you ride for more than 30 km from your home descending trails on the same day? If you can, why don’t you think of visiting Skyline Queenstown? You will actually find numerous Australians with such preferences in this trail. Plus, the gondola offers 450 meters of elevation gain and another about 500 vertical meters for those who want to pedal higher.

If you are wondering about the ideal bike for this trail, a longer-travel endurance bike can do. Of course, there are numerous trail options for shorter travel bikes, but a bigger bike might be more convenient if you intend to spend some days around this place. The best season to visit the trail is between September and May, although it closes for about two weeks for the Christmas and New Year festivities.

Christchurch Adventure Park (CAP)

Just about 15 minutes from the CBD, you will find the Christchurch Adventure Park, which features a chairlift offering more than 400 meters of elevation. For those using Christchurch International Airport to access the venue, it’s just about 30 minutes away.

With about 44 trails, CAP has more than enough for both intermediate and beginner riders. At the Lord of the Possums, you will find about 2.7km of machine-built trail to explore. Plus, if you love fast, open trails, CAP has all these and even other tighter trails with trees. From the top of the lift, you can access the popular Victoria Park trails and then cut back into CAP at the bottom.

CAP offers just so much more – from Yoda trail that boasts janky tech and steep rock slabs to Addiction and 3rd Base trails. A good side to this park is that it is open all year round, and you can access it anytime.

Rotorua

Are you aware that Rotorua will be hosting the 2025 New Zealand MTB Championships? If not, and you have never been to this place before, then you have a good reason to visit it. Rotorua has the Whakarewarewa Mountain Bike Park which features brilliantly constructed trails, well-drained volcanic soils as well as great riding surfaces. With almost 180km of mountain bike trails and about 480 meters in vertical drop, it makes it one of the best places in the entire universe.  

On top of the fact that Rotura has been the venue for several Crankworx World Series contests, there is no doubt that there is something for everyone. A bike of any sort would guarantee an awesome experience in this place – however, some people have been inclined to have a 150mm trail bike. At Skyline Rotorua, which is found on the slope of Mount Ngongotaha, you will find 12km of downhill tracks with elevations of 200m.

Craigieburn

For a long time now, Craigieburn has been known for welcoming hikers, skiers and climbers, but now, thanks to bike-mad locals, you can explore this landscape on two wheels. Linking the Craigieburn Ski Area with Castle Hill Alpine Village, Craigieburn is well-suited for intermediate to advanced riders. If you are an intermediate rider, you may want to avoid the challenging 4 grade 4 Edge by going through the Lyndon Saddle Track.

Advanced riders can, however, pursue the steep scree slope and later drop into the beech forest. For first-timers, the loamy, soft soils can just be the experience you are seeking. It’s noteworthy to mention that since Craigieburn is quite remote, you might need plenty of spares, a first aid kit and an emergency plan.

This destination has such a high elevation and can be convenient during summer. And if you also love skiing, why don’t you consider visiting during winter? The venue has about three ski fields that are thankfully close to each other. Consider a trail or endure bike to have the best of this landscape’s long and technical descents.

Nelson

One of the many advantages of Nelson is that it enjoys more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the country. It is also surrounded by eight about eight bike hubs to cater to diverse needs and preferences. For beginners, the Kaiteriteri Park will challenge and inspire while the trails of Wairoa Gorge pump adrenaline in advanced riders.

A trip to this region is undoubtedly incomplete without a foray into the Silvan Forest Mountain Bike Park. Recently, the majority of the pine woods was felled, ensuring that now you can appreciate the views of Tasman Bay, which enhances the uniqueness of your riding experience. In this case, it is possible to hire an e-bike, which is especially useful now that you may have to pedal up to 600m to reach the top of the park.

In case you seek a park with lesser vertical elevation gain, Codgers Mountain Park may be of assistance. At the top of the famous Firball Trig lies a stunning photo opportunity – particularly if you are cycling together with your family.

Towards the Hira Forest, ten minutes from the central Nelson, are the Sharlands tracks. And since the descending tracks here are mostly Grade 5 and 6, you may want to explore them if you are an experienced rider. In addition, it is never bad to attempt something different. You never know what might happen – the tight and intricate paths at Sharlands could be just what you are looking for in your upcoming biking adventure.