From old gold mining paths to rocky coastal roads, mountain bike trails twist through every corner of New Zealand. No wonder locals love to spend their weekends hitting the tracks!
Riders can take on dozens of trails and parks designed for different skill levels—and we’ve rounded up some of the great riding places you should visit here. So put on your gloves, tighten your helmet, and get ready to discover New Zealand’s incredible scenery on two wheels.
6 must-ride New Zealand mountain biking tracks
1. Old Ghost Road
Image credit: nelsontasman.nz
Journey along a trail forged by 19th-century West Coast gold miners. The Old Ghost Road spans 85km from Lyell to the Mōkihinui River, crossing steep river gorges, epic mountain ranges, and secluded forests.
2. Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods)
Image credit: Graeme Murray
On the outskirts of Rotorua city lies a sprawling network of mountain bike tracks in the Whakarewarewa Forest. The Redwoods offers something for riders of every skill level. For a family-friendly outing, take on the Grade 1-2 forest loop, which passes by Lake Rotorua, Tikitapu, and Rotokahi across 35km.
3. Heaphy Track
Image credit: Alex Johnston
Experience the diversity of NZ nature on the 82km Heaphy Track, where you’ll uncover a new environment with every passing hour. Travel through thick tussock fields, rocky mountain roads, dense beech forests, and cool coastal paths.
4. Timber Trail
Image credit: visitruapehu.com
Venture into the dense native forests of the Waikato region through the 84km Timber Trail. Along the way, you’ll cross eight suspension bridges and ride atop a historical railway spiral—the only bikeable structure of its type in the world.
5. Rude Rock Trail
Image credit: flowmountainbike.com
At 3.4km in length, Rude Rock doesn’t take long to ride, but it’s definitely a track to remember! Curve down the contours of Coronet Peak, following a golden tussock-lined path towards the impeccable sight of the Wakatipu Basin.
6. Otago Rail Trail
Image credit: Will Nelson
Follow a former railway line connecting Middlemarch and Clyde, passing several small towns in between. The Otago Rail Trail runs 152 km and takes 3-5 days to complete. Its compacted gravel pathway and easy gradient make it ideal for an outdoor family holiday.
Try Gondola-assisted mountain biking at Skyline Rotorua and Queenstown
Love downhill mountain biking? At Skyline, you don’t need to wait for a shuttle or climb your way to the top.
Skyline Rotorua Mountain Bike Park
Skyline Rotorua’s Mountain Bike Park is New Zealand’s first all-season Gondola-assisted bike lift park, letting you focus on the fun of cycling the slopes.
Take in the panoramic views of Rotorua city and the lake as you navigate through 12 exciting tracks for intermediate and advanced riders. Expect technical sections to test your skills and epic jumps to get the air time you crave!
Test your limits against some of New Zealand’s best downhill tracks, including trails developed for Crankworkz Rotorua, the biggest annual biking festival. The Mountain Bike Park is designed for intermediate and advanced riders.
Your mountain bike lift ticket is your entry to the park. Purchase passes online in packs of 5, 15, or 40, valid for a whole year after use.
Skyline Queenstown Mountain Bike Uplift (Ben Lomond Trails)
Image credit: Derek Morrison
Ben Lomond is home to 40km of bike trails, featuring 45 tracks that present options for every rider. Skyline Queenstown’s Mountain Bike Uplift helps you get up 790m in minutes so you can spend more time speeding down!
Whiz down the Grade 2 Hammy’s track with the kids. Or challenge yourself with the Grade 4 Thingymajig track that’s peppered with twists and turns. Whichever mountain bike track you choose, you’ll peer down on breathtaking Queenstown landscapes below.
Our seasonal Uplift Passes provide full Gondola access from September to May—perfect for riders after unlimited action! You can also purchase 1-day or 3-day passes. If you prefer to spread out your cycling over the season, our 50-ride and 100-ride Uplift Passes are just what you need.
Planning your NZ mountain biking adventure
When to ride
Image credit: Sven Martin
Many parks and trails are open to mountain biking all year round, but some are only accessible in specific months. Some services are also limited to the spring and summer riding seasons. For instance, while the Queenstown Mountain Bike Park is open every day, visiting from September to May lets you make the most of the Gondola Uplift service.
Carefully check opening times and consider the weather—we all know how quickly it changes in New Zealand! A number of the most well-known biking tracks are located on the West Coast, where rainfall peaks in December. Stay alert for flood warnings and steer clear of coastal tracks at high tide.
If you’re heading on a multi–day trip, you’ll need to sort out your accommodation. Most longer trails feature DOC huts along the way. These huts can vary in price and booking requirements. Some trails also have private huts, which always require pre-booking.
It can get busy come weekends and the Christmas holidays, so be sure to secure a place to stay!
Bikes and gear
Image credit: mtbrotorua.co.nz
Hiring a bike is an affordable way to enjoy world-class mountain biking without carrying big bikes in your car. You’ll often find a bike rental site in towns near the start of major walks and parks. Read our guide to hiring a bike in Rotorua if you want to pick up some wheels for Skyline’s Mountain Bike Park.
No matter how far you’re riding, you’ll need to have a sturdy helmet, hydration, biking gloves, and a first-aid kit. If you’re taking a longer trip, check out the track maintainer’s site for more information on what to bring.
Trail and park passes
Image credit: Sven Martin
While accessing most New Zealand mountain bike trails is free, you’ll need to pay for huts on multi-day journeys. Prices can vary based on the hut’s amenities and popularity, as well as the season. You’ll also have to pay for a shuttle if you’re only riding one way.
Public mountain bike parks are generally free, while private parks are priced by day or offer seasonal passes.
Want a place to race downhill all year? Skyline’s Rotorua Mountain Bike Park operates nearly every day, lifting you up 532m to the starting point via the Gondola. Pick up individual Uplift Passes in packs of 5, 15, or 40.
Or head to the Queenstown Mountain Bike Park, open every day and serviced by Skyline Queenstown Mountain Bike Uplift from September to May. Choose from 50-pack, 100-pack, 1-day, 3-day, or seasonal Uplift Passes to enjoy non-stop cycling from spring through autumn.
Choose Skyline for an unforgettable mountain biking trip
Get into the flow with Skyline’s Gondola mountain bike lifts—the easiest way to experience downhill mountain biking action in New Zealand!
With convenient uphill access in minutes, you can challenge yourself to some of the country’s best trails without waiting long. Stack laps and stack up experience as you race down tracks full of exciting features (and incredible views!)
Ready to ride? Purchase your passes for the Skyline Rotorua Mountain Bike Park or Skyline Queenstown Mountain Bike Uplift today.
For more adrenaline-packed fun, don’t forget to try the Rotorua Luge or Queenstown Luge!
Featured image credit: queenstownnz.co.nz