Described as the ‘Disneyland of mountain biking’, Whakarewarewa contains some of the best purpose-built mountain bike trails in New Zealand, and it just keeps getting better. The addition of several new tracks ‘out the back’ of the forest has improved this area Rotorua Grades 2–5, 1–4 hours, 6 km+
Described as the ‘Disneyland of mountain biking’, Whakarewarewa contains some of the best purpose-built mountain bike trails in New Zealand, and it just keeps getting better. The addition of several new tracks ‘out the back’ of the forest has improved this area for fitter, more experienced riders.
Landowners Kaiangaroa Timberlands. As Whakarewarewa is an operational production forest, first-time visitors should check into the Forest Visitor Information Centre on Long Mile Road to view the 3D model of the forest and buy a two trail maps ($2.80 each). ‘The Network’ map covers the older, shorter tracks, while the ‘Out The Back’ one shows the newer tracks further afield. The maps are also available from local bike shops.
How to get there Head out of Rotorua towards Taupo for 3 km. One km past the ’100 km’ sign, turn left at the ’Cycle Trails’ sign and ride 200 metres down Waipa Mill Road to the carpark.
Route description There are over a dozen trails marked with different coloured arrows and graded from 1 to 6. Existing trails are constantly being modified, so be prepared for a few surprises.
Close to the carpark, the best track to start on is the Repco Trail (blue arrows, grade 2-), a well thought out combination of gravel road, 4WD and single track, which you can cruise around in about half an hour. Further out, try linking Gunna Gotta to ‘A’ Trail and then B Rude Not 2 (grades 3-4). The locals don’t call it ‘grintastic’ for nothing! After that, keep exploring until you run out of legs.
Track conditions 70-80% single track, 20-30% roads
Notes Walkers are not allowed on the mountain bike tracks and vice versa, so it’s best not to wander off the marked routes. Most difficult sections of track are marked with ’XXX’ signs.
There is a map board and wash-down stand at the carpark. Thanks to the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club, there’s also a toilet a couple of hundred metres into the forest from the carpark.
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