Good news for mountain bike fans – the new Christchurch Adventure Park is now open. Featuring the largest number of lift accessed trails in the Southern Hemisphere, this is an epic park for all skills levels and abilities.
Even if you’re not a biker, it’s still a spot worth checking out. A walking track to the top of the park offers stunning views across the city and Southern Alps, or you can race through the valley on a zipline tour.
New Zealand is fast becoming a top mountain bike destination. You’ve likely heard of spots like Rotorua, Queenstown, the Ruapehu region and Woodhill Forest in Auckland, but smaller parks are also constantly popping up all over New Zealand. Here are three, less well-known spots worth checking out.
Pan Pac Eskdale Mountain Bike Park, Napier
60km of purpose-built cross-country, freeride and downhill trails, plus over 55km of quiet forestry roads located in the beautiful Pan Pac ‘Tangoio’ Forest. There are options for all levels of ability, from total beginners to experienced, expert riders. You’ll find the park a ten minute drive north from Napier. Be aware that it is a working forest and some sections may be closed due to logging or pest control. Check the website before you head out:
hawkesbaymtb.co.nz/parks/eskdale/
Ocean Trails – Te Ara Kakariki, Raglan
Opened just before Christmas, these short, flowing trails run though pine forest overlooking the ocean. Suitable for all abilities, they offer a great spot for beginners to get a feel for mountain biking. You’ll find the track entrance at the end of Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive – there’s plenty of free parking. Pick up a map of the trails from The Cyclery Raglan in town for $2.
Makara Peak MTB Park, Wellington
It’s not often you find a network of singletrack trails in the heart of a large city. But Wellington’s Makara Peak MTB Park offers just that, delivering over 40km of tracks to suit riders from beginner to expert. Situated in 250 acres of native bush, the park is also an important conservation site and home to a variety of native plants and animals.
makarapeak.org/
Know of any other MTB gems? Send us an email and let us know your favourites.
Steve
