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Aotearoa New Zealand has some of the top mountain biking trails in the world – from the north to the south you can discover New Zealand’s epic mountain biking scene.

1. Queen Charlotte Track

One of New Zealand’s original Great Rides, this track(opens in new window) traces the bays, hills and ridges of the Marlborough Sounds(opens in new window), with resort stays, boat trips and water sports on offer.

Soak in magnificent views of one of New Zealand's most beautiful waterways - Marlborough Sounds - on this epic South Island track.
Marlborough
Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough

Highlights

  • Ever-changing vistas
  • Natural & human history
  • Bush camps, homestays & lodges

Proximity

GRADE

Intermediate - Advanced

2. St James Cycle Trail

Traversing historic St James Station near Hanmer Springs, this challenging high-country trail rewards riders with vistas of soaring peaks, alpine meadows, beech forest, tranquil lakes and crystal clear rivers.

Located 90 minutes from Christchurch, you can easily access one of the best mountain biking tracks in the South Island, St James Cycle Trail.
Christchurch - Canterbury
St James Cycle Trail, Christchurch - Canterbury
christchurch-canterbury

Christchurch - Canterbury

St James Cycle Trail Information

Highlights

  • Remote wilderness
  • Spectacular alpine scenery
  • Hanmer Springs spa town

Proximity

GRADE

Easy - Advanced

3. Whakarewarewa Forest trails

To see why Rotorua(opens in new window) is widely rated one of the world’s best mountain biking meccas, look no further than these legendary trails(opens in new window) threaded through towering redwoods and lush native bush.

Highlights

  • Excellent single track in forest
  • Shuttle transport for uphill
  • Café, info centre & skills area at start

Proximity

GRADE

Easy- Expert

4. Great Lake Trail

New Zealand’s largest lake backdrops Taupō’s(opens in new window) all-season trail(opens in new window) offering an irresistible mix of flowing terrain and changing scenes as it sweeps down to the shore and around the lake’s bays and rocky promontories.

Endless lake views are your constant companions on this trail.
Taupō
Great Lake Trails, Taupō

Highlights

  • Vast lake and mountain views
  • Enchanting forest
  • Fun, flowing trail

Proximity

  • by car:

    20 mins from Taupō

GRADE

Intermediate

5. 42 Traverse trail

One of New Zealand’s original mountain-biking must-dos, this descent-heavy cross-country(opens in new window) trail(opens in new window) follows long-abandoned logging tracks through forest within wheeling distance of Tongariro National Park(opens in new window).

The 42 Traverse takes you on a journey through native forest
42 Traverse, New Zealand

Highlights

  • Volcanic scenery
  • Long, fun descents
  • Unspoilt rivers

Proximity

GRADE

Intermediate

6. Rude Rock Track

The Rude Rock Track is a challenging, expert-level downhill trail at Coronet Peak, featuring technical rock gardens, steep drops, and tight corners. Known for its rough terrain, it's designed for experienced riders who enjoy high-intensity descents. The trail offers stunning views of Queenstown while providing an adrenaline-packed ride.

The Upper Rude Rock trail, accessible via the Coronet Peak uplift, offers a thrilling descent with steep, rocky sections and technical features for expert riders. After reaching the bottom, riders can transition to the Hot Rod trail, which provides smooth berms and jumps for a fun, high-speed finish. 

Featuring a wide selection of tracks, including Rude Rock, Coronet Peak is fast becoming a hub of mountain biking in Queenstown.
Queenstown
Coronet Peak, Queenstown

Highlights

  • Flowing singletrack
  • Sub-alpine terrain
  • Thrilling descent

Proximity

GRADE

Solid Blue Square (4)

7. Old Ghost Road

New Zealand’s longest single-track is also its ultimate wilderness epic – a multi-day journey in the West Coast following a hard-won route over rugged mountains that realised the abandoned dreams of old gold miners.

One of New Zealand’s newest self-powered adventures, the Old Ghost Road is an unforgettable challenge for experienced hikers and mountain bikers.
West Coast
Old Ghost Road, West Coast

Highlights

  • Wild Mokihinui River
  • Spectacular ridge sections
  • Ghostly gold mining relics

Proximity

GRADE

Advanced

8. Heaphy Mountain Biking Track

An unforgettable adventure through the remote wonderland of Kahurangi National Park(opens in new window) in Nelson, this (opens in new window)ride(opens in new window) (opens in new window)takes in strange and ever-changing landscapes, with the bonus of staying in atmospheric backcountry huts.

A classic ride, this remote and challenging trail traverses New Zealand's second largest national park - Kahurangi.
Nelson Tasman
Heaphy Track, Nelson Tasman

Highlights

  • Kahurangi National Park
  • Native wildlife
  • Spectacular mountains & rivers

Proximity

  • by car:

    3 hrs from Nelson

  • by car:

     30 min from Collingwood

  • by car:

    1 hour from Tākaka

GRADE

Advanced

9. Welcome Rock Trails

Snaking around a high-country hilltop in Southland(opens in new window), a historic water race has been extended by hand to produce a splendid single-track circuit(opens in new window) with grand views and charming huts to stay in overnight.

Cycling the Welcome Rock Trails, Northern Southland.
Southland
Welcome Rock Trails, Southland

Highlights

  • High Country scenery
  • Historic and modern huts
  • Easy gradients

Proximity

GRADE

Intermediate

10. The Timber Trail

Luring riders deep into the Pureora Forest Park in the heart of the North Island, this mixed-terrain trail(opens in new window) features ancient trees, birdlife, thrilling suspension bridges and intriguing timber-milling relics.

Following old logging roads and tramlines, The Timber Trail traverses an exotic forest in the heart of the North Island.
Taupō
The Timber Trail, Taupō

Highlights

  • Ancient forests
  • Rich culture & heritage
  • Thrilling suspension bridges

Proximity

GRADE

Easy - Intermediate

Take a closer look at our top trails below

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