Climb through native forest for epic views of Tongariro National Park before rolling downhill through lush farmland into the remote Retaruke Valley.
Starting in National Park Village with shuttle pick-ups available at the end, this classic mountain bike ride is a fantastic half-day option for beginner riders craving a backcountry experience.
The Fishers Track starts on the western side of National Park Village and winds up through the beautiful Erua Forest passing some fine stands of mature tawa, rimu. Miro and totara. It’s a gentle climb along a wide gravel road, and rewards riders with epic views of the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park behind you and the rural splendour of the Retaruke Valley ahead. On a fine day, the near-perfect cone of Taranaki Maunga can be glimpsed way out west.
From here’s it’s a thrilling 520m downhill through lush farmland into the Retaruke Valley. At the end of the farm track it’s approximately 10km along a scenic gravel road to the war memorial at the junction of Oio Road. It’s a pleasant spot to wait for your shuttle pick-up or to rest and refuel if you’re carrying onwards.
It is possible to return to National Park via road –it’s 23km with some fairly grunty climbing to contend with.
The Fishers Track is a part of Ngā Ara Tūhono – Mountains to Sea trails(opens in new window).
The track can be combined with the much more challenging Kaiwhakauka Track as an alternate start to the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail.
The Kaiwhakauka is reached by heading west along Oio Road for 23km to the Blue Duck Station at Whakahoro.
Mountains to Sea, Ohakune Old Coach Road, Bridge to Nowhere, Great Lake Trail, Timber Trail, Craters MTB Park
Enjoy the freedom of riding without the hassle of logistics by taking a guided or self-guided mountain bike tour.
Few countries in the world serve up such diverse riding – from urban forest trails to rugged, remote mountaintop tracks. Plan to stay safe and savour them.
Planning a biking holiday to New Zealand? Read our practical travel advice before you depart.
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