Top Mountain Biking Trails in Ruapehu

This epic mountain biking adventure traverses the alpine majesty of Mount Ruapehu, historic roads, massive viaducts and the legendary Bridge to Nowhere in the wilds of Whanganui National Park.

The Mountains to Sea can be broken into shorter rides to suit different riders, the most popular of which is the half-day Ohakune Old Coach Road. With glorious forest, flinty history, a twinset of viaducts and long-range views, it’s an adventure that will be enjoyed by riders of most ages and abilities.

Ruapehu’s second Great Ride is the Timber Trail, a truly spectacular two-day adventure through Pureora Forest Park. Showcasing ancient forest, native birdlife, graceful suspension bridges and intriguing timber history, it’s also a chance to savour an overnight stay in a wilderness lodge or campsite.

The stuff of legends and a must-do for experienced mountain bikers, this Mountain to Sea day ride ventures deep into the remote Mangapurua Valley where Mother Nature runs riot across long-gone farms while dramatic bluffs loom large overhead. From the Bridge to Nowhere, a scenic jet boat trip along the Whanganui River returns riders to civilisation at Pipiriki.

This challenging day ride is an old-school Kiwi MTB classic, with plenty of ruts, rocks and river crossings to test your fitness and skill. But it’s not all about the bike. Traversing a State Forest on the edge of Tongariro National Park, it offers some pretty awesome views across to the trio of volcanoes.