New Zealands BEST Mountian Biking

New Zealands BEST Mountian Biking Trails Woodhill Forest Abut 1 hour north of Auckland you head to the end of the North-Western Motorway. Turn left off the motorway and follow State Highway 16 heading towards Helensville. Approximately 5-10 minutes past the town of Kumeu turn left when you see the signage for the Woodhill Mountain Bike Park. Woodhill is a pine forest with a sand base. It is here that they have set up a mountain biking park complete with jumps, trails and much much more. Woodhill really is a “mecca” for mountain bike enthusiasts in New Zealand and around the world. It has over 50 trails, 150km of single track and more than 200 structures, each trip can be a completely different experience. Marble Mountain Is an awesome downhill blast that takes in superb views over Marahau Bay and the Abel Tasman National Park. Beginning 550m high on top of the Takaka Hill this 8km ride journeys through some of New Zealand’s most historic farmland. Following a short warm up to get the legs pumping, you will then drop down through beautiful private farmland before entering an incredible derelict marble quarry that gave us our Parliament Buildings. The ride from here follows the tram line that was once used to carry that marble down to Marahau. You can expect nice wide 4WD trails with plenty of room to get speed up and jump that little kicker or just cruise at your own pace and soak up the views. Marble Mountain is a fun ride that takes in some of New Zealand’s oldest farming history. Marble Mountain is a grade 2-3 beginner to intermediate level ride. This ride is through private farmland and is exclusively offered to Abel Tasman Mountain Biking clients only. You cannot do this ride with anyone else – come and experience unique New Zealand mountain biking with us! Check out Able Tasman Mountain Bikes for more details. Rameka Route Do you want the mountain bike trip of your travels? The Rameka was voted by Kiwi's as one of the AA's 101 Must-Do's in New Zealand - come and experience it with us!This ride is a national icon of mountain biking due to its location in one of our most beautiful National Parks - normally off limits to mountain biking. Following a warm up through beautiful beech forest and a short uphill burst to get you up to 1000m high, you will reach the start of the track. From here you enter stunning native NZ bush for some awesome riding. You can expect sections of technical single track, creek crossings, fast downhill and 4WD track. A fast, fun descent at the end of the bush brings you out onto open farmland for some incredible views over Takaka and Golden Bay leading you on to the final part of the ride.. it's all down from here. Listed as one of the Kennett Brother's favorite fifty mountain bike rides in New Zealand, this ride is sure to give you a dry mouth from that ear to ear grin, push your boundaries and give you a huge thirst for more. The views along this trip are second-to-none and quite simply awe-inspiring. You will need your camera! The Rameka is a grade 3+ intermediate level ride (or a good challenging ride for the beginner wanting to take it to the next level) Check out Able Tasman Mountain Bikes for more details. 42 nd Traverse If you are into mountain biking, then the is a must. The 42 Traverse is better known as one of New Zealand’s eminent mountain biking trails suitable for fat tyre exponents with an average to above average level of fitness. As if the views of volcanoes aren't enough, the 42 Traverse is considered to be the best hardcore two-wheel adventure on the North Island. This is one of those rides that seems like hell at the time but leaves you with a great sense of achievement! Everyone should do at least once. It takes you into some of the original forests that sadly now occupy only a few areas. This is a remote trail with no easy exits along the way. The weather can change quickly so riders should equip themselves with appropriate clothing, spare brake pads, tyre mending kits, map, compass, food and drink. This adds the WOW factor. Start at 900m do to 340m but leave a little in the tank for the last 2km grind from the bridge over the Whakapapa River up to Owhango and well earned refreshment with the team from Kiwi Mountian Bikes at the local hotel before being transported back to National Park. The Fishers Track The Fishers Track is a 17km ride that starts in National Park Village after a short climb through native bush that opens to some spectacular panoramic mountain views. From the top of this climb the next stage is what can only be described as a massive downhill. It is a real blast and for the best part of the 17km, you will continue to descend, dropping from 900 meters to 400 meters, the adrenalin rush is intense. The ground is and has a fair proportion of grass, which makes for some interesting cornering. You eventually join the Kurua forestry Rd for 3 ½ kms (it is a road in deer farming country) which runs alongside the beautify and tranquil Tupapakurua Stream. After a relaxing ride along the gravel road you finally reaching the monument where you will be met and cheaufuered back to National Park. The reason this ride makes the best mountain biking list is simple – Kiwi Mountain Bikes ensures that there is 500m of vertical drop without the climb up! Talk about having your cake and eating it too! The Otago Rail Trail The Otago Rail Trail has been specifically created for mountain bikers, walkers and even horse riders. The Trail follows the old Central Otago branch railway line and runs for 150kms from Clyde to Middlemarch, along the way you will see and experience the beauty of Southern New Zealand. The Rail Trail is a public reserve, and vehicles are not permitted on the Trail. Thus, walkers, cyclists and horse riders have no traffic concerns as they travel the level, graveled surface. The Rail Trail passes through some spectacular scenery not seen from the highways, ranging from mountain ranges, hills and gorges, across the vast Maniototo plain, through old gold mining towns, ending amongst the fruit growing areas of Central Otago. The heritage of the old railway line has been preserved, with the retention of viaducts and bridges, and some of the old Railway Stations. Return to Articles Page