Mountain Biking

mountainbiking

In the area surrounding National Park Village there are a number of great tracks to test your ability and sense of humour.

The 42nd Traverse

42 Traverse (also known as the Tongariro Forest Crossing) 46km 4-7hours. The 42 Traverse is one of the premier rides in the North Island . Renowned for the long and often rutted down hills, the track will test even the most ardent Kamikaze freak. The track surface varies from gravel to mud, some stream crossings, and there are the inevitable up-hills. The scenery is outstanding from wide vistas of all three volcanoes to lush unspoiled bush. This is a very unique track as you can either enjoy the magnificent beauty with your family on a more relaxed and peaceful outing or tear the knobs off your tyres with your hooning friends.

Hire bikes and transport can be arranged . Please contact us.

Fishers Track

Fishers Track 21km 2-3 hours. Nothing like the legendary status of the 42nd but this relatively unknown downhill is a real blast and with the best part of 17km downhill dropping from 900 metres to 400 metres the adrenalin rush is in your hands. The surface is mixed but does have a fair proportion of grass, which makes for some interesting cornering. Once again some lovely scenery if you have the time to look and enjoy it.

Erua Conservation Area

3km from Horopito on Middle Rd , 1-4hrs, a mix of 4WD & single tracks. A good area for exploration.

Rangataua Forest (1-3hrs)

Start at Rangataua Village rail tracks head of through the forested area. Tracks are 4WD and old logging tracks.

Ratamaire Rd / Lakes Reserve

2-3hrs, 10km loop from Ohakune, following some sealed roads and the old coach road, your efforts are rewarded with an excellent view.

Horopito Ohakune Heritage Trail

2-4hrs, follow old rail service road and old cobbled highway, you'll come across the old railway tunnel and viaducts, and an old volcanic crater.

Ruatiti Road

Ride Sealed road, very scenic, 16km downhill from SH4 to Ruatiti domain picnic areas & swimming holes or try Scenic Cycles 'You ride down, drive back' option.

The Pines

Go 3 Km South on SH 4 from National Park. The Old Waikune Prison is on your left. On Your right is 'the pines'. There is a tar sealed road across the railway tracks on your right that heads down to the old mill site. This is the old forestry area the prison used to mill. Throughout the pines are great tracks.
Pick up a map from the BP garage at National Park. You can also ride the 'top pines'. Approx 500 metres passed Mountain Heights motel on SH4 is a track on the right. Follow this through to the rail lines, cross and you will see the track. You can ride down to the mill site also. Enjoy.

John McDonald Loop

For experience riders who like a challenge, this is perhaps the best ride in Tongariro Forest . It's only a 40 km loop, but it takes 4-7 hours and excellent navigation skills. You will encounter every type of riding imaginable on this little beauty.

Ohakune Mountain Road

Ohakune Mountain Road 17km, 1000m descent, sealed road, very scenic. Try the 'Drive up' with Scenic Cycles and 'Ride down'. Or if you choose to ride up yourself it will be a 1 1/2 - 2hr ride.