New Zealand Mountain Biking

New Zealand mountain biking is perfect for those who want a more rugged adventure. New Zealand's hilly terrain makes it a fabulous mountain bike playground! There is a growing number of specially designed mountain bike tracks in New Zealand, as well as many single and 4WD tracks through beautiful native bush.

At any given time, but especially in summer, you will come across plenty of people with one eye on the scenery and another looking out for the plentiful off-road possibilities.

Biking is undoubtedly the best way to discover New Zealand. Experience the adrenalin rush, the wind in your face and the sun in your eyes.

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Mountain Biking Information

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider you will have the opportunity to experience some of the diverse range of rides available. Some of the traditional tramping tracks are open to mountain bikes, but DOC has restricted access in many cases due to track damage and the inconvenience to walkers, especially at busy times. Make sure that you are permitted to ride these tracks, as some, especially those in National Parks, are for walkers only. Never cycle on walking tracks in national parks unless it's permissible (check with DOC), or risk heavy fines and the ire of hikers.

If you want even more of a challenge, try alpine and heli-biking or cycle up one of the many firebreaks you'll see on New Zealand's steep hills! Various companies will take you up to the tops of mountains, hills and volcanoes (such as Christchurch's Port Hills, Mt Ruapehu, Cardrona and the Remarkables) so that you can hurtle down without the usual grunt of getting uphill beforehand.

Quality mountain bikes to rent or buy in New Zealand are readily available in the main centres, as are bicycle repair services and some excellent cycling books are available.

New Zealand Climate

The mild climate makes it ideal for cycling all the year round, though it's a good idea to protect yourself against the strong sun during the summer months. New Zealand weather is very changeable and these changes can happen very quickly so it is necessary to prepare yourself for the best and worst condition by packing appropriate clothing.

Cycling in summer heat can be made more endurable by wearing a helmet with a peak and plenty of sunscreen and not cycling in the middle of the day. On the South Island, the hot katabatic wind that sweeps across the Canterbury Plains during summer can cause a lot of discomfort. Carry plenty of water to avoid the possibility of dehydration.

Popular Mountain Biking Trails

New Zealand offers a great range of mountain bike tours. Ride the best New Zealand mountain biking has on offer:

• Queen Charlotte Track
• Otago Centra Rail Trail
• Heli-Mountain biking Treble Cone
• Heli-Mountain bike The Remarkables, Queenstown
• Skippers Canyon
• Rotorua's Redwood Grove
• The 42nd Traverse near National Park
• Twizel near Mt Cook

New Zealand Mountain Bike Events

August

• Classic Hits Caveman MTB, South Canterbury
• NZO Highlander, Rotorua
• NZ Community Trust UCI MTB & Trials World Championships 2006, Rotorua

September-November

• Day-Night Thriller, Taupo
• NZCT South Island Secondary Schools Mountain Bike Championships, Alexandra
• 12 hour Day/Night, South Canterbury
• Bike Vegas 6 Hour, Rotorua

For further information about New Zealand mountain bike events, please visit the BikeNZ Event Calendar Web site.

We also have more information about cycling in New Zealand.

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View tourism operators for mountain biking in New Zealand.

View tourism operators for rental cycles in New Zealand.