fbpx

+64 22 600 6562

+64 22 600 6562

+64 22 600 6562

+64 22 600 6562

+64 22 600 6562

+64 22 600 6562

+64 22 600 6562

Tour Grading

Gauging grading for different areas can be tough. We know, we’ve been there, done that. That is why we are here, to plan the perfect trails for your next mountain biking trip. Check out our interpretation below to see how our trails compare.

Skill level

GRADE 1
GRADE 1
Beginner – Mostly flat, wide, smooth track or gravel road.
Suitable trips: Redwoods Half Day, Private lessons
GRADE 2 / Green
GRADE 2 / Green
Casual rider – Mostly flat with some gentle undulations and climbs on smooth track with easily avoidable obstacles such as rocks and potholes.
Suitable trips: Redwoods Half Day, Private lessons
GRADE 3 / Blue
GRADE 3 / Blue
Intermediate rider – Can have steep slopes and/or avoidable obstacles. Generally on narrow track and/or with variable traction. Everything rolllable so your tires do not need to leave the ground. There may be exposure at the track’s outside edge but it is easy to walk sections.
Suitable trips: Rotorua & Timber Trail, Essential North Island, Redwood Private Shuttles, Private lessons
GRADE 4 / Dark Blue
GRADE 4 / Dark Blue
Advanced rider – A mixture of long, steep climbs, narrow track, variable traction and obstacles that are difficult to avoid or jump over. Can be exposed at the track’s outside edge.
Suitable trips: Hero Dirt Rotorua, Moerangi Heli Biking, Redwood Private Shuttles, Private lessons
GRADE 5 / Black & Double Black
GRADE 5 / Black & Double Black
Expert rider- Technically challenging. Giant climbs, narrow track and numerous hazards including dangerous drop-offs, sharp corners and difficult obstacles. Steep descents with multiple obstacles to navigate. Walking difficult.
Suitable trips: Hero Dirt Rotorua, Moerangi Heli Biking, Redwood Private Shuttles, Private lessons

Trail Type

Fitness level

1. OCCASIONALLY ACTIVE – can handle 2-3 hours on the bike

2. WEEKEND WARRIOR – will happily ride for 3+ hours, climb moderate hills and loves a refreshing beverage at the end of the ride but could always be doing more riding!

3. MOUNTAIN BIKING IS WHAT I DO – on the bike 3+ times a week, talks mountain bikes at every opportunity, at their local bike shop way too often, always planning their next ride.

4. THE RIDER WHO IS ALWAYS LEAVING THEIR MATES IN THEIR DUST – enough said.

Going from one mountain biking area to the next, it can be hard to gauge what the riding is going to be like. We know, we’ve been there, done that. That is why we are here, to plan the perfect trails for your next mountain biking trip. Check out the playlists below to see how we grade our trails.

Grade 3 Examples

Suitable trips: Rotorua & Timber Trail, Essential North Island, Redwood Private Shuttles, Private lessons, Redwoods Half Day

Grade 4 Examples

Suitable trips: Hero Dirt Rotorua, Moerangi Heli Biking, Redwood Private Shuttles, Private lessons

Grade 5 Examples

Suitable trips: Hero Dirt Rotorua, Moerangi Heli Biking, Redwood Private Shuttles, Private lessons

Menu