Discover New Zealand’s Mountain Biking Mecca: Te Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua
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Nestled in the heart of Rotorua lies Te Whakarewarewatanga o te Ope Taua a Wahiao (commonly known as “The Redwoods”), a mountain biking paradise that combines epic riding with a world-class community. With over 5,500 hectares of lush forest, 240 kilometers of singletrack, and a trail network offering more variety than you can imagine, this is New Zealand’s ultimate destination for riders of all levels. And the best part? It’s privately owned but still free to ride.
At New Zealand Mountain Biking, we’re here to help you make the most of this incredible playground. Whether you’re after expert coaching, guided rides, or tips for hitting the best trails, we’ve got you covered.
Five Peaks, Endless Possibilities
Te Whakarewarewa Forest spans across five peaks, offering everything from flowy descents to technical challenges. With over 120 trails to explore, there’s something for everyone—from first-timers to seasoned shredders. The loamy dirt is a perfect mix of 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay, giving you hero traction on every corner. Combine that with a hero factor of 95-100 (yes, it’s that good), and you’ll be grinning ear to ear every ride.
Everything You Need, Right Here
Riding here isn’t just about the trails—it’s the whole experience. The forest is equipped with three main car parks, each with essentials to fuel your day:
- Food, coffee, and cold beer
- Water and power stations for charging e-bikes
- Showers and toilets
After a hard day on the bike, kick back with a local craft beer and share stories from the trails with other riders.
Two Public Shuttles
Want to maximize your time on the descents? Take advantage of the two public shuttles that transport you and your bike to the top, letting you focus on the fun part: the ride down.
Guided Rides and Coaching
To truly unlock the forest’s potential, join us at New Zealand Mountain Biking for a guided ride or a coaching session. Our experienced team knows the trails inside and out, ensuring you discover hidden gems and improve your skills along the way. Whether you’re looking to master technical features, dial in your cornering, or just want a hassle-free ride, we’ve got you covered.
A Community Like No Other
What makes Te Whakarewarewa Forest truly special is its community. Local riders work tirelessly to maintain and improve the trails, ensuring they remain world-class. Whether it’s sharing a shuttle ride or offering a spare tube, you’ll always find someone willing to help.
Start Your Rotorua Adventure
Ready to experience the magic of Te Whakarewarewa Forest? Let us help you plan your adventure. With tailored guiding and coaching options, New Zealand Mountain Biking ensures you leave Rotorua with unforgettable memories and improved skills.
Book your ride with us today and see why Te Whakarewarewa Forest is a bucket-list destination for mountain bikers worldwide.
Why Ride With Us?
- Local Expertise
We know every trail, shortcut, and hidden gem in Te Whakarewarewa Forest, so you can make the most of your time here. - Tailored Experiences
From personalized coaching sessions to curated guided rides, we adapt to your skill level and goals. - Stress-Free Planning
We handle everything—trail recommendations, logistics, and even tips on where to grab the best coffee or post-ride beer. - Skill Progression
Whether you’re new to mountain biking or looking to sharpen advanced techniques, our professional coaches will elevate your riding. - Community Connection
Ride with like-minded individuals and immerse yourself in the friendly, supportive Rotorua biking scene.
Book your adventure with New Zealand Mountain Biking today and see why riders can’t stop talking about the unforgettable experiences we provide. Your next epic ride awaits!
At New Zealand Mountain Biking, we run epic mountain biking tours across the scenic North Island, New Zealand. We also help riders build confidence and skills in our MTB and eMTB private lessons on the legendary Rotorua trails. If you race or you want to get into some racing and you want to improve those skills, get in touch for some lessons!
You can learn more about our trips here to book your ride today!
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Check out our YouTube channel to see us ride as I chase people down all of the trails in Rotorua and NZ!
