The Ruapehu District has fabulous Mountain Biking terrain and trails, in fact some of the best to be had in New Zealand!
Uenuku Pines Mountain Bike Trails
The Uenuku Pines is for Beginner to Advanced riders. It is 3 km south of National Park on SH4. When you see the old semi demolished ‘Waikune Prison’ buildings on your left then “The Pines’ is on your right. Travel along the tarsealed road, once you cross the railway tracks and head along till you reach the old mill site. The tracks are marked through the Pines area.
Ohakune Old Coach Road
For a half day cycling adventure which includes natural and historic experiences look no further than the Ohakune Old Coach Road. It is perfect for beginners and family groups. The canopy of the Forest offers protection for most weather conditions including wind and rain. The track starts at Horopito and is a 15km ride to Ohakune. Most of the track is downhill which suits people of average fitness.
Martin Sash & Door
The Marton Sash and Door Grade 2 16km trail starts and finishes at National Park and is great for the whole family. You travel alongside the Main Trunk Railway in and out of a Pine Forest, next to a wooden dam and the remains of an old bush tramway.
42 Traverse
This 42km Grade 3-4 trail is one of New Zealand’s most adventurous rides. The scenery here is spectacular the track gravelly and rutted and includes stream crossings. Don’t be too distracted by the beautiful vistas because in Summer there can be 4WD vehicles on the track. The startpoint is at Kapoors Road off SH47 and finishes in Owhango.
Timber Trail
The Timber Trail is a grade 2-3 44km trail and is mainly centred around the Pureora Forest between the PiroPiro Flats and Ongarue. It is Family Friendly and one the trails main features is a 141metre long suspension bridge and is one of many bridges on the trail.
Mountains To Sea Trail With Jet Boat
The Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail is the most diverse in NZ. With numerous sections beginning in Ruapehu, the final stage brings you down the Whanganui River Road, past historic landmarks both Māori
and European. Carry on into the historic city of Whanganui, past public art on the riverbank and out where the river meets the Tasman Sea.
Note – Mangapurua (Bridge to Nowhere) Track is rated as a grade 3 and is a reasonable mountain bike experience and fitness level is required.
