The Guide of the Mountain Bike in New Zealand.

Among the best tracks in the country, those of Rotorua and Queenstown target both beginners and speed demons. Whether organizing a walk in the forest or exploring mountain trails, everyone can rent a bike and explore the landscapes of the Lord of the Rings.

We will also talk about cycling downtown and I will present the New Zealand Cycle Trail which crosses the whole country from north to south among thousands of kilometers.

The possibilities are endless, and the activities can last for an afternoon time or several days, with stopovers in vineyards and nights in charming Beds and Breakfasts.

To spoil nothing, mountain biking is the most economical sport in New Zealand after hiking! You can rent your equipment for twenty dollars in the shops that I will recommend. Welcome to the mountain biking paradise!

But before you go on an adventure, you need to choose the appropriate bike suited to the terrain!

If you ignore the difference between a "Hard Tail" bike and a "Full Suspension" one, then you definitely need to read this guide before your departure to New Zealand.

I will also teach you how to choose tracks adapted to your level. And to close the subject, some safety instructions are to be known. After all these advice, you'll be ready for the ride.

Designed to be as rigid and light as possible, the Hard Tail is a fast bike recommended for easy tracks. But as soon as the ground turns to be irregular, the legs play the role of shock absorbers, because this classic model has only a single suspension in the front.

On uneven ground, the Full Suspension bike makes wonder and allows to sit more often in the descents and the climbs. The presence of suspensions at the front and at the rear makes this model more pleasant over the distance. A comfort that implies, however, a higher weight (except on high-end models).

The Free Ride is a competition bike designed to perform vertiginous jumps thanks to its reinforced frame. Suitable for the advanced or extreme tracks of Queenstown and Rotorua, it is unlikely that this model suits you.

This bike that resembles a motocross without a motor is capable of withstanding powerful shocks. Reinforced suspensions make it easier to ride on difficult terrain (even dangerous ones), but the weight of the bike exceeds 20 kg... To counterbalance the inconvenient one must be a real expert of mountain biking.

Here are the six levels of mountain bike trails in New Zealand, sorted by difficulty.

This is a reliable and standard ranking, used throughout the country.

Access to the 130 km of slopes is free and open all year round: one just have to rent a bike to enjoy it. Very accessible at first glance, the difficulty of the terrain becomes more and more difficult as you climb in the mountain. It is imperative to have a map to find your way back in such a maze of tracks.

Renting a bicycle in Rotorua is a piece of cake as there are six shops dedicated to mountain biking on Tarawera Road. But to save time (and to avoid loading the bike on the top of the car), I recommend renting your mountain bike directly at Mountain Bike Rotorua on Waipa State Mill Road, close to the main entrance of Redwoods.

If it gives some useful tips, the Redwood’s official website gives a free map which is not precise enough to be really useful... It's probably not a coincidence if the map sold for $5 at the information center (on Long Mile Road) is more convenient and better designed...

Some tracks have been designed by professionals for international competitions. These are real roller coasters which are not suitable for beginners. But fortunately you do not need to be a champion to explore the intermediate trails of Redwoods Forest.

Do not expect to race in this area that attracts a family audience, and whose easy slopes are too crowded during the high season. Fortunately, the magical atmosphere of the forest remains pleasant if you arrive mid-morning. Head towards "mud pool" and follow the trail to reach the Pohaturoa viewpoint which overlooks the geothermal parks!

The trail of Puarenga is a must-do if you practice the mountain bike regularly. Expect more technical trails with bridges that cross the rivers. Attendance is lower, but beware of the people going at full speed, as well as pedestrians and joggers who share the same trail.

Part of this section of the forest remains feasible if you practice mountain biking as a dilettante. But the alternation of long phases of technical climbs and descents, usually exhausts beginners in no time.

A rather difficult area with “pump tracks”. These are special tracks that allow you to move without pedaling thanks to a well-studied alternation of hollows and bumps. Beware of the big descents which impose to master the jumps.

The trails that run from the highest point of the forest are narrow and of a very high technical level. Used during many major international competitions, they were designed for mountain biking professionals capable of performing spectacular jumps.

This area on the edge of the forest is interesting for off-trail rides. But remember that the trails to Green Lake are poorly maintained and unpredictable. Mud and falling trees can hamper the way, and people come here more often by mistake than by envy.

Southstar Shuttles is a bus service that deposits passengers and their bikes at the highest point of the forest. The service won't interest beginners who will just explore the easiest parts.

Departures daily at Hill Road Gate from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (15:30 in winter). The bus then stops along the way to pick up passengers at the Waipa car park and at the corner of Pipeline and Hill Roads.

Each visitor category usually has their reserved tracks, but there are exceptions.

Hiking and horseback riding are very popular alternatives to mountain biking and you should keep a watchful eye on the signposts so as not to be caught off guard.

Take advantage of your visit to the iSite to inquire about the state of the slopes.

In a forest as extensive, there are always areas closed for maintenance, and the falls of trees or stones can impose consequent detours.

The “Skyline” company which manages the gondola lifts owns the 30 km of mountain bike trails down to the lake. The start is set at 450m altitude, and the descents are divided into several levels of difficulty.

Simply hang your mountain bike on a Gondola to reach the top of the slopes while enjoying the scenery. You can even watch bungee jumping candidates from a platform that overlooks Queenstown.

If the level required is high enough, there are also beautiful tracks suitable for beginners. And if you are part of those who regularly practice mountain biking, you can't find a better spot in New Zealand.

Unlike the tracks of the Redwoods Forest, those of the Queenstown Bike Park don't come for free.

The parallel with the ski is well assumed and one must pay for a day or half-day pass. Remember that we are talking about fast descents with whole sections where one can ride without giving a single pedal stroke, using only the brakes from time to time!

On a mere half day, you will already have plenty of fun. However, I recommend that you choose a full-day pass to grant yourself a break between each descent.

The Queenstown Bike Park is open seven months a year. The season begins in the spring and lasts until late fall (September to May). Schedules vary according to the package, and the unlimited gondola lifts are included in the rate.

The bike is not provided and you will need to equip yourself in a rental shop in town. Mandatory equipment includes the usual protections (helmet, knee pads ...).

Given the mountainous terrain, the Full Suspension and Downhill bike models are the most popular. Schedule a budget of approximately $40 per half day and $60 for a full day to rent a good mountain bike in most sports shops.

I recommend the Outside Sports shops (one the main sports shop in New Zealand) if you are in a hurry. But you will be well served or advised by the owners who run the little bike rental shops.

Hammy's Track is a long family trail that offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu. This is the most popular of the six trails for beginners, with wide paths where you do not have to race with other people.

But the most extreme trails are designed to be done at full speed! Watch the videos of presentation to get an idea: if the descents are brief (two minutes for some tracks) they are intense and seem to last an eternity in reality.

Once the mountain bike is rent, I advise against rushing on the slopes! Take your marks by pedaling around the lake and take some time to train yourself to shift gears. Only then should you pay a visit to the Queenstown Bike Park.

Two thirds of the trails are dedicated to sportsmen who practice regularly. If you don't fir in this category of people, it is better not to try your luck here. You will not be alone on the track and you may annoy other participants.

Some trails run along roads, most of the trails cross wilderness areas and are exclusively dedicated to cyclists. The whole way is beautifully maintained by volunteers, and participants of any level can enjoy it for free.

You can spend an afternoon cycling or take advantage of specially equipped refuges that allow you to spend the night at a lower cost. You can also plant your tent in the many campsites or sleep at Beds and Breakfasts.

Baggage handling services between the stages allows the experience to be lived without pedaling with an extra weight on the back.

Another interesting option is to borrow a shuttle that drops you off at the beginning of a track with your bike: you can then pedal quietly to reach your vehicle on arrival.

A complete guide would be needed to seriously cover such a vast subject. I will only give you the list of the tracks, their difficulties and the distances to be traveled.

The main agglomerations of New Zealand are built on volcanic reliefs. Wellington has an incredible number of funiculars and Dunedin has the steepest street in the world! It is necessary to have steel calves to move by bike in these two cities.

Auckland is already more adapted to the bicycle and offers the service “Next bike New Zealand” which allows to rent a bike in no time. But the city of sails is built on the flanks of many extinct volcanoes, and you will suffer in the ascents!

But enough on this subject, I suppose that you plan visiting New Zealand to enjoy great outdoors activities, and not to go cycling in urban areas. So, we still have to talk about security issues, and you'll be free to go on an adventure.

What is true for a hike also applies to a mountain bike trip. You should always bring a map of the area and carry more supplies than necessary. Do I need to point out that traveling to the other side of the world without insurance would be highly irresponsible?

The beauty of the scenery should not make you forget that nature remains wild in New Zealand and the weather can change suddenly. You should always wear waterproof clothing and ask about the condition of the tracks before your departure.

Even if your trail is strictly reserved for bicycles, try to keep a reasonable speed.

One must expect to see pedestrians or horses appearing at each intersection.

To remove the branches or the stones fallen on the way is the duty of everyone. Kiwis encourage visitors to leave no traces of their visit. Moving in silence to respect nature would be greatly appreciated as well.

So, here you are, as much prepared as possible. If there are areas of shadow, I invite you to question our friend Ben the Kiwi who will be happy to answer you. And do not forget to send us your photos to share your adventure with the many mountain bike enthusiasts in New Zealand.