New Zealand has earned its reputation as one of the world’s premier mountain biking destinations, and it’s easy to see why. From the volcanic landscapes of the North Island to the dramatic Southern Alps, the country offers an incredible variety of terrain that caters to every type of rider.
Whether you’re cruising along lakeshores, navigating ancient forests, or tackling challenging mountain passes, these trails showcase the very best of what Kiwi cycling has to offer. Here is a list of 15 top biking trails that will give you an unforgettable taste of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and rich cycling culture.
Heaphy Track
The Heaphy Track offers mountain bikers a 78-kilometer journey through Kahurangi National Park, but there’s a catch — you can only ride it between May 1 and September 30 each year. This seasonal restriction actually works in your favor, as winter riding means fewer crowds and crisp, clear days perfect for photography.
The trail takes you through an incredible variety of landscapes, from dense beech forests and rolling tussock downs to dramatic coastal sections where nikau palms framing wild Pacific beaches. The mighty Heaphy River crossing via a 148-meter suspension bridge is a definite highlight, and most riders complete the journey over four days using comfortable Department of Conservation huts along the route.
Old Ghost Road
New Zealand’s longest single-track trail, at 85 kilometers, the Old Ghost Road follows the footsteps of 1870s gold miners between the ghost town of Lyell and Seddonville. This isn’t a trail for casual weekend warriors — it demands serious fitness, technical skills, and a well-maintained mountain bike (dual suspension highly recommended).
The route traverses majestic native forest, open tussock tops, and forgotten valleys, essentially creating an 85-kilometer outdoor museum complete with four ghost towns along the way. What makes this trail truly special is its remoteness and the engineering feat required to build it, with volunteers spending years creating what many consider the ultimate backcountry cycling experience in New Zealand.
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Queen Charlotte Track
Stretching 73.5 kilometers through the stunning Marlborough Sounds, the Queen Charlotte Track combines gorgeous coastal views with native bush riding, though cyclists should note that the section between Ship Cove and Kenepuru Saddle is closed to bikes from December 1st to February 28th each year. The trail’s popularity stems from its incredible flexibility — you can tackle it as day rides or commit to the full multi-day experience.
What sets this trail apart is the seamless network of cruise and pack transfers, resorts and lodges, and excellent food and wine options, making it feel more like a luxury adventure than a grueling ride. The grade 3 difficulty rating means intermediate riders will find it challenging but manageable, especially with stunning water views as constant motivation.
Rotorua Redwoods
The Whakarewarewa Forest in Rotorua is often called the birthplace of mountain biking in New Zealand, featuring over 200 kilometers of meticulously crafted trails through towering redwoods and lush native bush. This trail network is like a massive outdoor playground where you can spend days exploring different routes without repeating yourself.
From smooth, flowing trails perfect for beginners to extreme downhill sections in the Tawa to Moerangi Network, the variety here earned it Gold-Level Ride Center status from the International Mountain Biking Association. The surreal experience of riding beneath giant redwoods while breathing in the geothermal-scented air makes this a must-visit destination that appeals to riders of every skill level.
Otago Central Rail Trail
The trail that inspired New Zealand’s entire Great Rides network, the Otago Central Rail Trail follows 152 kilometers of former railway line between Middlemarch and Clyde, offering easy riding through Central Otago’s golden landscapes. This is cycling at its most relaxed — the grade 1 difficulty means families and casual riders can enjoy stunning scenery without technical challenges.
The trail passes through three historic tunnels and over several large viaducts, climbing gently from 201 meters above sea level in Middlemarch to its highest point of 618 meters between Ranfurly and Oturehua. What makes this trail special is the combination of preserved gold mining settlements, welcoming small towns, and the legendary Central Otago hospitality that keeps riders well-fed and comfortable throughout their journey.
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Timber Trail
The 84-kilometer Timber Trail through Pureora Forest Park takes riders on a journey through time and nature, featuring 35 bridges, including eight large suspension bridges, with the 141-meter Maramataha Bridge being the longest suspension bridge on any New Zealand cycle trail. About half the trail follows the track-bed of the old Ellis and Burnand Tramway, including a fascinating spiral section and tunnel that showcase the engineering ingenuity of early 20th-century loggers.
The trail winds through some of the last remaining podocarp forests of rimu, tōtara, miro, mataī and kahikatea, creating an almost cathedral-like riding experience. The mix of ancient native forest, regenerating bush, and exotic plantations means the scenery constantly changes, while the presence of native birds like kākā adds a soundtrack you won’t find anywhere else.
Roxburgh Gorge Trail
The 21-kilometer Roxburgh Gorge Trail offers something completely unique — a cycling adventure divided into two sections connected by a thrilling 13-kilometer jetboat ride through New Zealand’s ‘Grand Canyon’. Starting from Alexandra, cyclists pass through towering 350-meter bluffs, historical mining settlements, and fascinating relics while following the beautiful blue Clutha River.
The trail showcases Central Otago’s incredible seasonal color changes, from golden willows in autumn to purple thyme in spring, making it a photographer’s dream regardless of when you visit. The jetboat transfer isn’t just transportation — it’s an integral part of the experience that lets you see the gorge from a completely different perspective while your legs get a well-deserved break.
Lake Dunstan Trail
New Zealand’s newest Great Ride, opened in 2021, the Lake Dunstan Trail winds 55 kilometers around Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River, and Clutha River between the heritage towns of Cromwell and Clyde. World-class track builders have constructed impressive features including clip-on boardwalks, an 86-meter suspension bridge, and rock walls that showcase both natural landforms and the work of gold miners and dam builders from the last two centuries.
The trail’s grade 2-3 difficulty includes some challenging sections only suitable for experienced cyclists, but the rewards include amazing vineyard views, a floating café on the lakeshore at Cairnmuir Gully, and seamless connections to other Central Otago trails. The rich Māori and early pioneer history integrated along the way brings the landscape’s stories to life as you ride.
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Clutha Gold Trail
The Clutha Gold Trail follows the mighty Clutha River — New Zealand’s largest and fastest-flowing river — showcasing the early history of Chinese gold miners, European pastoral farming, and early Māori moa hunters. This trail’s gentle gradient makes it a delight for just about everyone, now extending all the way to Waihola and often combined with the Roxburgh Gorge Trail for a multi-day cycling experience spanning three to four days.
The trail takes you through major stone fruit growing regions where you can sample fresh produce in season, while the ever-changing river views provide constant entertainment. What sets this trail apart is how it seamlessly blends natural beauty with cultural heritage, giving riders insight into the diverse groups of people who have called this region home over the centuries.
Alps 2 Ocean
New Zealand’s longest Great Ride at 301 kilometers, the Alps 2 Ocean trail truly lives up to its name by connecting the base of Aoraki Mt Cook to the Pacific Ocean at Ōamaru. The trail starts either at Mt Cook National Park or Takapō, with both routes meeting at the turquoise waters of Lake Pūkaki before taking in Twizel, Lake Ōhau, and the highest point on the trail, where you can view the magnificence of the Mackenzie Basin.
This is epic cycling at its finest — five to seven days of constantly changing landscapes from snow-capped peaks to coastal plains. The final destination of Ōamaru, famous for its Victorian ‘Ōamaru Stone’ buildings and little blue penguins, provides the perfect reward for completing this bucket-list ride that showcases New Zealand’s incredible geographic diversity.
Great Lake Trails
The Great Lake Trails around Lake Taupō offer diverse terrain including downhills, switchbacks, cambered berms, and cross-country sections, all set against the backdrop of New Zealand’s largest lake with massive views across to the peaks of Tongariro National Park. The trail system features three main sections — the Great Lake Trails, Huka trails, and Wairakei Forest — plus mountain bike parks and BMX jumps that let you hone your skills on unpredictable volcanic terrain with yawning ravines and bizarre rock formations.
The flowing tracks snake through native forest, past secluded beaches perfect for cooling off, and along plummeting gorges that provide stunning views of snow-dusted volcanic peaks. The variety means you could spend a week here and never ride the same trail twice, while the volcanic terrain creates a unique riding experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
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Queenstown Bike Park
The Queenstown Bike Park stands as a true mecca for adventure sports, with over 30 trails of varying difficulty levels winding through dense forests and open slopes, all enhanced by stunning views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. What makes this park special is New Zealand’s longest chairlift, which provides access to trails like the popular Flying Nun — a fast, flowing descent filled with berms, jumps, drops, and rock gardens.
The park caters to everyone from beginners taking their first tentative runs to experts seeking adrenaline-pumping challenges on technical terrain. The combination of world-class trail building, stunning alpine scenery, and the convenience of chairlift access makes this a destination that delivers maximum riding time with minimal climbing effort.
West Coast Wilderness Trail
The West Coast Wilderness Trail explores the wild West Coast through heritage landscapes amidst rainforest, pristine rivers, tranquil lakes, and rugged beaches, all flanked by the stunning panoramas of the mighty Southern Alps. This trail perfectly captures the untamed spirit of New Zealand’s West Coast, where dense rainforest meets dramatic coastline in a landscape that feels largely unchanged since ancient times.
As one of the remote wilderness Great Rides, it offers riders the chance to experience true solitude while surrounded by some of the most pristine natural environments in New Zealand. The trail’s heritage focus means you’ll encounter remnants of the region’s gold mining and logging history, while the diverse ecosystems provide habitat for unique bird species and native plants found nowhere else on Earth.
Remutaka Cycle Trail
The Remutaka Cycle Trail takes riders over the Remutaka Ranges and around the rugged Pacific coast, showcasing Wellington and the Wairarapa’s wild side in a journey that combines cultural heritage with spectacular natural scenery. This trail stands out for its historical significance, following routes that have been crucial transportation links for over a century.
As one of the culture and heritage Great Rides, it provides insights into New Zealand’s railway history while delivering riders to some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the lower North Island. The contrast between the mountain passes and coastal sections creates a constantly changing ride experience, while the proximity to Wellington makes it easily accessible for both locals and visitors looking for a quick escape from city life.
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St James Cycle Trail
This challenging trail takes riders through the remote St James Conservation Area with its soaring peaks, broad river valleys, and captivating farming heritage, offering some of the most spectacular high-country scenery in New Zealand. Traversing historic St James Station near Hanmer Springs, this high-country trail rewards riders with vistas of alpine meadows, beech forest, tranquil lakes, and crystal-clear rivers set against a backdrop of towering peaks.
The trail’s remote location means you’ll often have the landscape entirely to yourself, creating an almost spiritual connection with New Zealand’s rugged interior. The combination of challenging terrain, stunning alpine scenery, and rich pastoral history makes this a trail for serious cyclists seeking both physical challenge and natural beauty in equal measure.
Where legends are made
New Zealand’s biking trails represent more than just recreational opportunities — they’re gateways to understanding the country’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and outdoor culture that defines the Kiwi spirit. From the ancient forests of the North Island to the dramatic peaks of the South, these 15 trails showcase how geography, history, and community passion have combined to create some of the world’s finest cycling experiences.
Whether you’re seeking gentle family adventures or epic multi-day challenges, New Zealand’s trails continue to evolve and inspire, ensuring that every ride becomes part of your own cycling legend.
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