Get on ya bike!

Our region has some of the best trails in the world and it’s something we are just so damn proud of!

So, here’s our team’s round-up of the best 10 (not in any order). If you have any other suggestions, join our conversation on Facebook.

The Rotorua Inner Core Network at the Redwoods – including Tahi, Creek and Dipper: We rate this loop/connection as a great one for a family ride with the kids.
Motu Trails, Opotiki: There are a variety of sections here, but The Dunes Trail is along the beach and is super family-friendly.
Whirinaki Forest Mountain Bike Track: What’s a good trail without an epic ride through a forest! It doesn’t get any more spectacular than this one in the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park, 90km southeast of Rotorua.
Rainbow Mountain: No doubt a challenging ride (the first 4.7km is a solid climb) but well worth it according to a couple of our master riders.
Eagle vs. Shark: The trail’s designer and builder Jeff Carter wanted his family to love riding this one, so it has super long rolling traverses that provide that feeling of surfing along a wave. You can coast the whole trail and natural speed control is accomplished with grade reversals.

W2K (Great Lake Trail): One of Taupō’s most popular long trails (13km), this one takes you all the way to Kinloch and back (if you haven’t organised a car pickup). Kinloch is a great place to have a pitstop, and if you’re feeling super re-energised, you can also include the headland loop which adds an extra 9.5km.
Waihaha – Waihora (Great Lake Trail): This one-day trail has some spectacular lookouts and you finish at a beautiful secluded beach where you can have a swim – well worth the trip! Turn around and head back on your bike (if you’re feeling up to it) or you can get a boat transfer.
Timber Trail: Now that you can hire e-bikes, this trail has become more accessible to riders of all ages and fitness levels. It’s a stunner, but at 84km, you’ll need to pack a bag with plenty of water for this one.
Te Kōtukutuku: A new family-friendly trail along the Green Lake in Rotorua, launched late last year. Just a short one (2.8km) but a good length for little legs, with some incredible views along the way.
Huka Falls to Aratiatia Dam Loop: This grade 2 – 3 trail in Taupō runs alongside the mighty Waikato River and is an incredibly scenic ride. If a 14km return ride isn’t long enough, you can always head right back into Taupō town.

Got any other suggestions for great MTB trails in our region? Join our conversation on Facebook.

All images provided by Cati Pearson of Rotorua Mud Maidens.