about the area

mountain biking

There are a number of great tracks to test your ability and sense of humour in the surrounding area. The Great Ruapehu rides!

Download the Ruapehu Great Bike Rides trail maps (990 kb pdf). The trails incorporate the Ohakune, Raetihi and National Park areas.

The 42 Traverse (46km 4-7 hours)

The 42 Traverse (also known as the Tongariro Forest Crossing) is one of the premier rides in the North Island. Renowned for the long and often rutted down hills, the track will test even the most ardent Kamikaze freak. The track surface varies from gravel to mud, some stream crossings, and there are the inevitable uphills. The scenery is outstanding, from wide vistas of all three volcanoes to lush unspoiled bush. This is a unique track as you can either enjoy the magnificent beauty with your family on a more relaxed and peaceful outing or tear the knobs off your tyres with your hooning friends.

Download The 42 Traverse map (1.08 Mb pdf)

Fishers Track (21km 2-3 hours)

Nothing like the legendary status of the 42 Traverse, but this relatively unknown downhill is a real blast and with the best part of 17km downhill dropping from 900 metres to 400 metres the adrenalin rush is in your hands. The surface is mixed but does have a fair proportion of grass, which makes for some interesting cornering.

Erua Conservation Area (1-4 hours)

3km from Horopito on Middle Road, a mix of 4WD and single tracks. A good area for exploration.

Rangataua Forest (1-3hours)

Start at Rangataua Village rail tracks and head through the forested area. Tracks are 4WD and old logging tracks.

Ruatiti Road

Sealed road, very scenic, 16km downhill from SH4 to Ruatiti domain picnic areas and swimming holes or try Scenic Cycles, "You ride down, drive back" option.

The Pines

Go 3km South on SH4 from National Park. The Old Waikune Prison is on your left. On your right is the Pines. There is a tarsealed road across the railway tracks on your right that heads down to the old mill site. This is the old forestry area the prison used to mill. Throughout the pines are great tracks.

John McDonald Loop

For the experienced riders who like a challenge, this is perhaps the best ride in Tongariro Forest. It's only a 40km loop, but it takes 4-7 hours and excellent navigation skills. You will encounter every type of riding imaginable on this beauty.