New Zealand is one of the best mountain biking destinations on the planet. The trail network spans both islands — from flowy singletrack through native forest to exposed alpine rides with views that make you forget you’re supposed to be pedalling. And unlike the Alps or Pyrenees, the trails here are largely uncrowded, well-maintained, and free to ride.
Combining a campervan trip with MTB is one of the most efficient ways to experience New Zealand: you ride all day, sleep next to the trailhead, wake up and do it again. No hotel check-in times, no shuttle logistics from town, no paying for parking. This guide covers the best trails and areas for visiting riders.
The NZ Cycle Trails — Great Rides Network
New Zealand has an official network of 23 Great Rides — purpose-built multi-day trails that are graded and maintained to a high standard. They’re designed for intermediate riders and above, most run 2-5 days, and they pass through some of the most remote and spectacular landscapes in the country. A campervan is the perfect support vehicle — you drive the trail end point, leave the van, get shuttled to the start, and ride back to your bed.
Here are the standouts:
North Island Trails
Timber Trail — Pureora Forest (Waikato)
One of the most popular Great Rides in the country, and for good reason. The Timber Trail runs 85 km through the ancient Pureora Forest, following old logging tramways and crossing dramatic suspension bridges — some of the longest in New Zealand. It’s two days of riding through native bush, largely downhill, with almost no road crossings. Intermediate riders handle it comfortably.
The trail starts near Pureora village and ends at Ongarue. Shuttles are available. Van-friendly camping at both ends and at the midpoint lodge.
Ohakune — Parapara MTB Park (Ruapehu)
Ohakune sits at the base of Mt Ruapehu, the volcanic centrepiece of the North Island. The Parapara MTB Park has a growing trail network built specifically for mountain bikers, with flow trails, technical options, and views of the volcano. The town itself is a classic New Zealand ski and outdoor sports base — good food, accommodation, and a relaxed vibe.
The area also connects to the Mountains to Sea Trail (Nga Haerenga) which runs from the volcanic plateau all the way to the coast at Whanganui — a multi-day adventure for those with time.
Taupo Great Lake Trail
A 45 km trail around the eastern shore of Lake Taupo — New Zealand’s largest lake, roughly the size of Singapore. The trail runs through regenerating forest and farmland with constant lake views. It’s mostly intermediate, takes a full day or a relaxed two days, and the setting is hard to beat. Taupo itself is a great base — geothermal hot springs, skydiving, and one of NZ’s best fishing lakes.
Rotorua — Whakarewarewa Forest (the Redwoods)
Rotorua’s Redwoods are the North Island’s MTB capital. Over 130 km of purpose-built trail through towering California redwoods — the most developed network in NZ and probably the best introduction to riding here for visiting riders.
- All difficulty levels from wide beginner trails to demanding black runs
- Night riding with hire lights available (unique experience)
- Free to ride (donation encouraged)
- Bike hire in town and shuttles available
- Combine with a soak at Kerosene Creek (free hot pools nearby)
South Island Trails
City to Surf — Christchurch to Sumner
This is our local trail and one of the great urban-to-coastal rides in NZ. The City to Surf follows the Port Hills ridgeline from Christchurch city all the way down to Sumner Beach on the Pacific coast — a real surf beach with a cafe at the end. The route has multiple entry points and difficulty variations. Some sections are technical, others are wide open with sweeping views over the Canterbury Plains and the city below.
If you’re picking up a van from us in Christchurch, this trail is accessible without a car. Ask us for the best starting point from our depot.
Queenstown Bike Park + Trail Network
Queenstown is to mountain biking what Chamonix is to skiing. The Skyline Bike Park has gondola access to some of the most technical and rewarding trails in the country — all difficulty levels from beginner flow trails to expert lines. But the trail network extends far beyond the bike park.
- Skyline Bike Park — gondola-accessed, day pass required
- Rude Rock / 7 Mile — free singletrack in the Queenstown Hill area, technical with lake views
- Queenstown Trail (Great Ride) — multi-day trail connecting Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston Valley, and Lake Hayes. Intermediate, spectacular, passes wineries en route
Old Ghost Road — West Coast (Buller Gorge)
85 km through remote backcountry between Lyell (Buller Gorge) and Seddonville on the West Coast. Usually done as a 3-4 day bikepacking route with hut accommodation along the way. One of the great adventures in New Zealand riding — expect river crossings, alpine sections, native forest, and zero phone signal. Not for beginners, but unforgettable for experienced riders.
The West Coast is genuinely remote. A self-contained campervan at the start and end points is the ideal setup.
Otago Central Rail Trail
152 km along a disused railway corridor through the heart of Central Otago — one of the driest and most dramatic landscapes in New Zealand. Flat gravel surface, suitable for any fitness level. Usually done in 4 days, passing through historic gold mining towns (Clyde, Alexandra, Omakau, Ranfurly), stone fruit orchards, and vineyard country.
This is the trail that gets non-cyclists on bikes. It’s accessible, scenic, and the logistics are simple with a van — park at one end, shuttle, ride back. Wineries along the route do trail-side tastings.
Wanaka — Sticky Forest and Beyond
The Wanaka area has a growing trail network that most tourists miss entirely.
- Sticky Forest — hand-cut singletrack just outside town, free, all ability levels. The locals’ favourite warm-up ride.
- Deans Bank — more technical trails above Wanaka town
- Lake Hawea trails — quieter alternative to Wanaka, good intermediate riding
Nelson — Dun Mountain and Old Ghost Road Gateway
Nelson gets more sunshine than anywhere else in NZ and has a trail network that’s expanding fast. The Dun Mountain Trail (52 km) follows a historic mineral tramway from the city into the Richmond Ranges. The Old Ghost Road also starts within driving distance — Nelson is the ideal base for a multi-day west coast adventure.
Travelling with Bikes in Our Vans
We’ve built our vans with cyclists in mind:
- The A-Camper (2007 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) — comes with 2 built-in bike racks as standard. No loading bikes inside, no straps, no fuss.
- White Arrow (2013 Ford Transit motorhome) and G.I Joe NZ (2006 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) — bike rack fittings available on request. Ask us when booking.
- Sleepervans — bikes fit inside with the rear area cleared. Full-size trail and enduro bikes fit comfortably.
Mountain Bike Hire — Ride Without Bringing Your Own
Flying into New Zealand and don’t want to pay airline bike fees? We offer mountain bike hire at very affordable rates — one of the cheapest ways to get on trails in NZ. Available from Christchurch. Ask about availability and pricing.
Follow our YouTube channel for trail footage, van life content, and tips from the road.
Essential Apps and Resources
- Trailforks — the definitive MTB trail map for NZ, works offline
- NZ Cycle Trail website (nzcycletrail.com) — official Great Rides information and maps
- MTB Project — community trail database with user reviews
- Trail Fund NZ — supports trail building nationwide
Plan Your MTB Campervan Trip
If you’re planning a trip around mountain biking, we can help with routing — which trails suit your ability level, where to park a van overnight near trailheads, and how to combine riding with the rest of your NZ experience. Get in touch.
See our full van fleet here — all self-contained, all set up for independent travel.
