Steeped in history, subtropical Northland (also known as the Far North), includes the Kauri Coast, Hokianga, Bay of Islands, and Whangarei, which has two MTB Parks.
NZ’s biggest city has a HUGE variety of attractions, vibrant mix of cultures, and diverse landscapes; from cosmopolitan cityscape to blissful beaches and rainforest.
Distinctive volcanic and limestone landscapes, lush native forests, and NZ’s longest river; the mighty Waikato.
One of NZ’s sunniest regions, with beaches galore. Whakatane sits in the spectacular Eastern Bay of Plenty of New Zealand, right beside the Pacific Ocean.
The North Island’s adventure capital, and renowned for mountain biking. If hot springs, bubbling mud pools and dramatic geysers don’t wow you, the world-class rides will!
Taupo is watersports central - including trout fishing. There’s the mighty Waikato River and in the crater of an active supervolcano, beautiful Lake Taupo - NZ’s largest lake.
Dramatic landscapes: glaciers, crater lakes, major ski fields, the Whanganui and Waikato Rivers, and World Heritage Tongariro National Park - with active volcanoes Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe.
Cruisy Kapiti has a warm climate and beautiful beaches. Off the coast is Kapiti Island Nature Reserve, a haven for rare native birds, including kiwi (permit needed to visit).
With over 700 tracks to ride, we reckon Lonely Planet’s spot on to call Welly ‘the coolest little capital in the world’! Many tracks are very close to the CBD, including Makara Peak MTB Park.
By Michael Jacques
Wellington, it can be argued, is the cultural home of mountain biking. Yes, Rotorua is New Zealand’s mountain bike mecca. But in so many ways, mountain biking was born and raised in the Capital.
Wellington, it can be argued, is the cultural home of mountain biking. Yes, Rotorua is New Zealand’s mountain bike mecca. But in so many ways, mountain biking was born and raised in the Capital.
By Andrew Waddel
No one plans to get lost, but sometimes it happens. Everyone, including me - and perhaps especially me - should be better prepared for the possibility of losing their bearings and having to find their way out.
No one plans to get lost, but sometimes it happens. Everyone, including me - and perhaps especially me - should be better prepared for the possibility of losing their bearings and having to find their way out.
By Cam Mackenzie
If you’re looking for adventure, heli biking is a one-way ticket to stunning scenery and rarely ridden ribbons of single track.
Extend that adventure and turn it into a multi-day experience!