Queenstown (South Island)
Within three minutes of downtown you can be whisked away with your bike via gondola to the Queenstown Bike Park, one of the best in the southern hemisphere. At the top are over 30 km of biking trails ranging from beginner to expert with views of the Queenstown city center, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables Mountain Range.
For more leisurely rides, the Frankton Arm east of town connects with the Queenstown Trail and a number of biking tracks sprout off nearby. Longer rides in the area include Moke Lake, Arrowtown, and the Gibbston Valley. Queenstown also makes a nice jumping off point for the historic Central Otago Rail Trail.
Wanaka (South Island)
Wanaka has proclaimed itself the world’s first protected “Lifestyle Reserve,” and mountain biking is one of its strengths. With Lake Wanaka and Mt. Aspiring National Park as the backdrop, all grades of mountain biking trails are represented in the area. For scenic rides, popular options include the Clutha River “Outlet” Track and the slightly more challenging Glendu Bay “Millennium” Track. For technical riding, try Sticky Forest and the Lismore Jump Park.
Queen Charlotte Track (South Island)
Doubling as a popular hiking trail and one of New Zealand’s premier single tracks, the 71 km Queen Charlotte is a can’t-miss mountain biking experience. Over the course of 2–3 days the track traverses the scenic Marlborough Sounds, past secluded bays and through temperate coastal forests. Along the way is an impressive network of establishments housing and fueling bikers and hikers with fresh seafood and Marlborough wine. The water taxis run a baggage transfer service so all you need to carry is a daypack. Book early.
Rotorua (North Island)
The giant redwoods and thermal pools of Rotorua are a top-flight mountain biking destination. The nearby Whakarewarewa Forest is one of New Zealand’s oldest biking networks with over 70 km of track catering to all abilities. Southeast of Rotorua is the Whirinaki Forest, a 16-km purpose-built biking trail through some of New Zealand’s most pristine indigenous forests. With the warmer weather of the North Island, mountain biking in Rotorua is open year-round.