In Rotorua, geothermal steam whispers from the earth, and deep within a forest of towering Californian Redwoods, another kind of magic happens. It’s the sound of tyres gripping hero dirt, the blur of giant ferns, and the feeling of pure, unadulterated fun. Welcome to the Whakarewarewa Forest, the undisputed crown jewel of New Zealand mountain biking.
With over 200km of expertly crafted trails, this forest is a legendary destination, drawing riders from all over the globe. But its sheer scale can be intimidating for a first-timer. Where do you start? What bike do you rent? Which trails are right for you?
This is your ultimate guide. We’ll cover everything you need to know to have an incredible day on the trails, regardless of your skill level.
First Things First: Getting Set Up at Waipa
While the forest has several entrances, your mission control is the Waipa Carpark, located at the end of Waipa State Mill Road. This is the main mountain biking hub. Here you’ll find:
- Multiple bike rental shops.
- A cafe for pre-ride coffee and post-ride food.
- Toilets, bike wash stations, and first aid facilities.
- The shuttle service pickup point.
Choosing Your Weapon: A Guide to Bike Rental
Your bike will make or break your day. Don’t skimp here.
- Types of Bikes:
- Hardtail: A standard mountain bike with front suspension only. Fine for the easiest gravel trails, but you’ll feel the bumps.
- Full-Suspension: Has both front and rear suspension. This is your best friend in Rotorua. It absorbs the bumps, giving you more comfort, confidence, and control. This is the recommended choice for anyone wanting to ride the proper singletrack trails (Grade 2 and above).
- e-Bike (Electric Mountain Bike): These are a game-changer. An e-bike has a small motor that assists you when you pedal, making the uphills a breeze. It allows you to explore more of the forest without getting exhausted. Perfect for mixed-fitness groups or those who just want to maximise the fun.
- Where to Rent: The Waipa hub has several excellent options right on-site, including Mountain Bike Rotorua, Planet Bike, and Planet Fun. It’s best to book your bike online in advance, especially during the peak summer season.
- What’s Included: A standard rental will always include a helmet (which is compulsory). Most will also provide a small repair kit and a trail map.
Decoding the Dirt: Understanding the Trail Grades
The trails are brilliantly signposted and graded like ski runs.
- Grade 1 (Easiest): Wide, smooth gravel paths. Perfect for families with young children.
- Grade 2 (Easy): Flowing, wide singletrack with gentle slopes. The ideal starting point for a true beginner.
- Grade 3 (Intermediate): The heart and soul of the forest. These are classic singletrack trails that require basic bike handling skills. Expect some roots, tighter corners, and moderate climbs.
- Grade 4 (Advanced): Steeper and more technical. You’ll encounter larger roots, some drops, and features that require confident bike control.
- Grade 5 & 6 (Expert): For advanced riders only. Expect very steep, technical descents, large jumps, and significant obstacles.
Your First Ride: The Perfect Beginner’s Loop
If you’re new to mountain biking, this simple loop is the perfect introduction.
- Start from Waipa on the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop (Grade 2).
- Follow the signs to the Kids Loop (Grade 2) to practice your cornering.
- Continue onto Dipper (Grade 2). This is a beautiful, flowing trail through the Redwoods with gentle “dips” that feel like a rollercoaster.
- Finish by following the Forest Loop track back to the Waipa carpark. This should take about 45-60 minutes.
Levelling Up: Must-Do Intermediate Trails (Grade 3-4)
Ready for the real classics? These are the trails that made Rotorua famous.
- Eagle vs. Shark: A Rotorua rite of passage. This Grade 3 trail is pure flow, with perfect corners and a fun, swooping character.
- Split Enz: A beautiful trail that winds its way downhill through native forest.
- Hot Cross Buns: Another Grade 3 classic known for its incredible flow and perfectly sculpted berms (banked corners).
- Corners: Exactly what it says on the tin. A Grade 4 trail that is a rapid-fire series of corners, testing your skills.
- Billy T: A popular Grade 4 trail with some fun, small jumps and drops.
The Ultimate Hack: Using the Shuttle Service
The best way to experience the incredible downhill trails without exhausting yourself on the climbs is to use the shuttle. Mountain Bike Rotorua runs a bus with a bike trailer that takes you partway up the main forest road.
- How it works: You can pay for a single uplift or buy a multi-ride pass.
- Why you should do it: It allows you to “maximise your vertical descent” – less pedalling, more grinning. It’s the best way to ride legendary trails like Eagle vs. Shark and Split Enz multiple times.
What to Wear & Bring: A Practical Checklist
- Clothing: Wear comfortable, athletic clothing. Padded bike shorts will make your day much more comfortable. Avoid jeans.
- Shoes: Closed-toe shoes are a must. Trainers or skate shoes are fine.
- Water: Bring a water bottle or a hydration pack.
- Snacks: A muesli bar or banana is great for a mid-ride energy boost.
- Phone: For photos and in case of an emergency. The Trailforks app is excellent for live GPS tracking on the trails.
Après-Bike: Where to Eat, Drink, and Soak
The experience doesn’t end when the ride does. Rotorua is perfectly set up for post-ride relaxation.
- For a Soak: Head to Secret Spot Hot Tubs. It’s a 2-minute drive from the Waipa carpark. Soaking your tired muscles in a private, cedar hot tub in the forest is the perfect end to a day of riding.
- For a Beer: Check out the many craft beer spots in town, like the Brew Bar or Good George Dining Hall.
- For Dinner: Eat Streat, at the lake end of Tutanekai Street, is a covered laneway lined with great restaurants and bars.
Ready to hit the trails?
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