Hidden Gems: The Whirinaki

Mountain bikers flock in droves to ride the trails of Rotorua, but head a little further south and you’ll find the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park, home to ancient forests and two, lesser-known mountain bike trails.

Where
90km southeast of Rotorua, off Te Whaiti Rd, via SH38. You can access the park through Minginui village and up River Road to the River Road car park.

Why go
The park stretches across 56 hectares and is one of the best remaining examples of lowland podocarp forest left in New Zealand. In the 1980s the forest was the site of one of New Zealand’s biggest conservation battles, as activists sought to protect the ancient trees from continued deforestation. Today, it’s co-governed by the Department of Conservation and local iwi Ngāti Whare.

Trails and ability level
For less experienced riders, the Whirinaki Mountain Bike Track provides an easy introduction to backcountry riding. The full track is 16km long and takes around two to four hours to complete. You can also choose to ride shorter sections. The inner loop is a grade two, while the outer loop is a grade three.

For a more adventurous forest experience, hit up the Moerangi Mountain Bike Track. This 35km, grade three ride incorporates several hilly sections and takes around five to six hours to complete. Three huts situated along the route provide great rest spots, or stay the night and turn the ride into an overnight trip.

What to see
Podocarps up to 65 metres tall and reaching three metres wide. Beautiful river flats and rolling hills and gullies. Large populations of native birds including kākā and robin. Staying overnight in a hut will enable you to hear the night animals, such as ruru/morepork, wētā and kiwi.

Like to ride the Whirinaki? We can hook you up with bike hire, or combine bike hire and campervan hire for the ultimate road trip.

Have a great week,
Steve