Whakarewarewa Forest (the Redwoods) Mountain Biking
Cycling & Mountain Biking / South
Whakarewarewa Forest, also known as the Redwoods, is a mecca for mountain bikers, with more than 180km of trails winding their way through native and exotic forest.
With hero dirt, epic lake views and gravity fuelled fun, Whakarewarewa Forest attracts riders from all over the world.
You’ll find the trails mapped out on Trailforks, or you can pick up a map at either of the Rotorua i-SITE locations, or from any of the several local bike shops or bike rental companies. Ride Rotorua is a great place to find trail descriptions and some options for loops to ride for any level of experience. The trails are well signed with maps at key junctions throughout the forest.
The trails in the Whakarewarewa Forest are maintained by Rotorua Trails Trust. If you enjoy your ride, please consider making a donation, so the trails can be kept in tip-top shape next time you visit.
At Waipa, you can rent a bike, grab a coffee or lunch, and even enjoy a rewarding hot pool soak right along the forest's edge.
Putake o Tawa was opened in 2020, providing a more direct access to some of the higher trails in the forest, and out to the Lake Tikitapu section of the Forest Loop. Intermediate riders will love Eagle vs Shark, the downhill ride back to the carpark on this side of the forest.
There are public shuttles running up to the high points in the forest, or grab a group of mates and privately charter a 4WD vehicle for maximum stoke factor.
Guided rides
You can’t beat riding with the locals to get the most out of your time in the forest. We have a number of operators who can’t wait to take you out to find your new favourite trail.
Skills clinics
Whakarewarewa Forest is a great place to brush up on your skills and improve your confidence on the bike through skills clinics with seasoned riders. With trails to test riders of all abilities and some of the best instructors in New Zealand, you’ll soon be riding like a pro!
Bike hire, services and repairs
Home to a small army of riders, Rotorua has a reputation for great bike shops. If your trusty steed needs some love, or you’re looking for a new member to join your bike family, here’s the place to do it. Or if you need to hire a bike while you’re here, we have a huge fleet of rental bikes for all styles of riding.
You’ll find the trails mapped out on Trailforks, or you can pick up a map at either of the Rotorua i-SITE locations, or from any of the several local bike shops or bike rental companies. Ride Rotorua is a great place to find trail descriptions and some options for loops to ride for any level of experience. The trails are well signed with maps at key junctions throughout the forest.
The trails in the Whakarewarewa Forest are maintained by Rotorua Trails Trust. If you enjoy your ride, please consider making a donation, so the trails can be kept in tip-top shape next time you visit.
Getting Started
Waipa car park is the main access point for mountain bikers, with immediate access to the easiest trails in the forest, the Kids' Loop, and the newest trail, Whakarewarewa Forest Loop, which is a scenic Grade 2 circular ride around the whole forest.At Waipa, you can rent a bike, grab a coffee or lunch, and even enjoy a rewarding hot pool soak right along the forest's edge.
Putake o Tawa was opened in 2020, providing a more direct access to some of the higher trails in the forest, and out to the Lake Tikitapu section of the Forest Loop. Intermediate riders will love Eagle vs Shark, the downhill ride back to the carpark on this side of the forest.
Get the most out of your ride
ShuttlesThere are public shuttles running up to the high points in the forest, or grab a group of mates and privately charter a 4WD vehicle for maximum stoke factor.
Guided rides
You can’t beat riding with the locals to get the most out of your time in the forest. We have a number of operators who can’t wait to take you out to find your new favourite trail.
Skills clinics
Whakarewarewa Forest is a great place to brush up on your skills and improve your confidence on the bike through skills clinics with seasoned riders. With trails to test riders of all abilities and some of the best instructors in New Zealand, you’ll soon be riding like a pro!
Bike hire, services and repairs
Home to a small army of riders, Rotorua has a reputation for great bike shops. If your trusty steed needs some love, or you’re looking for a new member to join your bike family, here’s the place to do it. Or if you need to hire a bike while you’re here, we have a huge fleet of rental bikes for all styles of riding.