Cycle Trails

Cycling and Mountain Biking at Tongariro National Park

Waimarino (National Park) is a connecting hub for the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride. Bike hire and shuttle services are available, or you can simply ride straight out the door and onto the trails. From scenic family-friendly paths to challenging backcountry routes, there’s something here for every rider, offering a diverse range of trails that cater to all skill levels.
For downloadable maps and detailed trail information, visit: mountainstosea.nz/trails
The trails are maintained by the Ngā Ara Tūhono Charitable Trust. We encourage all our guests to support the trails by completing the Trail surveys so the team can get on with developing and maintaining the trails for the future.

Explore some of the best cycling trails in the world

From the adrenaline-pumping descents of rugged mountain tracks to the serene, winding paths through lush forests, these trails promise unforgettable adventures. With each twist and turn, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of towering volcanoes, ancient rainforests and rolling hills that make this area one of the most picturesque cycling destinations in New Zealand.

The most popular trails

Fishers Track
Ohakune Old Coach Road
Marton Sash & Door
42 Traverse
Te Ara Mangawhero
Timber Trail
Mangapurua Day Trip (with Jet Boat Return)

Popular Cycle Trails Guide

Fishers Track

A favourite for the views and the downhill with spectacular vistas back toward Tongariro National Park, across the Retaruke Valley, and on a clear day, out to Taranaki Maunga. This 27km Grade 2 trail is a local favourite, boasting a descent of over 600 meters through breathtaking landscapes. Riders are treated to expansive views over Tongariro National Park and the Retaruke Valley, making it both exhilarating and visually rewarding.

The trail descends around 600 metres in elevation, starting with a wide single track that flows into a super-quiet sealed road, ending at the Kaitieke Junction Horse Monument — the usual pickup point for pre-booked shuttles.

Feeling fit or riding an e-bike? You can tackle this one as a return ride, turning around at the end of the single track (approx. 28km return).

Grade: 3 (Intermediate)
Time: Allow 3+ hours including shuttle
Note: We do not recommend riding back on SH4

Ohakune Old Coach Road

A must-do heritage ride, the Ohakune Old Coach Road combines original cobbled coach road with flowing modern trail through native forest.

This 15km trail has a unique blend of gentle terrains and new paths and is an ideal choice for beginners and families, with much of the route being downhill.

The high-quality construction and forest canopy provide good protection from wind and rain, ensuring a pleasant ride in most weather conditions.

It’s a ride rich in history, telling the story of early New Zealand engineering and community spirit. The forest canopy offers good shelter, making it suitable in most weather.

Grade: 3
Time: Allow 2–3 hours
Typical Ride: Shuttle drop-off at Horopito, finishing at Ohakune Railway Station

Marton Sash & Door

Starting alongside the western side of the NIMT rail line and suitable for the whole family, this 18km loop skirts alpine wetlands before heading into regenerating native bush.

This loop trail follows a recovered bush tramway route, offering a 2-3 hour ride. Starting and finishing in National Park Village, riders weave in and out of pine plantations alongside the North Island Main Trunk Railway Line, making it a unique and enjoyable experience.

The trail follows the route of the historic Marton Sash and Door bush tramway, complete with relics and interpretation panels along the way. The loop’s northern end includes a 1km stretch on a quiet gravel road, offering sweeping views over the Tongariro mountains.

Eventually, this trail will connect as part of Te Hangāruru, linking with Ohakune Old Coach Road (Horopito) via the Last Spike — bringing the trail full circle back to Waimarino.

Grade: 3 (Intermediate – some experience required)
Time: Allow 2–3 hours
Conditions: Rideable in most weather

42 Traverse

Renowned as one of the North Island’s best mountain bike rides, this 46km trail navigates old logging routes through State Forest 42 in the Tongariro Forest.

Riders face challenging descents and demanding climbs, all while being surrounded by lush native forest and panoramic views of volcanic mountains.

Highlights include the stunning Canyon Valley and several river crossings.
Expect a mix of thrilling downhills, tough climbs, and remote wilderness — with stunning native forest, volcanic mountain views, Canyon Valley, and multiple river crossings.

Distance: ~46km
Descent: 570m
Start: Kapoors Road, Taurewa (off SH47)
Grade: Advanced
Time: 4–7 hours depending on fitness and experience
Track Type: 4WD trails, gravel, mud
Note: This is a remote trail — riders must be well-prepared with food, water, layers, tools, and navigation gear. Weather conditions can change quickly.

Te Ara Mangawhero

Now open: the first 12.95km loop of a trail that will eventually stretch from Tūroa to Ohakune. Starting at the Ohakune Railway Station, this section winds through regenerating forest and alpine tussocks, following the route of the Bennett and Punch Bush Tramway with historic cuttings and stream crossings.

Expect incredible views of Mt Ruapehu and back toward Ohakune. This section is ideal for families and beginners and features interpretive signage sharing iwi narratives and stories from the early pioneers — all within a dual World Heritage national park.

Grade: 2 (Easy)
Time: Allow 2+ hours

Timber Trail

Just up the road from Waimarino lies the Timber Trail, an 85km backcountry ride through ancient forest and across awe-inspiring suspension bridges in Pureora Forest Park.

As one of New Zealand’s premier Ngā Haerenga Great Rides, the Timber Trail offers a unique two-day ride or flexible day trip options, with plenty of history and native birdlife along the way.

Distance: 85km one-way
Grades: 2–3 (Easy to Intermediate)
Start Points: Pureora or Ongarue
Services: Bike hire, shuttle, and accommodation available
Info: timbertrail.nz

Mangapurua Day Trip

(with Jet Boat Return)

One of the most iconic day rides in the country. Ride the Mangapurua Track to the famous Bridge to Nowhere, then finish with a jet boat trip down the Whanganui River to Pipiriki – an unforgettable combination of trail and river journey.

This remote trail tells the story of the WWI returned servicemen who tried to farm the valley, now slowly reclaimed by nature. Expect native forest, rugged bluffs, historic sites, and amazing views.

Distance: 36km (one way to the river)
Grade: 3 (Intermediate)
Time: 4–5 hours riding + jet boat (book in advance)
Packages: Available to book including shuttles, bike hire (if required) and jet boat

Additional epic trails

Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail: Known as “Ngā Ara Tūhono” in Maori, this 231km trail takes riders through Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks, showcasing UNESCO-listed volcanoes, lava fields, alpine gardens, ancient rainforests, waterfalls, streams and New Zealand’s longest navigable river. It’s a journey rich in natural beauty and cultural history, connecting the volcanic slopes of Mt Ruapehu to the Tasman Sea.

Timber Trail: As one of New Zealand’s Great Rides, the Timber Trail offers a mix of classic backcountry tracks and leisure trails suitable for various skill levels. Riders can immerse themselves in the diverse landscapes of the Ruapehu region, from tussock-covered plateaus to rolling farmlands. The 85km/two-day mountain bike adventure traverses through native forests, across suspension bridges and follows old logging roads and tramlines.

Te Hangāruru Trail (coming soon!): This newly developed 29.4km cycling and walking trail connects Horopito to National Park Village, completing a crucial link in the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride. The route takes riders through breathtaking subalpine podocarp forests and wetlands, featuring native trees such as black beech, kānuka, and pōkākā. A highlight of the trail is Aotearoa’s longest suspension bridge, spanning 200 metres across the Makatote River. Once completed, Te Hangāruru will offer an unforgettable ride through spectacular landscapes while celebrating the cultural and environmental heritage of the region.

Family-friendly options: For those seeking gentler rides, the Ruapehu region boasts numerous family-friendly cycle trails. These easier routes are perfect for less experienced riders while still offering enough variation to satisfy the more adventurous members of the group.

Enhance your adventure with The Park Hotel

After a day of cycling through these remarkable trails, The Park Hotel provides the perfect retreat to relax and rejuvenate.

Comfortable accommodations: Choose from a variety of room types designed to offer a restful haven after an active day.
On-site dining: The Spiral Restaurant & Bar serves hearty meals and a selection of beverages in a cozy atmosphere, ideal for unwinding in the evenings.
Relaxation amenities: Soothe your muscles in our outdoor hot tubs, providing a perfect end to your cycling adventures.

Shuttle services: We can arrange convenient shuttle services to and from various cycling trails, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Secure bike storage: Rest easy knowing your bike is safely secured within the internal courtyard of the hotel.
Bike wash down station: Those trails might be beautiful, but they sure are dirty! In our carpark we have a wash down station for you to clean off a hard day’s riding.

A stay with us is the perfect way to end a day of wonderful cycling in some of Aotearoa’s most stunning and captivating landscapes.

Ready to embark on the ride of a lifetime?

There’s no better way to experience the heart of New Zealand’s North Island than by exploring its premier cycling trails. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely pedal through captivating landscapes or the thrill of challenging backcountry routes, the cycling trails of the Ruapehu region offer something for everyone.
The Tongariro National Park and the surrounding Ruapehu region are a true paradise for cycling enthusiasts, offering an impressive mix of trails that suit all riders, whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker or a family looking for a fun, scenic ride.

Grab your helmet and gear up for a journey that will leave you breathless – not just from the ride, but from the beauty that surrounds you. And after a day of exploration, relax and recharge at The Park Hotel, where your next adventure awaits just around the corner.
Embark on an unforgettable cycling journey in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, and let The Park Hotel be your base for exploration and relaxation.

Book your National Park getaway today!

Don’t miss your chance to experience some of the best cycle trails in New Zealand.

Experience the magic of Mt Ruapehu and National Park this winter with The Park Hotel – your perfect base for adventure, relaxation and unforgettable memories.

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