Mountain Biking

New Zealand offers some fantastic backcountry mountain bike trails which can take you to remote and breathtaking parts of the country. This activity is increasing in popularity across the globe, with all kinds of tracks and trails being built each year.

When heading out on your bike, it’s crucial to remember that, unlike walking or tramping, you can quickly find yourself in the backcountry thanks to the speed and range of your machine. Planning your trip is essential, as is understanding your bike’s mechanics. In case of trouble, especially where there’s no phone reception or help available, being prepared can make all the difference in getting yourself out safely.

Choose your track

Consider your ability, skills and fitness of everyone in your group

Mountain bike trails here can vary greatly, demanding different levels of fitness, bike equipment, and preparation. It's important to recognise that what seems like a straightforward mountain bike ride can often come with unexpected risks.

Are you going as a group? Get everyone involved in the planning.
Experience level and fitness. Check with everyone in your group.
How will help find you if something goes wrong? Will there be cellphone signal?
What is the trip like? Will it be rough terrain? River crossings?
How will you get there? Does everyone have the gear/transport for the whole trip?
How will you carry the essentials with you, when on your bike?

Start looking at maps and websites to gain insight into what your trip will include.

Trailforks, NZ Cycle Trail and Topomap are just some examples of where you can begin to search for a trip near you.

Prepare for your ride

It doesn’t take much to significantly slow you or your group down—something as simple as a minor injury, flat tyre or taking a wrong turn at a trail junction can quickly escalate. If you have an unexpected incident and end up spending the night outdoors, temperatures can drop dramatically. Proper planning will make all the difference.

Consider your level

Explore the track grades on DOC's website to see what track grade is right for your skills. Make sure you have the strength, stamina and bike handling skills on local tracks, before attempting backcountry trips.

Take the basics to keep you comfortable and safe

What you take with you will make all the difference if something were to go wrong such as getting lost, delayed or injured. It pays to consider how these are packed on your person and bike - our Pack for an Overnight Mountain Bike Trip video is an excellent start.

Mountain Biking Essentials:

Waterproof Jacket
Helmet
Tool Kit
Headtorch and Lights
Cellphone or Emergency Communications device
Warm Clothing (Not Cotton)
Small survival kit + First Aid Kit
Map and compass/GPS
Hat and Gloves
Water and Food

Overnighter:

Emergency shelter
Hut tickets
Cooking and eating equipment
Sleeping bag and sleeping mat

pdf Basic Gear List for outdoors pdf – 207 KB

or you can find more on our Supplies section.

On your ride

Respect others on the track and follow the Mountain Bikers Code

Be aware of the weather - you can learn how to do this on our weather page
Take your time - enjoy the ride, take breaks to eat and drink - check on the group.
Stick together - try to stay within sight of each other, wait for each other at track junctions and communicate along the way. Put the most experienced person at the back of your group.
Stay alert - are you running late? When will it get dark? Do you know where you are on the track?
Avoid crossing rivers - if you are not experienced, choose a track that have bridges. If circumstances change, you can always turn back.