Mountain Bike Trail Guide: Cycling Trails In Wanaka

Wanaka

Wanaka is known for its breath taking untouched scenery. With over 750kms of mountain bike tracks to choose from, there is something for everyone including plenty of family-friendly off-road trails by the lakes, rivers or through the forest.

Cross Country

Perfect bikes: Specialized Hardtail

Clutha River Outlet Track

36km return. Intermediate.

Witness spectacular scenery as the track follows the Clutha River from its start at the Lake Wanaka outlet to the finish at the Hikuwai Reserve in Albert Town. This stretch of the river is famous for trout fishing and popular with walkers. This track is a suitable cycling trail for the whole family.

Glendhu Bay Track

14km one way. Intermediate.

This bike track follows the shoreline of Lake Wanaka from Glendhu Bay to Wanaka. It passes through Kanuka forest and passes over undulating terraces above Lake Wanaka with a couple of steep sections that you may need to walk. There are some steep drop offs in places on the trail side so be careful. You will be rewarded with spectacular views in all directions.

Hawea River Track: Albert Town - Luggate River Ride

11km one way. Easy.

The Hawea River Track follows an easy gradient over river terraces and through kanuka groves as it links Lake Hawea township to Albert Town. This track is suitable for all ages and ability levels of bikers.

Trail Rides

Perfect bikes: Specialized Full Suspension

Deans Bank

11.5km loop. Intermediate.

Dean’s Bank is a must do trail for mountain bike enthusiasts visiting Wanaka. It is a purpose built, uni-directional cross-country loop track which weaves its way through typical Otago landscape. A selection of berms and tight corners appeal to intermediate mountain bikers, with easier riding options around rocks and other technical obstacles. All of the climbs are well-constructed switchback tracks and the downs flow nicely.

Sticky Forest

Intermediate.

Sticky Forest is a short pedal from town. The network of trails in the pine forest makes great use of limited elevation with over 20 tracks to choose from. Gentle switch back climbs, flowing smooth descents and even a jump line! The trails have been designed and built well so as to cater for and enjoyed by beginners and pros alike.

Downhill

Cardrona Bike Park

The Cardrona Bike Park features a variety of lift accessed downhill and cross country mountain bike trails for all ability levels. There is plenty to explore not only for hardcore downhill bike riders, but also for recreational riders and cycling families. There are freeride zones which allow skilled riders seeking an adrenaline rush to carve their own trails. These freeride zones will be similar to riding off-piste during winter. For the young ones, there is a designated kid’s bike park with small ride-on features to get them confident on two wheels.

Bike Rental

Need a bike rental? Outside Sports Queenstown and Wanaka have a huge range of this seasons latest bikes from Specialized. From kids to hard tails, road bikes, mountain bikes, including full suspension and downhill, we have it all! Enquire today.