Kaikōura offers a variety of spectacular mountain bike trails to explore the varied majestic landscapes from rugged coastlines to mountain ranges. There are tracks for all levels of experience ranging from casual family trails to challenging climb adventures. Biking in Kaikōura is seen as an excellent way get around town, explore the area with its varied landscapes and for the more experienced a way to get a full workout.
The tracks are ride-able all year around with exceptions depending on weather conditions. Bike with comfortable layered clothes and suitable warm gear in winter as weather can change fast and unexpectedly.
For more information on tracks or mountain bike/ e-bike rentals please visit the Coastal Sports. Further details about the tracks and maps can be found on the Kaikōura Cycling Club website.
KAIKŌURA TRAIL MAP DOWNLOAD
Kowhai River Bike Trail
Track distance: 17.7km single way
Start location: Mt Fyffe carpark
The Kowhai has been a community project built by keen cyclists and volunteers. It suits most riders of average ability, though it is a proper mountain bike trail that does have some roots, rocks and obstacles so bike within your abilities and take care. The trail head starts at the South Bay turn off by the racecourse on State Highway 1. Look for the Kaikōura Cycle signage by the park bench and that leads to the limestone track. There is similar signage along the length of the trail. The trail follows its way along between the road and ocean to the Kowhai Bridge, here you duck under the bridge to avoid crossing the main highway. It’s recommended to walk your bike under, as it is a low and fairly loose trail. From there the trail follows a mix of single track and gravel stop bank riding to the Mt Fyffe car park.
MiddleHill MTB Park
At Middle Hill MTB they are focussed on creating and maintaining a solid range of intermediate to advanced trails (predominantly downhill). There is different terrain and trail types, for differing styles and abilities.
Track distance: Various trails
Start location: Middlehill MTB Park, Clarence, Kaikōura
40kms North of Kaikōura by the Clarence River is a MTB park called Middlehill. Open since Sept 2019, it's a new and exciting place to ride with shuttles to the top of some serious vertical, with various options for different abilities to come back down, this place is super fun. Genevieve and Morgan are your hosts on the hill, some of most bike mad people you’ll have the pleasure of meeting, bookings are essential so give them a ring or email and test some of the best gravity trails in New Zealand.
Read more on the MiddleHill MTB website.