The club at the start of the 42 Traverse in 2009
These rides are where we get away from the big smoke and enjoy some of the country’s best trails. From the sweet flowing singletrack of Rotorua to epic back-country adventures like Moerangi or the 42 Traverse, these rides are not to be missed. They’re usually limited to a set number of riders so pencil them into your diary and sign up quick to secure your place!
Ride Schedule 2013
Last updated: 4/02/2013
5-7th April - Timber Trail – Pureora
One of the latest additions to NZ cycle trails network is Pureora’s Timber Trail. DOC has been working on this project for over three year and the result is fantastic. Trail start in Pureora village and climbs 400m to just below the summit of Mt Pureora to 1000m elevation. Nothern part is on new trails and follows old logging roads to the second longest single span bridge in NZ. From here the trail continues along an old tramline used for transporting logs to the sawmill in Ongarue. That also means that this part of the trail is on very easy downhill sloping grade all the way to the end. In total it is around 85km so need to be reasonably fit and ready for a long day. Trails are grade 2 to 3 therefore suitable for most riders.
We will stay in Pureora Village (cabin or camping) for Friday and Saturday night right at the start if the trail. Shuttle will be organized to take us from end of the trail back to Pureora on Saturday. Options for Sunday are Cambridge trails, other Pureora Trails or anything else in the area.
Register your interest at events@aucklandmtb.co.nz. Get in early as spaces on shuttle are limited!!!!
Cost $80 for members, $100 for non-members. (includes shuttle and accommodation)
Schedule 2012
Last updated: 4/11/2012
21st/22nd January - Skills clinic weekend in Rotorua
We are running a weekend down in the Redwood Forest to get some mountain bike skills training from MTB Skills Clinics and get a ride in too.
Saturday we will do the Phundamentals training from 09:00 to 14:00 any maybe have a chance to practice after the course. On Sunday we will put our newly-honed skills into practice with a good ride in the forest, before heading home mid afternoon.
There is also the possibility of running a Trailmaster course on Sunday for any of you who have already done the Phundamentals course and want to advance your skills. Let us know if you are keen.
We will stay at the Thermal Holiday Park in Rotorua. They offer a 10% discount for Auckland Mountain Bike Club members and have a variety of bunk rooms, cabins and tent spots, plus free hotpools. Book in for Friday and Saturday evenings if you can get down after work on Friday.
The Phundamentals course will cost about $70 (heavily discounted price for club members), but places are numbered. We will be making the booking soon, so get in touch quick. The first to e-mail Aidan to secure a spot will get in.
Waitangi Long Weekend, 3rd – 6th February
Rerekapa and Bridge To Nowhere
Don’t know what to do on Waitangi long weekend? This is what Auckland Mountain Bike Club has got for you!
- Friday 3.2.2012 – drive to Mokau Campground (3.5h from Auckland)
- Saturday 4.2.2012 – Rerekapa and Moki Track – 48km ride (transfer to Raetihi approx. 2h away)
- Sunday 5.2.2012 – Bridge to Nowhere – 38km ride and return on jet boat
- Monday 6.2.2012 – heading back to big smoke – will stop for short 17km ride at Tree Trunk Gorge
Rerekapa Track and Moki Track, Taranaki
Rerekapa Falls
The Rerekapa trundles through a mix of woolly farm country and bush blocks taking a mysterious route into the back of beyond. While the Moki Track has a bit of a reputation for not existing, this may have been due to its impassable state for many years and the fact that it doesn’t join up on the topo map.
Moki Tunnel
The Moki Track starts out innocently enough following the Waitara River then crosses it and reverts to 4WD rocks and ruts. A collapsing tunnel bypasses the snaking river with the track continuing to the edge of the semi-developed undulating farmland. Benched single-track heads into bush where DOC has repaired and reopened the bridges and structures. This section provides some of the most enjoyable riding in the area with lots of technical lumps, bumps, bridges and beautiful bush. Exit into farmland and follow your nose out to the gravel road with a couple of Ks to join up the loop. These two tracks can be done in isolation but are best joined to make a round trip.
Grade 3-4, 48km loop, map
Bridge to Nowhere, Whanganui National Park
Bridge To Nowhere
This is a remote jungle ride into the heart of Whanganui National Park. The track travels through some abandoned returned servicemen farm settlements to an old art deco concrete bridge that goes, well, nowhere. It finally reaches the Whanganui River at Mangapurua Landing. Thick regenerating bush covers the hills with massive tree ferns down to the Mangapurua Stream. The river has cut deep into the papa clay to form what looks almost like an alien canal while the track sidles precariously above it in places. It is 38km long track with option to add another 40km ride from Raetihi to the start of Mangapurua track.
We will have JETBOAT organized at Mangapurua Landing and we will jet you and your bike to Pipiri and bus back to Raetihi. Joe operates the Bridge to Nowhere shuttles and Jetboat and offered 10% discount for club members.
Grade 3, 38km, map
Tree Trunk Gorge, Volcanic Plateau – south of Lake Taupo
The Tree Trunk Gorge track weaves through native forest, dealing out a steep little climb, picturesque river ford and three wooden bridges en route. You can also check out the Pillars of Hercules before biking down to the Poutu Intake on the Tongariro River.
Grade 3, 17km, map
Join us for all 3 days or any of the rides. Spaces are limited so if you are interested or have any questions please email Tad.
Saturday 17th March – Wires Road
Wires Track
This is one of the closest back-country rides to Auckland, starting from near Paeroa. Great challenging riding in the Coromandel Range with a mix of rough climbs and tricky descents, plus there are great views overlooking Whangamata and the Bay of Plenty.
Grade 3, approx 25km 2-3 hours, expect to do a little pushing…
Plan is to meet in Paeroa at 10:00am, opposite the L&P Bottle and go from there.
Not to be missed!
To sign up for this one email Hayden and he will add you to the list.
Saturday 18th August – Karapito, Waikato River Trail
This has been cancelled due to trail closure. Sorry!
16-18th November – Motu Trails
Pakihi Swingbridge – photo by Jamie Troughton
Driving down to Opotiki on the Friday, riding the 90km Motu Trail loop (which finishes with 20km of downhill on the epic Pakihi Track 
) on the Saturday and topping the weekend off with a ride at the new Rainbow Mountain track in Rotorua on the Sunday.
We are offering this as a package deal, made up of:
- Two nights’ accommodation at Bushaven Lodge (Friday and Saturday nights). Bushaven is conveniently located close to the end of the Pakihi Track in a stunning bush setting.
- A meal after the ride on the Saturday evening . Something along the lines of home kill beef, wild pork, all the trimmings, roast and boiled spuds, veggies. macaroni cheese, salad, bread and pudding, all on the table and help yourself.
The costs for this are:
- Members: $79
- Non-members: $99
Bushaven also offer a shuttle service to the top of Motu Hill, which cuts out out much of the distance and climbing from the ride. The cost for this is between $50 and $65, depending on numbers. If you want to take this option you will pay Bushaven directly on the day but please tick the box when signing up so we know how many people want to take this option.
For those who are keen, on the Sunday we intend to drive home via Rotorua to check out the new Rainbow Mountain Trails (read this review by Woodhill’s Haydz). There is also the option of riding the short (13km return) Te Waiti track which starts at Bushaven.
The ride is limited to 30 riders and entries close Friday 9th November.
If you have any questions please email us.
18-20th January 2013 – Gt Barrier Island
Simon Yates has kindly volunteered to lead this ride on stunning Great Barrier Island. 90km of riding over two days made up of 25km singletrack, 15km 4WD track and 50km gravel/sealed roads. The plan is to catch the ferry on the Friday evening staying in Tryphena, Saturday night in Fitzroy area then ferry back Sunday evening.
The ferry has limited bike capacity and this ride is now fully booked. To add your name to the reserve list please email us.
