MTB lovers worldwide are all too aware of NZ’s rapidly burgeoning reputation as a MTB lover’s paradise, with world class trails scattered evenly through both the North and South Islands.

NZ can be ridden all year round, with many tracks almost tailor made for wintery conditions.

Haka Tours locked their expert MTB guides in a room, and only let them out when they had agreed a top 5. It took them 3 days, but finally they emerged with the tracks listed here.

THE REDWOODS WHAKAREWAREWA FOREST

Located in Rotorua this baby ticks all the boxes with its 130km trail network attracting thousands of riders each year. Lush native ferns, inspiring forest canopies make this an awe inspiring location where it’s you and your bike versus nature.

What makes The Redwoods special is that the land is predominately made up of volcanic rock, which means that even in heavy rains, the grounds drain away very quickly and meaning you can keep on riding. This is the reason why epic riding all us available all year round and Haka Tours spend 2 days there on their 7 day North Island Trailer Hunter Tour.

THE 42 TRAVERSE

Some people call this the greatest one day MTB ride in the North Island, and our guides all agreed. Named after State Forest 42, head south from Taupo and prepare for big day of riding.

Confronting uphills (you’ll climb around 500 metres in total) and blood pumping downhills, they have it all, including views of three famous NZ volcanoes – Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe (better known as Mt Doom in the Lord of the Rings films).

Gravel, mud and the odd hot stream crossing are all on offer, not to mention heaps of natural, vibrant green native bush that will see you work up a decent sweat.

Haka Tours Tip: End your day by soaking your muscles in the nearby Tokaanu hot springs with a cold beverage.

QUEENSTOWN BIKE PARK

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world, and offers more adrenaline activities per square mile than pretty much anywhere. For MTB lovers hitting the South Island this includes the Queenstown Bike Park.

Take your trusty steed and jump on board the gondola then stop, and admire the view. Then get on ya bike and take on the Ben Lomond forest on the way down. This gondola accessed gravity park is a firm favourite for our guides, with a ton of tech trails, heaps of jumps and some super-fast downhill tracks. Talk about spoilt for choice!

FLAT TOP HILL

This little gem, deep in the South Island may does not yet feature on many ‘best of’ lists, but for those in the know, such as our expert MTB guides, no trip to the South Island is complete without stopping at Alexandra.

Get yourself to Flat Top Hill and meet what we think is the South Island’s best kept secret. Desolate remoteness and the fact this is well and truly off the beaten track will make you feel like you’ve reached the end of the earth. On the way you’ll also pass remnant of mines dating back over 100 years.

Though the riding can be taxing, it’s worth the effort

Haka Tours Tip: Don’t forget your camera ☺

DUN MOUNTAIN

Near the top of the South Island is Nelson, known locally as the place that receives the most hours of sunshine in the whole of NZ, and all of our guides agree this is the most accessible back country alpine trail in NZ with the added bonus of being on the doorstop of golden beaches.

Starting at Codgers, you’ll ascent over 800 metres of Dun Mountain, right along NZ’s oldest railway line, and taking in views to die for. Our favourite are the views of Tasman Bay, where the sunshine sparkles on the water.

You’ll need some decent fitness levels and allow a whole day, but it’s worth it, and when you’re done be sure to head to one of the many stunning beaches in Abel Tasman National Park.

So that’s the Haka Tours top 5. We’ve ridden ‘em all and you can too – just get on board for your New Zealand MTB trip of a lifetime.