The gates open around 7:30am and close after sundown, although the park is open everyday, for riding anytime. If the gate is shut, park safely nearby and ride in.

We encourage riders of all ages and abilities to have a go at riding on our trails. A lot of the tracks are constructed to be ‘family friendly’ which are suitable for all riders who can confidently ride a bike on 2 wheels including children and beginner riders. As well as the wider, flatter novice tracks, there are trails for advanced riders too including jumps and technical features. If you can ride on the Cycle Trails, you can ride here in the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park.

We would encourage riders to have a safe bike, ideally a mountain bike which has ‘fatter’ mountain bike tyres as opposed to a road bike or hybrid bike. Suspension also helps on the trails but is not a necessity. Make sure your tyres are inflated, your brakes work, all bolts tight and your bike has been safety checked or serviced by a bike mechanic before riding as injuries can happen if your bike is not safe to ride.

We do have an onsite bike hire facility (Paihia Mountain Bikes) which has quality bikes for rent including kids bikes, front suspension bikes, full suspension bikes and even electric mountain bikes. These can be rented for a half day or full day. Please contact the team on 0211878192 or info@paihiamountainbikes.co.nz if you would like to book a bike (highly advised during the busy summer and school holiday season).

The shuttle service in the mtb park takes riders and their bikes from the bottom of the tracks to the top of the tracks. This usually operates all school holidays, weekends and public holidays. It is a great way to stay out riding longer and save those legs. It is super popular with both families and hardcore riders alike. Shuttle tickets can be purchased onsite with cash or credit card from Paihia Mountain Bikes (the bike hire business) or from the shuttle driver with cash. See the facebook page for weather updates and https://paihiamountainbikes.co.nz/waitangi-mountain-bike-park-shuttle-service/ for more information on the shuttles.

Helmet, good shoes.

Hydration, cell phone, a map – if you are new to the forest.

Cell phone coverage is patchy in the low-lying areas of the park.

Our mechanics onsite at Paihia Mountain Bikes can often help with flat tyres and quick fixes while you are at the Waitangi MTB Park. Often during summer the mechanics are quite busy, so make sure your bike is ready to go when you get here!

No. Unfortunately we do not have access to water at the car park. There is only tank water for the café. Most accommodation providers offer bike wash facilities.

All of our staff are trained in first aid. There is also a Defibrilator located at the Car Park, on the fence near the toilet block. Doctors clinics are located in Paihia and Kerikeri. The closest hospital is Bay of Islands Hospital located in Kawakawa, 20 mins drive from the Park.

You can ride for as little or as long as you like on the tracks. Some riders will find 1hour of exploring plenty of time, whereas other riders will come back for 3 full days in a row! Most riders that hire a bike will ride for around a half day (3 to 4 hours including breaks, lunch stops and/or shuttle service rides)

Horse riders and walkers/hikers have shared use of the forestry roads. There are no hikers or horses allowed on mtb tracks.

Yes. Please be aware that we have an active kiwi population, so extra care is to be taken when riding at night. Remember the gate closes just after sundown, so if you are riding after dark, be sure to park on the outside of the gate before you head in.

Yes, there is a café onsite that is open on the weekends and throughout the school holidays.

No. Unfortunately we do not have access to water at the car park. There is only tank water for the café. Water bottles are available for sale at the café.

Yes

You get a Paper Map included for FREE when you Register to Ride or Trail Maps can be purchased at the following locations:

– Onsite from Park Office
– Bay of Islands iSITE Visitor Information Centre, Paihia Wharf
– Paihia Mountain Bike Rentals & Shuttles
– Bay Beach Hire

Yes. Trailmapps Waitangi App is a smartphone app that uses the smartphones inbuilt GPS to show you exactly where you are on a full colour zoomable map. Once you’ve downloaded the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, mobile data is not required to show your location on the map. GPS uses satellite for location not data.  The Trailmapps Waitangi App also has an Emergency location feature that shows the exact co-ordinates of your location on screen, so you can read them out to the 111 operator.  This works anywhere in the world (no data service is required).