Aotearoa – Distance: 2.7 KM | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: One of the longest tracks in the park AOTEAROA traverses the eastern perimeter of Zone 5 – it is a big ride and a great adventure!It Its starts off the end of TE PITO. If you are riding up TE RANGI HONONGA you can also access AOTEAROA from the lower road crossing at the TE RANGI HONONGA mid branch. The lowest alignment of the track, running east to west, provides the exit for all of the other tracks in Zone 5, so please be aware of trail merges. AOTEAROA was designed by Jeff Carter/Southstar Trails and was built in May 2017 by Ryan Lovett and Christian Burniston for Andrew Younger Contracting.

Trail name origin: Aotearoa (Ah-or-teh-ah-ror-ah)

We live in Aotearoa, paradise, heaven on earth. Long ago, a rich majesty was sown deep within the soil. Unseen by our physical eyes, its magnificent bounty forever swells up from beneath the land. I always wonder, for such a small population, how are we able to successfully compete on the world stage against gigantically over-sized countries? Our people are of like mind, hearts intertwined, talent galore, oozing with endless potential. Aotearoa is our home. We are the humble nation of proud champions. Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui.

Holland Days – Distance: 2.2km | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: This mellow grade 2, 2-way track runs parallel with Te Wairoa road and is the main access track to and from the carpark to all of the trails in the park. This track is 2-way, so please be courteous to other users. Built in stages by everyone in the Southstar Trailcrew between Dec 2015 and April 2016.

Trail name origin: Holland Track – An Example of Serving your Community – The Holland Whanau

The original concept to develop this Waitangi Mountain Bike Park project was proposed to Focus Paihia by husband and wife team, Robin & Tiff Holland. The momentous drive to see this park come to life has been phenomenal. It’s demanded commitment, endurance, determination, passion and mighty big hearts. The journey has brought together so many different strands of our community e.g. tribal custodians, trail builders, engineers, environmentalists, the business sector, charitable groups, local and central government agencies and an army of volunteers. Your children Freya & Thea missed you on days that you were away from home so they also deserve to be honored as well. The Holland Whanau epitomize the words success, high performance, walk the talk, service to the community and humility. Our Focus Paihia Community will always remember the Holland Days.

Holland Days Loop – Distance: 690m single side, 1.4km full loop | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description:  This part of forest is so beautiful it deserved more than just one single track so this section of Holland Days has been made into a family friendly loop. This two way track is gently flowing, never gaining or losing much altitiude but always keeping you on your toes.

Holland Days XTN – Distance: 500m | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: This two- way track is an extension of Holland Days, it leads in and out of Zone 4. Use this to access NGAAWARINUI. It also provides the exit for WAARAKI. Be aware of oncoming riders.

Hua Link – Distance: 1.4km | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description:

As an uphill this is a good access route from the carpark to get to the top of the hill for your first lap of the park.  As a downhill this is a fun flowy respite after the concentration required for the grade 5 trails that lead into this track.

Kaainga Kauri – Distance: 100m | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: Access this track from RUARANGI. A short climb provides a link to Mt Bledisloe Lookout where you will enjoy one of the best views in all of Pewhairangi and experience the tranquility of this beautiful location.

Trail name origin: Kaainga Kauri (Ky-eng-ah Kho-ree)
Within the tree kingdom of the Southern Hemisphere, the Kauri reigns supreme. According to Maori Elders, the Kauri emits a soundwave frequency that acts as a beacon for whales who pick up the signal via sonar receptors which then helps this giant marine species navigate our vast Southern Seas. Maori legend also proclaims the Kauri to be a God and the Northern Territories of Aotearoa is its special home or kaainga. Imagine 2000 years in to the future, the young Kauri currently established near this trail ride will eventually grow high above the ridgeline and dominate the skies, an awesome gift from beyond the realms of infinite potential. If we prevent land development from encroaching on its kaainga and the Waitangi Estate is carefully guarded or protected, then these giant Kauri will surely enjoy the best picturesque and panoramic views of the Bay of Islands coastline for many generations to come. To the kaitiaki of our kaainga, KIA KAHA!

Kahotea Loop – Distance: 4km | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: This is an easy rolling family style loop around a big swamp. The swamp was created by lava flowing from the domes within the park hundreds of years ago.  The lava cut off the ends of these valleys so they became swamps.  This track is 2-way, so please be courteous to other users.  Built by Lloyd Jenks & Rohan Alton of Southstar Trails for Focus Paihia Dec 2015.

Trail name origin: Kahotea Loop (Kah – hor – teh – ah) – Kahotea – White Plume Plant
An original place name. Kahotea is an abbreviation of Kakaho meaning long plant stalk and tea meaning white plume. Therefore, if you ever find yourself surrounded by a grassy plant that has a fluffy white plume on the top of a 2 metre long stalk, you are most likely to be in a place called, Kahotea.

Kiwi Flow – Distance: 1.4km | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: This is the easiest grade 2 descent in the park and is a great trail to take kids on for their first coasting downhill experience (after they have learnt to use their brakes!).  Built by Scott Taylor and Johnny Cash of Southstar Trails for Focus Paihia Feb 2016.

Trail name origin: Kiwi Flow (Key – wee) – Flow – The  K9 Kiwi Detective

Dear Flow, my K9 friend.
The Sun sets, darkness is my playground. Wake up, yell loud, I claim my territory.
Sharp scratchy claws rip tree logs apart, insect lunch menu.
Soft wetlands, worms underground, get to work long digging beak.
Daylight, retire to my burrow, brown feather camo, dream sleep talk.
Thanks for keeping me safe.
From Kiwi.

Magic Carpet – Distance: 1.1km | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: A beauty flowing grade 2 downhill track, nice mellow rollers and pump features, along with the odd wallride if you have the pace.  This is a great trail for beginner riders to learn descending skills. Built by Ryan Lovet and Martin Connell for Andrew Younger Contracting, Dec 2016.

Trail name origin: Magic Carpet
We are very lucky to have the best teams of mountain bike trail builders in the country. The crew have named this trail MAGIC CARPET. Ride it like a dream and you’ll fly this magic carpet too!

Mokopuna – Distance: 0.8km | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: This track is filled with fun swoopy turns, rollers and little jumps, without much gain or loss of elevation.  The perfect place to introduce new comers to mountain biking.

Trail name origin: Mokopuna (Moh – koh – puh – nah) – A Future Version of Self – The Next Generation
As an old Maori warrior with a tattooed face drinks water from a spring, his eye catches a flash of a mirror reflection. Moko = Maori Tattooed Face, Puna = Spring of Water. What does a Maori chief see reflecting in his Grandchildren? A Future Version of Self – The Next Generation. Our Legacies are the Treasures of our Grandchildrens Inheritance.

Ngaawarinui– The Big Easy.

Distance: 3.2km | Grade 2 – Easy

Basalt and scoria rocks line the path through this 3km loop. The climbs are mellow and the reward for each is a flowing decent down an all weather surfaced trail. There are smaller loop options within the larger loop so you can easily decrease or increase the distance of your ride.

For quicker and easier access in and out of Ngaawarinui/Zone 4, ride on Wairoa Road, using the Wairoa Road Link track at the western end of Holland Days to/from the Holland Days Xtn.

One of the key drivers of the WMBP project is the health and wellbeing of our region/nation. We want to encourage as many people into mountain biking as we can.  This IS already happening but we wanted to make WMBP even more accessible for everyone – to get all of our people out there, in nature, reaping the physical and mental benefits of this incredible resource.

Many have said that they would love to ride in the Park but are intimidated by the steep terrain or obstacles on the cross-country tracks, and even by their own perception of mountain biking. Enter the ZONE 4 FLATS!  The gently undulating low-lying land in Zone 4, north-east of the Te Puke Cones, lends itself perfectly to a cross-country utopia! Skilled riders will find the perfect training ground, while novice riders will find a place to gain confidence and have fun.

Ngaawarinui – The Big Easy. A common symbol located within the woven tukutuku panels of a Maori carved house is one that looks like stairways, its Maori name is Poutama which means to stand your child upright. This pattern depicts the journey of development, personal growth and lays out the pathway towards higher learning. All students are encouraged to study the basic building blocks of any subject then immediately go and apply those new skills to enable you to expand your inner levels of self esteem and confidence. Then on a gradient or step up, you advance to the next level which may be slightly more complex, then again repeating the elegant process of applying the knowledge to gain even more experience, proficiency and competency. NGAAWARINUI is the easiest ride in WMBP. It’s long, slightly undulateing, with a few simple challenges along the way, so this is the perfect start on your pathway towards a lifetime of higher learning.

Ruarangi – Distance: 2.8km  | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: This is the longest descent in the park and is between Kiwi Flow and Tuatara in difficulty. The top half is relatively mellow, but features some great berm corners. The bottom half edges towards grade 3 with faster sections and some tabletop jumps.  The big bridge at the bottom of this trail was built with help from the staff and materials from the local ITM store on Haruru Falls Rd.  Trail built by Ryan Lovett, Bastian Wenzel, Abe, Scott Taylor, Johnny Cash, Nick Crocker, Lloyd Jenks and Lance Tavinor of Southstar Trails for Focus Paihia.

Trail name origin: Ruarangi (Roo – ah – rah – ng – ee) – Twin Skies – The Lands Prehistoric Name
Soak up the beautiful scenery. In the early morning look into the peaceful eastern horizon. Where the blue above joins the blue below, there you will see the rays of sun shine light up the world, Te Hirihiri o Te Raa. Ruarangi is the name of an old house that once stood on the historic precinct of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Many centuries ago, a child named Te Raa was born within this house. It is recited by the grand elders that Te Raa is the founding ancestor of the Ngaati Raahiri tribe. The descendants of Te Raa exist today as caretakers of this land.

Taro Link: 370m | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: This little two way Taro Link track is vital for you getting into or out of Zone 3.

Te Pito – Distance: 186m | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: A nice flowing grade 2 that you can pump your way through without a pedal stroke. This fun link track leads you to the start of KARUWHA, RARURARU, HE WHAKAPUTANGA 1835 and AOTEAROA.

Trail name origin: Te Pito (Teh – Pee – toh) 

Whilst in the womb, our source of life is via the umbilical cord connecting our pito or naval region to our mother. Severing that physical line at birth provides independence for both mother and child, but this does not mean to say we are entirely separated, as there will always be a lifelong emotional attachment to our mother that will continue to grow energetically within TE PITO.

Te Raawhiti – Distance: 440m | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: The eastern split of the Zone 3 climbing track takes you back up to the top of Te Ara Kaanihi.   The track features a couple of steeper switchbacks and short pinches, but it’s typically rideable for an intermediate rider. Built by Ryan Lovett and Martin Connnell for Andrew Younger Contracting.

Trail name origin: Te Raawhiti (Teh –Raah – fee – tee)

If you are ever lost on land here in Aotearoa an easy way to find your bearings is by looking for TE RAAWHITI, the rising sun. Once you locate east, then just go over the hill, straight for a bit then follow the coastline. You will end up in TE RAAWHITI, a serene place situated in the eastern Bay of Islands.

Tuatara – Distance: 1.5km | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: This is the first trail built in the Waitangi MTB Park, it’s a little harder than Kiwi Flow, so beginners ride that trail first.  This is a brakes off fun fast descent using the full height available in the park.  Built by Rohan Alton & Scott Taylor of Southstar Trails for Focus Paihia Oct 2015.

Trail name origin: Tuatara (Two – ah – tah – rah) – Native Spiny Back Reptile
The Tuatara once walked with giant Dinosaurs. Its longevity to live to an age of up to 100 years is why it is acknowledged as an accumulator of knowledge and a wise master of the physical and spiritual realms. Maori Priests of the Highest Order with well developed psychic abilities had a deep intrinsic connection to the Tuatara as, like man, it has a third eye of its own.

Upper Link – Distance: 140m | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: This one way track will get you from the Sky Summit of Zone 3 down to the start of the Zone 5 trails.

Waaraki – Distance: 2.4km | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: Take in the stunning views of the Bay of Islands as you huss down this 2.4km trail littered with perfect cupping berms and rollers that have you floating and popping all the way down. It is one of the longest downhill runs in the park and you can reach speeds of up to 40 kmph. Built by Ryan Lovet and Martin Connell for Andrew Younger Contracting Feb 2017.

Trail name origin: Waaraki (Waah – rah – kee )
Whakapapa is of primary importance to Maori. It represents a layer of generations upon another layer. Reciting your genealogy or whakapapa is a way of acknowledging your ancestral lineage, blood lines and kinship ties to close family relatives. For example, in the early 1800’s a chief named Waaraki once resided upon these lands where the trees stand within the Waitangi Endowment Forest. Waaraki’s ancestry connected him to many famous Bay of Island tribes or hapu such as Ngai Tahuhu, Ngati Awa, Ngati Tautahi, Ngai Tawake, Ngati Pou, Ngati Hineira, Ngati Rangi and many others. However, despite his close affiliations to all these strong and noble tribes, Waaraki secured his seniority in Waitangi via the status of his grandfather Kauteawha who was a well known Waitangi chief of the Ngati Rahiri tribe.

Wairoa Bay Track– Distance: 950m | Grade 2 – Easy

The WAIROA BAY TRACK provides a spectacularly scenic route from Tau Henare Drive down to Wairoa Bay and the WMBP entrance. The track is 2-way, surfaced, has amazing views and is a brilliant way to start any adventure in the park for any level of rider. Enjoy the ride up from town along the waterfront, over the Waitangi Bridge on Tau Henare Drive, through the golf course with magnificent views, then enjoy the descent on the WAIROA BAY TRACK, through shady native forest, with yet more stunning views.

There is a stand of kauri tree towards the bottom of the track. To help prevent the spread of Kauri Dieback Disease please use the HYGIENE STATION as you ENTER the track. (It is not required as you exit the track). It only takes a few minutes to SCRUB, CHECK, SPRAY. Hang the front of your bike seat over the rail and use the brushes provided to brush off any loose dirt, check your work and then spray your tyres with the Sterigen provided. Enjoy these beautiful trees but please stay on the track.

Wairoa Road Link– Distance: 30m | Grade 2 – Easy

This short link track provides access to Te Wairoa Rd from the western end of HOLLAND DAYS – For those looking for a quicker or easier route in and out of the bottom of Zone 3 & Zone 4. Bikes are not allowed on Bledisloe Rd, please keep off. Use HOLLAND DAYS and the WAIROA RD LINK track to access Te Wairoa Rd.

Bon Appetit – Distance: 780m | Grade 4 – Advanced

Trail Description: Bon Appetit is a warm salutation before someone is about to eat  – this trail being a riders feast, prepared for us by Southstar’s talented French trail builder, Gabriel Tebib. It features some tight switch backs to start before opening out into more grade 4 advanced descending.

Down and Out – Distance: 820m | Grade 3 – Intermediate

Trail Description: 

This track was built to provide an intermediate grade 3 alternative to the last 1/3 of the Grade 2 Ruarangi Track.  It features some of the best linking berms in the park, it’s really fun to drive hard through the turns and spring into the next one like a skier/snowboarder.

Basically this track runs you Down and Out, but its name is something you’ll certainly never be if you are in the WMBP!

He Whakaputanga 1835 – Distance: 535m | Grade 4 – Advanced

Trail Description: This was the 1st trail built in this section of Zone 5 and with all the pink markers everywhere it took the trail crew a while to work out what was what. But they soon did and created a fast flowing ride, tricky jumps, plenty of airtime opportunities and lots of split lines .The more you ride this trail the more it makes sense. Built by Ryan Lovett and Martin Connell of Andrew Younger Contracting, May 2017

Trail name origin: He Whakaputanga (Heh-Fa-kah-puh-tah-ngah)
Claimed by Maori to be their stamp of authority, He Whakaputanga O Te Rangatiratanga O Nu Tireni 1835, or the Declaration of Independence, remains legally uncontested as the foundational document to the Sovereignty of our nation. Signed on the 28th of October 1835, in Waitangi, this piece of history is shaking off outdated views that Maori were merely an uncivilised race. Advancing the interests of the Maori economy, the Ngapuhi chief Hongi Hika travels to England in the year 1820 to form a binding agreement with King George IV by shaking hands on a promise. Foreign impacts upon Maori trade and independence in Aotearoa compels a collective of Ngapuhi chiefs in 1831 to petition King William IV, eliciting his position. Thus, James Busby is directed to set up as the British Resident in New Zealand. New South Wales officials then impound the cargo from a Maori trading vessel for innocently flying a flag that overlooked legal registration in Aotearoa. This situation prompts the Ngapuhi chiefs to assemble as a collective on the 20th of March 1834, in front of James Busby’s British Residence, for the purposes of adopting a national trading flag designated and formally gazetted as the Flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand, Te Kara. Birthing in to an infant state, the Ngapuhi chiefs unite in their collective capacity on the 28th of October 1835, again in front of James Busby’s British Residence. This event culminates with the signing of He Whakaputanga O Te Rangatiratanga O Nu Tireni 1835. A year later, Britain’s Parliament ratifies this sovereign declaration and formally recognizes the legalization of the Maori Nation.

Hookioi – Distance: 1km | Grade 4 – Advanced

Trail Description: This grade 4 trail built by  Gab Tebib of Southstar Trails, has some never-before seen features, such as the ‘Dirt Skinny’ and ‘Gab’s knobs’ these moon shaped humps can be rolled, or doubled or tripled.  Trail Designer Jeff Carter named this his favourite track in the park after his first run down “there are lots of features, but everything flows together really nicely, and I came out the bottom hooting and hollering!”

Trail name origin: Hookioi (Hor – kee – or – ee)
This red feather chested giant bird with a 6 meter wing span is said to have been the largest eagle to ever live, the Haast Eagle. A dinosaur like predator that dominated the skies of Aotearoa, it initially hunted adult Moa which were 2 meters tall. Swooping down and attacking with force, the HOOKIOI would first stun or shock its target with a haunting scream then dig its tiger sharp claws to into its prey. Once it had a firm grip it would then rise up hundreds of meters like a helicopter and then drop its casualty which died on impact. Eventually it started feasting on humans. Maori ancestors were in awe of this killing machine. Its greatest ability was having radar vision that enabled it to hunt under the cover of darkness. Hence why the first International Maori rugby team put on the black jersey, to absorb the fierce warrior qualities of the HOOKIOI.

Kao Kao Chaos – Distance: 2.2km | Grade 3 – Intermediate

Trail Description: This fast intermediate trail features lots of hips, jumps and rollers.  Built by Scott Taylor and Gaby Tebib of Southstar Trails for Focus Paihia Feb 2016

Trail name origin: Kao Kao Chaos (Kah – or – Kah – or) – Beware The Spirit of Kao Kao
Multitudes have perished to ultimately cross the sacred veil which separates life from death. Only untouchable memories hidden in the land to remember them by. Respect the land and the land shall respect you. The wise ones will heed these words, those who ignore the warning shall pay the price. Beware the Spirit of Kao Kao.

Karuwha – Distance: 445m | Grade 4 – Advanced

Trail Description: A bit of a jeckle and hyde, this trail has some of the most well groomed features in the forest and in between these a seething floor of anaconda tree roots. Built by Ryan Lovett and Martin Connell of Andrew Younger Contracting, June 2017

Trail name origin: Karuwha (Kah – roo – fa)
There are always two sides to a story. Church Missionary Society member, Henry Williams, arrived to Paihia in 1823. The Maori had never seen a person wearing spectacles or glasses before so they bestowed upon Henry Williams the affectionate name Karuwha, Four Eyes. Throughout history there’s been major controversy around the interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi 1840. Karuwha, who was delegated the key responsibility of translating the Treaty from English in to Maori, still receives heavily weighted criticism to this very day. However, in an uncanny way of balancing the scales, valuable information has reached the surface to bring about a powerful revelation that will restore our nations confidence in the real intention behind why the Maori and British agreed in good faith to the Treaty of Waitangi 1840. The truth will always prevail. May God bless us all.

Kune Kune – Distance: 1.2km | Grade 3 – Intermediate

Trail Description: 

Another stand-out trail for zone 3, built by Scott Taylor & Cameron Dodd Dec 2016, Scott’s 18 months of trail building experience with Southstar Trails have culminated in what he considers his best trail yet “I’ve put the digger in places I never thought it could go to get this trail in, I’m really proud of it”.  The best turn on the trail is down in the native gully where you can get super high on the natural clay wall and swoop down through the corner generating huge speed for the next section.  There’s also a sneaky triple roller near the end that Scott challenges you to go for the triple jump on.

Trail name origin: Kune Kune (Coo – neh – coo – neh )

Highly prized by Maori, a KUNEKUNE is a rare pig breed introduced to Aotearoa within the last 200 years. The word kunekune simply means plump which helps us to identify this pigs distinctive characteristics i.e. short-legs with a round appearance. Its lower jaw tassels also makes it unique. At the bottom of this mountain bike trail is Taro Rd. This is a place where Maori were known to harvest Polynesian taro to feed their KUNEKUNE.

100% NATIVE – Distance: 850m | Grade 4 – Advanced

Trail Description: 

This trail begins at the highest point of Zone 5. A steep start shoots you down a fast flowing trail cut the full length through native bush.  There is plenty going on to keep things interesting all the way down. Ride this trail over and over to learn the line for maximum enjoyment. The jumps are sharp and the track has attitude. Be sure to call on the steely nerves of your Tupuna.

Trail name origin:

100% NATIVE – in setting, thought and feeling.

Ngaa Puhi Challenge – Distance: 1.4km | Grade 4 – Advanced

Trail Description: This is the most challenging track built as part of the first stage of the Waitangi MTB Park.  Built by Ryan Lovett and Johnny Cash of Southstar Trails November 2015.

Trail name origin: Ngaa Puhi Challenge (Ngah – puh – hee) – Ngaa Puhi – The Tribe of Fierce Warriors
With subtropical climate, volcanic soil, fresh water springs, large Kauri forests, sandy gold beaches, mineral hot pools, rich sea life and scenes of paradise, many drool with envy for the Northern lands. Forever on guard is the battle hardened Ngaa Puhi tribe – The Tribe of Fierce Warriors. For those daring to challenge Ngaa Puhi’s territorial status, prepare to fight to the death.

Ngaa Toki – Distance: 550m | Grade 5 – Expert

Trail Description: Ngaa Toki is an untamed beast with roots running across off camber terrain, with steep chutes that belong on a downhill track. The trail descends through a mix of natural and hand built sections and is definitely the track to ride if you like it spicy! Advanced riders only! Designed by Jeff Carter/Southstar, hand-built by Ryan Lovett & Christian Burniston of Andrew Younger Contracting.

Trail name origin: Ngaa Toki (Nar-tor-kee) – The Adzes
When held in the hands of a Chief during public ceremonies, the adze enhances the holders status as a builder of nations. As a functional tool the adze is utilized to fashion wood. Back in Polynesia 1000 years ago, the great navigator Kupe who discovered Aotearoa, used two famous adzes named Tauira Ata and Ngaa Pakitua to reshape his original waka Mata-Whao-Rua. On completion of this re-adzing, Kupe’s waka was renamed Ngaa-Toki-Mata-Whao-Rua. At this point Nukutawhiti then inherits the captaincy of this readzed waka from his ancestor Kupe and sets sail on the long voyage from Polynesia to the Hokianga. This legendary story is hugely important here in the North as all members of the Ngaa Puhi tribe trace their blood line directly to Nukutawhiti and the ancestral waka Ngaa-Toki-Mata-Whao-Rua. This also explains why the worlds largest Maori war canoe, built in 1940 and currently situated at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, carries this 1000 year old name Ngaa-Toki-Mata-Whao-Rua.

Pakonga – Distance: 830m | Grade 4 – Advanced

Trail Description: Hell-yea! Big tabletop jumps will have you learning to scrub, whip and turndown in no-time.  Even though this is grade 4 trail, all the jumps are rollable and we suggest you roll down slowly first run, check the jumps out and then do a few runs gradually going bigger landing on the tops of the tables, until you are successful in back-siding the landings – that’s when this trail really starts to flow together.   Built by Lloyd Jenks, Charlie Makea, Scott Taylor & Cameron Dodd of Southstar Trails, Feb 2017.

Trail name origin: Pakonga (Pah – kor – ngah)
A name found in the lands historic record “Pakonga”. Translated as a loud bang similar to that of a shot gun being fired off. When riding down this Grade 4 trail, imagine a mad man pointing his shot gun with 2 smoking barrels, this will give you crazy courage to handle this high intensity track.

Raruraru – Distance: 636m | Grade 3 – Intermediate

Trail Description: 

A high speed trail with technical jump sections to keep you on your toes, ending with 8 big inter linking berms to finish on a high note. Built by Ryan Lovett and Martin Connell of Andrew Younger Contracting, June 2017

Trail name origin: Raruraru (Rah-roo-rah-roo )

Part of our human experience on this planet will include conflict, problems and the usual drama of life. Maori refer to this as raruraru. However, as we are all here to grow and evolve, the software built in to our DNA, is available to help with the development of infinite solutions. Life’s challenges are very real but when your mind overcomes the matter, things get easier and your life force quotient accelerates tenfold. Remember, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel.

Rough & Ready – Distance: 700m | Grade 4 – Advanced

Trail Description: As the trail construction moves into zone 5, the trailcrews are looking for new and innovative features for these trails. Zone 5 is unique in the Waitangi MTB Park as it has relatively gentle slopes, this means the trail builders have the opportunity to leave some sections of ground au-natural, and bench in where there is steeper side slopes. This grade 4 trail is a really interesting mix of off-camber natural trail sections with roots (shock roots!), interspersed with digger cut clay benches that act like catchers, allowing riders to apply pressure through their tyres, rebounding up onto the next section of natural ground. This dance of weighting and unweighting the bike is a fun skill to develop, and critical for riders wanting to progress to more difficult trails. Built by Lloyd Jenks and Charlie Makea of Southstar Trails, April 2017.

Te Ara Kaanihi – Distance: 1.4km | Grade 3 – Intermediate

Trail Description: This is an awesome grade 3 flow style track with tabletop jumps, hips and rollers. It starts off of Tuatara and ends near the bottom of Bledisloe Rd.  Built by Lloyd Jenks and Gaby Tebib of Southstar Trails for Focus Paihia in March 2016.

Trail name origin: Te Ara Kaanihi (Teh – ah – rah – kah – nee – hee)
An ancient place name that has survived the ravages of time, Te Ara Kaanihi. Of strategic value is its high peak feature. Imagine warriors standing above on alert scouting the land and sea for intruders or trespassers. The network of pathways connecting to this vantage point is a clue to understanding the meaning of its name, Te Ara Kaanihi – The Woven Cross Roads.

Te Aranga Hou – Distance: 630m | Grade 4 – Advanced

Trail Description: This high speed grade 4 descent has plenty of features to keep you entertained on multiple runs. There’s lots of jumps to try for, and plenty of hips to practice your tail whips.  If you’re easily clearing all the jumps on Te Ara Kaanihi then graduate to this trail and keep improving. Mostly built by Gab Tebib and finished by Lloyd Jenks for Southstar Trails Jan 2017.

Trail name origin: Te Aranga Hou (Teh – Ah – rah – ngah – Ho)
Words are a powerful expression of the mind, heart and soul. Within both the Maori oral traditions and written literature there are great prophecies which speak of the vast potential that exists within the people of today’s time era. Te Aranga Hou means The New Pathway – Awaken Light Being to seek inner peace, earth healing, unification of the rainbow races and a return to our Creators divine unconditional love.

Te Corner – Distance: 980m | Grade 5 – Expert

Trail Description: The first expert level grade 5 track to be built in the Waitangi MTB Park, this track is much steeper than other tracks in the park. It features drops, gap jumps, and steep dropping banked turns.  Compared with other grade 5 trails around NZ, there’s not a huge amount of vertical height available in the Waitangi MTB Park, so the track is all over quicker than a teenager on prom night.  That being said it’s still a really enjoyable trail and worth the climb up! For the first run down we suggest you go slowly and check out all the jumps before boosting a full speed run.

Trail name origin: Te Corner

Life seems easy when you’re young. As you get older more and more twists and turns appear. The adventure is full of ups and downs and after travelling a long, straight and narrow road finally turning a huge bend in TE CORNER generally tends to accelerate greater periods of growth and heightened awareness. Don’t hold back on this exhilarating Grade 5 ride, let the adrenaline pump thru your veins. ALL YOURS RIO, SMASH IT BRO! 

Waitangi Roller Coaster – Distance: 890m | Grade 3 – Intermediate

Trail Description:  Are you ready to scream?  Are you ready to feel the G-forces? Roll up and prepare to enter the Waitangi Roller Coaster.  If you’re not hollering when you roll out then check yourself into a mental asylum right now – this track is one of the most awesome in the park!  It’s an evolution of both fun and swooping rolls from the Grade 3’s in Zone 2.  A big thanks to Scott Taylor and Cameron Dodd from Southstar Trails for creating this masterpiece trail.

WAITANGI MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK PUMP TRACK

The PUMP TRACK is the perfect place to enhance your biking and pumping skills. Located at the trail hub car park.  All ages can hit this track and it has fast become a hot favourite! For spectators many an hour can be spent hanging at the café, drinking coffee, watching riders have the time of their lives. The WMBP Pumptrack is the only one of it’s kind in NZ to sport, not only one bowl, but two! 

This awesome facility was generously created and donated to Waitangi Mountain Bike Park – shaped by RYAN LOVETT for ANDREW YOUNGER CONTRACTING, with material donated by BROADSPECTRUM PUKETONA QUARRY, transported by ANDREW YOUNGER CONTRACTING and MAHALO TRANSPORT. ANDY GRIERSON was back again doing the sign and rail installs FOC for us too. Their continued support and commitment helps make this a world class facility for our region.

Atawhai – Distance: 1km | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: A manuka and punga tree lined trail that gently climbs its way to the top of Zone 5 without a single pinch. It weaves its way through the tall pines that shade you from the sun – a perfect climb in Summer.

Trail name origin: Atawhai (Ah-tah-fai)

This Maori word encourages all to journey along the pathway towards inner peace which will inevitably enable you, the master of one’s own being, to exemplify the atawhai essence of kindness, love and care for all life within your sphere of influence.

Hua Hill – Distance: 450m | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description:  Mellow gradient climbing trail that gets you back up to Taane and on up to the top for another lap.

Trail name origin: Hua Hill (Hu-ah Hill)

The word ‘Hua’ is classic Kiwi slang. It’s very similar to another Kiwi slang word ‘Humbug’. The commonality between the two words boils down to mean an activity whereby a person exerts serious feelings of frustration. In this context it may relate to the extra effort required to apply more muscle power when mountain bike climbing HUA HILL. What were you really thinking Steve McManus?

On the Up – Distance: 930m | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: A climbing trail that provides shelter from the sun and has created a good link when exiting Zone 3, with still a little fuel in the tank for just one more run before heading back to the carpark. This track links up and onto the main Zone 2 Taane’s Climb.  Please use this trail rather than Bledisloe Road which is signposted for NO BIKES due to forestry traffic.

Sky Link – Distance: 100m | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: This one way track will get you from the summit of Zone 5 up to the top of Te Rangi Hononga and the Sky Summit of Zone 3

Taane’s Climb -Distance: 1km | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: This is the main climbing trail for Zone 2 to get riders back up to the top of the hill, it’s a nice easy consistent gradient for spinning back up.  This trail is one-way uphill.

Trail name origin: Taane’s Climb (Tah – neh) – The Maori God Taane Ascends the Heavens to Attain the Sacred Baskets of Knowledge
This story encourages the pursuit of excellence. Taane’s 3 baskets or kete contain pearls of ancient wisdom. Kete Tuaatea holds knowledge relating to the Source of Existence, the Era Beyond Thought, Time and Space. Kete Tuauri is about the Evolution of the Void, the Maori Genesis, Genealogies of all Living Things. Kete Aronui is the Realm of Mankind’s Sense Perceptions, Heaven on Earth, the Present.

Te Rangi Hononga – Distance: 2.2km | Grade 2 – Easy

Trail Description: This is the main climbing trail for Zone 3, it starts down by the swamp and climbs gently up towards Te Puke Rd, where it splits.  The western split heads towards the summit and tracks, as well as a link into Zone 5. There are some amazing views from the top.

Trail name origin: Te Rangi Hononga (Teh – Rah – ngee – Hor – nor – ngah)
When you reach the top of this uphill ride try and develop a special feeling and connection to the land. Whilst you are in that state of mind ask for the blessings of the ancestors who dwell in TE RANGI HONONGA, a place where the spirits gather in the heavenly skies.