New Zealand — One Day Mountain Bike Trips

We love Golden Bay mountain biking and we want to share it with you...

From beginner to advanced options
Half & full day rides
Bike Hire
Cross country single track riding.

Golden Bay is as diverse as a patch work quilt made by your grandmother;

Surrounded by national parks and beaches Golden Bay is fast becoming a mountain biker's paradise with a range of natural and purpose-built tracks, from rolling and cruisy to challenging, technical and remote back-country riding - there's a feast of mountain biking to be had.

If you are at all single-track minded then some combination of the (not to be missed) Canaan and Rameka Tracks is a perfect starting point. There's over 40km of lovely pedally rolling high country, benched tracks through lush native forest, smooth flowing switchbacks sweeping through old pine forests, over 900m of decent and of course ‘the Klicks' 2 km of fun, flowing and at times challenging tracks that are the cream on top of a great day out!

Canaan & Rameka Rides:

The Cat's Meow

Canaan is the land of milk and honey. We explore the big rolling landscapes of stunning Canaan Downs. The riding involves some easy climbing, winding descents and curves through ancient beach forests. We have the ability to adjust the riding to suit your abilities and where time allows there is also a option to include some hiking. Suitable for families or those new to mountain biking.
HALF DAY | 10-20KM | GRADE 1-2 | ADULT NZ$120 | UNDER 16 NZ$95 | MINIMUM 4

The Cat's Whiskers

Canaan Downs - A pedally ride through rolling high country farmland. Grunty climbs and swooping descents dip in and out of stands of native bush. Some techy bits and creative track building keep you awake and stunning vistas make sure that you stop and look around. A good level of biking fitness and skills recommended.
HALF DAY | 20KM | GRADE 3 | NZ$175 | MINIMUM 2

The Bee's Knees

The Rameka Track – is one of New Zealand’s classic rides. Rocks, roots and technical creek crossings keep you on your toes as you sweep through lush native bush. And it has recently got a whole lot better.... less pedaling and more gravity now brings you down a historic benched ‘pack track’ and onto Project Rameka. Smooth flowing switchbacks sweep through old pine forest and if your smile is not already wide enough - the fun and fast ‘Klicks’ bring you all the way down to the Takaka Valley floor. Gravity assisted mountain biking at it’s best. A good level of biking fitness and skills recommended.
HALF DAY | 20KM | OVER 900M DESCENT | GRADE 3+ | NZ$195 | MINIMUM 2

The Dog's Bollocks

Canaan Downs, all the Rameka Tracks and the Klicks – has been described as "quite possibly one of the best and most diverse mountain-bike day rides in the country" a full on day of technical riding in Abel Tasman National Park. A high level of fitness and skills required.
FULL DAY | 40KM+ | OVER 900M DESCENT | GRADE 3+ | NZ$295 | MINIMUM 2

and then there's more...

Some other guided rides around Golden Bay...

Gentle Annie

Green Hills – a cruisy and gently undulating ride through the farm tracks and big views of Puponga Farm Park. We take a break from the saddle to walk out to explore some wild west coast beaches, and stunning vistas. Suitable for families or those new to mountain biking.
HALF DAY | 15KM | GRADE 2 OFF-ROAD BIKING | NZ$95 | MINIMUM 4

Goldrush

Aorere Goldfields - Discover some of early New Zealand as you roll along the trails and water-races of this historic mining area. The ride starts with a boot up the backside from the Devil, just what you need to get up the at times grunty climb to the summit. From here take in stunning views over Golden Bay and the mountains beyond. The real fun begins as we drop down dirt roads onto windy and at times exposed water-race, before manicured single rack gets us back home. A good level of mountain biking skills recommended. A good level of biking fitness and skills recommended.
HALF DAY | 15KM+ | GRADE 3+ | NZ$145 | MINIMUM 2

Kahurangi Calling

Mount Arthur Car Park to Upper Takaka via Flora Saddle and Baron’s Flat. A huge day’s technical riding through Kahurangi National Park on a walking track that has recently been opened to mountain biking. Remote, committing and fun. A high level of fitness and riding skills essential.
FULL DAY | 35KM+ | OVER 1000M DESCENT | GRADE 4 | NZ$395 | MINIMUM 2

Our Hire Bikes:

Our hire bikes are 2011 Avanti Torrent 140mm travel full suspension mountain bikes available in S, M, L & XL.
We are mountain bikers and know that your bike performing is imperative to an enjoyable trip. Our bikes are maintained by us and kept in top running condition.
Hire Includes: helmet, pump, spare tube, puncture repair kit.

Track Grading System:

We have used the Kennett Brother's grading system to give you an idea of what level of mountain biking is required. This is a grading system commonly used throughout New Zealand:

GRADE 1: Fairly flat, wide and smooth tracks or gravel roads. Suitable for first time riders.
GRADE 2: Gentle climbs and easily avoidable obstacles such as rocks and potholes. You couldn't ride them in your sleep, but most beginners will still enjoy them.
GRADE 3: Challenging riding with steep slopes and/or tricky obstacles, possibly on narrow tracks with poor traction. Average riding experience and some fitness required.
GRADE 4: A mixture of long steep climbs, loose track surfaces and difficult or dangerous obstacles to avoid or jump over. Some sections will be easier to walk.
GRADE 5: Killer climbs, dangerous drop-offs, sharp corners and many tricky obstacles. Some sections will definitely be safer and easier to walk.