Best Mountain Bike Trails in Hikuwai Conservation Area

Located above the Lake Wanaka outlet near Albert Town, Hikuwai Conservation Area features approximately 18 official trails winding through native manuka bushes with scenic views of the Upper Clutha landscape. The Grade 3 Hikuwai Loop (aka Fuzzy Nuts and Hairy Bush) creates a 7-8km circuit with berms, jumps, and technical sections suitable for intermediate riders. The area offers multiple access points and is managed by Bike Wānaka, with diverse riding conditions that can be challenging in winter conditions.

Trails

Showing 1 - 10 of 17 trails

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Gutbuster

OPEN

Intermediate

236.4m

37m

-2m

2h 28m

This is a tough climb not as it is a gravel/stone climb so traction is an issue from start to finish.

Hik O Why

OPEN

Very difficult

278.4m

-21m

1h 6m

Loose and steep with a couple of interesting features

Hikuwai Loop (aka Fuzzy Nuts)

OPEN

Intermediate

3.6m

70m

-68m

13h 10m

A great all weather XC track, through pine and kanuka woods and with awesome views of Clutha River

Hikuwai Loop (aka Hairy Bush)

OPEN

Intermediate

5.3m

94m

-94m

17h 43m

This trail has a few jumps and steeper sections which have alternative routes. It gives a great route through Hikuwai which can be a maze There are lots of side tracks but some are dead ends!Do not ride in the winter after a frost as becomes very sloppy. If you want to ride at this time of year do so first thing before the frost lifts or you may end up spending more time cleaning your bike than riding!

Hikuwai Trail

OPEN

Intermediate

541.7m

15m

-19m

2h 8m

This is just an example of a trail wishing the Hikowai area. There are lots of options available in this area. The area has a number of jumps and berms which are designed to build confidence.

Ivan Major

OPEN

Extremely difficult

406m

69m

3h 23m

Technical and steep

OPEN

Easiest

596m

-16m

2h 11m

Access from Gunn Road to Outlet Track. A gravel multiuser track.

Outlet Trail

Easy

1.7m

198m

-236m

10h 53m

Spectacular scenery and popular with walkers and bikers, the track follows the Clutha River/Mata-Au from its start/finish at the Lake Wanaka outlet and Hikuwai Reserve in Albert Town. This stretch of the river is world-renowned for its trout fishing.

Rockabilly Ditch

Very difficult

259.3m

-20m

41 min

This trail is basically a rock garden from top to bottom. Don't switch the grey matter off.

Skid Marks

OPEN

Extremely difficult

184.7m

-20m

1h 10m

Technical steep trail. Soft sand and ruts adds to the technical nature.