Mountain Bike Trails in Wānaka

2006

Albert Town Lagoon Trail

Albert Town to Dublin Bay Track

Track starts just being the rubbish collection at top of Dublin Bay Road. There are a couple of steep and loose descents. This track is also used by trail bikes.

Alpine Explorer - Downhill

The Alpine Explorer Downhill is best suited for intermediate and advanced riders looking for a true adventure. Here you will ride from your summit drop point, through flowing tussock tracks, along waterfalls and through the beech forests to finish along the shores of Lake Wanaka.

Aubrey Road Track

A gravel trail beside the road. Good for linking up trails or for those wanting an easy ride.

BOB @ DAISY LEE HUTS

A short trail leading to Bob and Daisy Lee Hut from the upper Loop trail.

Butterfields Wetlands Track

An easy track that passes beside and above some very clear ponds and wetland environment. Makes a good way of linking a loop and ideal for families.

CARDRONA VALLEY STN RIDGE

This track is on private land, requiring permission from Cardrona Valley Station to ride. Contact Willy Scurr, 0272104337. The farm track leads from Tuohys Saddle to Snow Farm, Gorge Trail. It can form part of 42km ride starting at Snowfarm, to Mt Pisa, through to Meg Hut, Tuohys Saddle and return.

Camphill to Dublin

This is a track along the highway. It is mainly used by motocross bikes but is a great way to connect Camphill Road to Dublin Bay without riding on the State Highway. There is one spot with steep descents or ascents (walks) depending on which way you are riding.

DOG LOOP

A continuation of Hanging Valley, as connects with Sam's Trail and 2006. Great options to make some creative ski tours.

Dam Water Race

If you follow the water race to the dam the road will double back on itself and this can be followed to return to the Hawea River Track. Alternatively find a suitable way up to the road and continue on the Gladstone Track or head to Hawea township.

Elite

Short tight berm and jump line.

GORGE TRAIL

Gorge Trail is open as conditions allow. An advanced trail following the Meg from Hanging Valley to Merino Glen, River Run. In Summer this track forms part of a fabulous MTB loop ride.

Gladstone Track

An easy track from Hawea Dam to John's Creek. Spectacular views of Lake Hawea. Can be exposed to the wind.

Grandview Creek Track

Note: The track is closed for lambing annually from 26 September to 7 November. The track is primarily an old 4wd track that is quite steep in places. However, even if you have to push your bike a bit the views at the top are great and the return journey is lots of funDoC say: "Pockets of kānuka shrubland merge with the pastoral land on the lower section of the track before opening up to the tussockland that dominates the tops. Climbing steadily the track passes several small remnant beech forests on the opposite side of the creek, before reaching the station boundary at 1090 m where trampers must stop; an elevation gain of 650 m from the car park. Trampers are rewarded with stunning panoramic views over Lake Hāwea, the pastoral flats through to Lake Wanaka and local peaks. On a clear day, Mt Aspiring/Tititea’s distinct profile can be seen on the horizon."

Grandview Ridge Track

This track makes for a fine expedition along the hills to the east of the Hawea flats when combined with the Grandview Creek and Grandview Summit tracks. The track undulates and rises progressively to the northern end. It is possible to continue beyond the link with Grandview Summit track but there is no exit this way for mountain bikes. The track is mostly on easements on private land with some sections on public conservation land. It is mostly on double tracks but there is a short section where it follows a fenceline. Some sections are steep and will require pushing or hike a bike. It makes a fine e-bike excursion but there are a small number of locked gates that will require lifting the bike over. In winter and spring it may be covered by snow. Given the altitude, suitable extra clothing should be carried. The track shown starts at the entrance to Long Gully Farm. It is allowed to drive up through the farm road for about 2km to reach a small car park by a Department of Conservation Sign. The Department of Conservation also indicates that the track can be accessed by mountain bikes through the Eastern Hills and Deep Gully Tracks as shown on their brochure: https://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/otago/wanaka-outdoor-pursuits-brochure.pdf. The Deep Gully Track is very overgrown at the top.

Grandview Summit

The last section to Grandview Summit starts with a pinch but then generally easier until the turn off. The last 500m is rougher and a lot of native alpine plants - consider leaving your bike and walking this last section. The view from the summit is phenomenal and a great place to take a break and get some calories in. You can then either return back down or continue along the trail where a couple of options await. These are yet to be added here...If you choose to go back down the way you came it is a good reward for the effort to get to the top.

HANGING VALLEY

A wonderfully long trail, great views into the Meg, the primary track of the southern trail network.

HANGING VALLEY CONNECTOR

Provides a faster return route to base, or shorten your out bound loop.

HIGHLANDER

The Highlander is a great place to start your journey in XC skiing.