Best Mountain Bike Trails in Western Hills
Whangarei's Western Hills area is anchored by the impressive Parihaka Mountain Bike Park, just five minutes from the city centre, featuring 40+ kilometres of gravity and flow trails graded 3-5. The region also includes Glenbervie Mountain Bike Park with hand-cut tracks through dense forest, plus beginner-friendly trails maintained by the active Whangarei Mountain Bike Club.
Trails
Showing 1 - 10 of 18 trails
Intermediate
1.6m
76m
-207m
13h 7m
Pleasant climb (or easy descent) to Skyline.There are a few narrow sections and 3 really tight switchbacks which only expert riders will be able to get around without dismounting. It gets steep towards the top. Nice ride through native bush and plantation pines.
Easy
1.1m
33m
-31m
13h 5m
K2 (named for Karori Park Grade 2, not after the extreme 8000m mountain), is a true grade 2 trail ideal for beginners and kids. Starting at the Sunshine Ave car park, the wide all weather trail climbs up gently through a mixture of regenerating native bush and large old pine trees before descending with some undulations and gentle turns to keep things interesting.Follow the K2 green signs as the trail crosses over Waihine (an intermediate to advanced trail), and other walking tracks several times, so the first time riding may be a bit confusing until it beds in.
Easiest
3.2 km
57m
-57m
6h 37m
This is a smooth and flat beginner's loop around the perimeter of Karori Park. It is popular with kids on bikes, walkers, and runners. The track is sufficiently wide to accommodate all users, consisting of two surfaces; the outer surface is asphalt, while the inner surface is hard-packed sand and fine gravel.
Easy
732m
-46m
1h 7m
New (2019) single-track that by-passes a couple of steep climbs on the main trail. Easy gradient. Nothing exciting on it but it's a much easier climb for us old fellas. Popular with walkers and not much passing room.
Easy
444m
2m
-26m
2h 59m
New gentle graded track for that final push to the summit. Single track through regenerating bush. Links with main walking track from south.
Easy
846m
64m
-2m
8h 55m
Extremely difficult
809m
6m
-99m
12h 24m
Formally known as 98DH.Shuttle friendly DH track. Now ends with a gap jump since the old track was rerouted.
Intermediate
427m
-25m
2h 26m
The Skyline track has been rerouted to avoid private property. The trail now runs along the eastern side of the ridgeline, past a watertank and past the end of Montgomery Avenue.
Intermediate
756.8m
79m
-24m
8h 48m
Intermediate
1.2m
611m
-259m
13h 21m
A steady descent/ascent that makes for a good "interval" session if desired.