Tuhoto Ariki Mountain Bike Trail

The first ever "legal" Mountain bike track built in Department of Conservation land in NZBuilt throughout the Autumn/Winter of 2007 for the Rotorua Mountain bike by Southstar Trails. Original scoping by Jeff Carter and Dodzy, trail designed and built by Dodzy and Rob Metz assisted by Mark Upshall and a bunch of DH groms and othersWe know the sign says Grade 4, but this is a technical cross country challenge built for zen masters who don't like to dab.Don't be fooled by the altitude you have gained getting there as it definitely is not a downhill charge.Starts at highest point in Whaka Forest at the very top of Tawa and ends on Moerangi Rd. Tuhoto is a bush with roots, great downhill segments and some hard technical climbs as well.For a must ride loop, after Tuhoto, turn left up Moerangi, ride to the top of Moerangi then turn right into TimeWarp , which will take you to the top of the downhill Grade 3 Split Enz. You will love the contrast of the two trails and this is a clear example of what makes riding in Whaka Forest the best in New Zealand. Tuhoto Ariki was a first for Rotorua, running through Department of Conservation land. The magnificent, native forest gives the trail its unique flavour. “This track goes a long way in cementing Rotorua’s claim to being the mountain bike capital of the southern hemisphere,” says Dave Donaldson from the Rotorua MTB Club. “A mountain bike trail through native bush, so close to the city is a real point of difference. The trailhead can be reached in an hour by bike from the Rotorua CBD, yet five minutes into the trail you could be a world away.”Opening day was important for DOC, too. “Mountain biking has become more popular than ever in the Rotorua region and to open this trail at the beginning of Conservation Week recognises the different ways people are now using the conservation estate,” says Nick Turoa, the Department’s Community Relations Ranger.• The name of the trail celebrates Tuhoto Ariki, the famous Tuhourangi tohunga who predicted the Tarawera eruption and then survived it. He was dug out of his debris-covered whare after being trapped for four days. “We consulted local historian Don Stafford and Tuhourangi kaumatua, Te Rangi Maika, to come up with an appropriate name for the trail. After much deliberation the name Tuhoto Ariki was chosen,” says Dave. “The name is a reference to an important historic event in this region and that is great." Tuhoto Ariki will be muddy at the first sign of rain and will stay that way until there is a long period of warm dry weather. If you don't like slick riding then we suggest you only ride this puppy in summer.