The world's largest mountain biking festival returns to Rotorua this year for seven days of action from 1-7 November 2021. If you're here to experience this iconic event and inspired to get your wheels turning, you'll find even more epic trails just down the road in Taupo (only one hour in fact). Combine the world-renowned mountain bike parks and trails in Rotorua with some of the best singletrack trails in the country and you have the perfect recipe for an epic Central North Island mountain bike holiday.
The Taupo region is accredited by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) as a silver level ride centre, which means that it is home to large-scale mountain biking facilities that offer something for all riders. Combine that with Rotorua's gold status and you've got the epicentre for Aotearoa, North Island's best mountain biking.
Located just one hour south of Rotorua, Taupo is an excellent day-trip option, or better still, add on a few nights to your holiday - you won't regret it.
Taupo is home to more than 220km of sweet singletrack trails. Explore Taupo's mountain bike trails or discover our highlights below.
Taupo town has a cosmopolitan town centre full of cafes, restaurants and bars serving great food, excellent coffee, locally brewed craft beer and wine, and organic and free-range local produce. Bike-friendly cafes and pubs are dotted around the region, with local favourites that include Creel Cafe in Turangi and Kefi at the Hub out at Craters Mountain Bike Park.
It is almost assumed that your day of hitting the trails will wrap up at a lakeside location with a cool crisp beer in hand. There is certainly something special about sharing a celebratory brew with mates after a long day of adventure. Whether you conquered that bucket list trail or challenged your fears, wish to debrief about your new gear or simply desire a moment to wind down and relax – Taupō has a post-adventure après scene that you just can’t ignore.
Hiring a bike or a guide is a great way to get insider knowledge from locals who ride and love these bike trails. Shuttles and boat transfers are available for most Taupo bike trails taking the hassle out of organising logistics. Take a guided trip or book a multi-day package – you’ll uncover experiences and scenery that will take your breath away.
Crankworx Rotorua took flight in March of 2015, becoming the first Crankworx festival outside of North America and Europe. Since then it’s played host to some of the most memorable moments in Crankworx history. Each year, the festival kicks off the international competition season, bringing the best in the world to get amongst the lush forests and famed New Zealand trails.
