Craters Mountain Bike Park

Craters MTB Park is a purpose-built mountain bike park located only a short distance from Taupō town, with trails ranging from children’s entry-level to technical cross-country and downhill trails.

Elevation

Craters Mountain Bike Park features a mix of elevations with gentle climbs and descents for beginners, moderate gradients for intermediate riders, and challenging steep climbs and technical descents for experts. The varied terrain offers exciting rides for all skill levels.

Riding the Craters Mountain Bike Park

Craters Mountain Bike Park, just a short ride north of Taupō, is a paradise for mountain biking fans of all skill levels. With around 50 kilometres of trails, there's something for everyone here, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. You can go for a quick hour-long ride or spend the whole day exploring the diverse routes this park has to offer.

The park boasts a range of trails and loops to suit different abilities and preferences. For a leisurely ride, the "Tank Stand Loop" offers a gentle, scenic route perfect for beginners or a warm-up. Intermediate riders will love the "Corridor," a fun and flowing trail that winds through the forest, providing just the right amount of challenge without being too tough. If you're an adrenaline junkie, the "Buzzard" trail delivers thrilling descents and exciting jumps, making it a top pick for more experienced riders.

One of the coolest things about Craters MTB Park is its unique volcanic pumice soils. These soils drain quickly, so the trails stay firm and ready for action all year round, no matter the weather. Even after a rainstorm, you can count on a great ride. This means you can enjoy mountain biking here whenever you feel like it.

Whether you're looking for a challenging adventure on technical trails or a relaxed ride on easier paths, Craters MTB Park has it all. The combination of beautiful scenery, well-maintained trails, and awesome riding conditions makes this park a must-visit for anyone who loves mountain biking. So, grab your bike, hit the trails, and enjoy the fantastic riding experience that Craters MTB Park has to offer!

Supervolcanic trail details

Plan your ride

Access the park via the tunnel under Wairakei Drive via Inwards Goods.

The old car park is still operational about 600m up Karapiti Road which is left off Wairakei Drive. There is a third access beside SHW5 about 500m back towards Taupo on the western side of the road which enters the forest near the start of Bumble Bee/BBC and SH Fun.

All users of Craters MTB Park must be Bike Taupō members. Annual and visitor membership options are available. You can join online at biketaupo.org.nz.

Distance	2-50km of trails available
Time required	Anywhere from 1 hour to a full day
Phone coverage	Good
Shuttle	Yes, available by arrangement. Book shuttle services prior to departure.
Reminders	Purchase a Bike Taupō pass before riding the trails

Getting here

Taupō is the closest town to Craters MTB Park and has a regional airport. Rotorua is a 60-minute drive away, while Auckland International Airport is less than a four-hour drive away. Nationwide Intercity buses service Taupō, while smaller shuttle operators provide local services.
The Hub is an excellent launching pad for riders visiting Craters MTB Park. From Taupō, head north on Wairakei Drive for five minutes before turning right onto Huka Falls Road and into The Hub car park.

Visit the nearby team at FourB for locals’ tips, purchase a Bike Taupō visitor’s pass and hire any gear you might need; the team knows every nook and cranny of the park. Kefi At The Hub serves excellent coffee and tasty snacks for refuelling, while Heli Adventure Flights offers spectacular flights across the region’s volcanic landscape.

The Hub has parking, toilets, a café, bike hire, bike tools and cleaning stations, a water fountain and park map information signage.

Plenty of local operators provide tours, gear and advice to riders, but it pays to book in advance for both the busy summer period and the quiet winter months when some businesses run on limited hours.

Taupō and Kinloch are the perfect base for exploring the Great Lake Trails, which traverse the northern shores of Lake Taupō.

Bike hire, Transport & Tours

Shuttle operators based in and around Taupō offer bike hire and can also provide transport to Craters MTB Park and guided tours.

Find bike hire

Find transport & tours

Accommodation

Taupō is a 10-minute drive from Craters MTB Park. It has a wide range of accommodation both in town and around, all close to cafes, supermarkets and other visitor services.

Kinloch is a 20-minute drive from Taupō and offers predominantly homestay options, and limited capacity makes it essential to book space in advance—the earlier, the better if you plan to ride in peak season between December and March.

Freedom camping is available beside the Waikato River at Hipapatua Recreational Reserve (Reid’s Farm), a five-minute drive from The Hub.

Find accommodation

Safety Guidelines

Ride Within Your Abilities

Mountain biking involves various challenges and risks, including but not limited to steep descents, uneven terrain, and natural obstacles. It is vital that you ride within the limits of your capabilities and the trail ratings appropriate to your level of experience and skill. Do not attempt trails or maneuvers that are beyond your current skill level.

Below is a guide to trail grades, ability and the what the standard is:

Grade Rating	Technical Ability	What to expect
Grade 1	Easiest	Fairly flat, wide, smooth track or gravel road.
Grade 2	Easy	Mostly flat with some gentle climbs on smooth track with easily avoidable obstacles such as rocks and potholes.
Grade 3	Intermediate	Steep slopes and/or avoidable obstacles possibly on narrow track and/or with poor traction. There may be exposure at the track’s outside edge.
Grade 4	Advanced	A mixture of long, steep climbs, narrow track, poor traction and obstacles that are difficult to avoid or jump over. Generally exposed at the track’s outside edge. Most riders will find some sections easier to walk.
Grade 5	Expert	Technically challenging. Giant climbs, narrow track and numerous hazards including dangerous drop-offs, sharp corners and difficult obstacles. Expect walking and possibly bike carrying.
Grade 6	Extreme	Downhill/free ride specific tracks. Extremely steep sections with large drop-offs and other unavoidable obstacles. May include man made structures and jumps.

Preparation and Safety Gear

Proper preparation and safety gear are crucial for a safe mountain biking experience. Always wear a helmet and other recommended protective gear such as gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads. Ensure your mountain bike is in good working condition and appropriate for the trail types. Bring adequate hydration and snacks, especially for longer rides.

Trail Etiquette and Environmental Respect

Respect trail signage and keep to marked paths. Be courteous to other trail users and yield the right of way where appropriate. Do not leave any litter behind and avoid actions that could damage the natural environment or disturb wildlife.

Emergency Procedures

Before hitting the trails, ensure you are prepared for unexpected situations. Carry a basic first aid kit, a multi-tool for bike repairs, and a means of communication, such as a fully charged mobile phone or a two-way radio where service is limited. Consider the weather conditions and bring appropriate clothing and protective gear. Always inform a guide or fellow rider of your intended route and expected return time. Knowing basic first aid and bike repair techniques can be invaluable in case of minor accidents or mechanical issues.

Insurance

We recommend that all participants have personal insurance that covers mountain biking activities.

Physical address: