Wherever you’re travelling in the district, there are some great options for exploring the Waitaki on two wheels. Speed downhill on coastal mountain bike tracks, take your time to journey from Southern Alps to Pacific Ocean or veer off the beaten track with some great rural rides suggested by locals.
Suggested routes are unformed and unmarked and may include road riding, sometimes on state highways. While there are road riding sections, these rides are not intended for road bikes.
New Zealand’s longest and most spectacular cycle trail – this is a trail not to be missed. The name says it all; start at Aoraki Mt Cook in the heart of the stunning Southern Alps or the equally beautiful Lake Tekapo Village and wind your way round mountains, deep-blue lakes and canals, then rolling farmland before meeting the Pacific Ocean on the edge of Ōamaru Harbour.
Biking route The Cape offers steeper terrain with 8km of interconnecting tracks to explore in a compact area. There are climbing tracks with good gradients to get to the two high points. Following this you’ll find numerous options for coming back down with varying levels of difficulty (up to grade
There are at least four options for you on this route. All rides start from
Palmerston turning off SH1 onto Tiverton St which continues on to Goodwood Rd. There are beautiful sights along the way, great views of our mountain Puketapu and different length rides to choose from taking 1-3 hrs.
Biking route Time : 1-2 hoursDistance : approximately 29km From Kurow, head east along the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail (A2O), exiting down the Oteake River flood route (11km in) which brings you out nearly opposite Grants Rd. Exit through the gate, cross SH83, head up Grants Rd to the top
Biking route Time : approximately 2hDistance : 30km From Kurow, cross the Waitaki River via SH82 and turn left onto Hakataramea Valley Rd. Carry on following the Hakataramea River until Wrights Crossing. After crossing the river here, turn right onto McHenrys Rd to head back down the valley onto SH82
Biking routes A 10km intermediate grade loop in Plantation forest that features a mix of gravel forest roads and hand built single-track. An honest climb to the top on forest roads, but worth it for the 5km single-track descent with 360 vertical metres of gravity on the way back down.
Biking route Time : 45 minutes Distance : approximately 7km Starting at the Kurow shops, head along the A2O to the first creek, Kurow Creek. Instead of crossing, head up the first A2O flood route (3km in), crossing SH83 into Settlement Rd. Follow Settlement Rd past the refuse centre and
Walking / Biking Track Time : 30 minutes – 1h for the loopDistance : 4.5km of trail The Otematata Wetlands take in some some fantastic spots along the shoreline of lake Aviemore. This is an excellent network of small tracks, trails, picnic areas and swimming spots, making it the perfect
Biking route Time : 1-2 hours Distance : 13km (mostly gravel) Park and begin riding at the Palmerston Sports Hall on Gilligan St. Go down Gilligan St, past the squash club – it’s a short down, up and down to Brough St. Turn left onto Brough St (gravel), veer left
Biking route Time : approximately 1h Distance : 10-12km Beginning at the Dunback Domain Camping Ground, turn left onto Grange Hill Rd to follow the beautiful Shag River course to Wayne’s Town. If the weather is good you can even cross the ford into Wayne’s Town and search for the
The “Mixed Dozen” has variety for sure – gravel road, sealed surface, steep hill sections, farmland, pine plantations, downhill sections, quiet countryside, a swimming hole and beautiful rural views.
Biking route Time : 4 hours Distance : 17km Dunback has an historic monument to those from the area who gave their lives during overseas conflicts. Starting here, at the junction of SH85 and Ritchies Rd, head along Ritchies Rd which will change quickly from tar seal to gravel. Going
Explore the hidden depths of time throughout North Otago, with a glimpse into lands and seas long before our time.
This self-guided Trail spans coastal localities from Moeraki to Ōamaru and extends inland through the Waitaki Valley.
Biking route Ōamaru Reservoir offers single-track for all levels of rider and is the perfect place to bring the whole family. There is great a kid’s area for little mountain bikers to hone their skills on a short purpose-built loop and the main tracks are suitable for all abilities. While
Biking park The realm of Waitaki cycling caters for all ages and abilities – even those learning to ride. Ōamaru opened a children’s bike park in early 2017, complete with road markings and replica road signs for learning road rules and cycling safety. Located at the end of the Alps
