Whanganui MTB Club Trails
Discovering Whanganui's Adventures
Detailed maps and trail descriptions can be found on the Wanganui MTB Club website.
Hyltons Pit - Whanganui
Close to central Whanganui, the Hylton’s Pit trails are a mix of mainly hand-built, cross-country singletrack with a little bit of everything thrown in.The tracks have been built and maintained by the Wanganui Mountain Bike Club, with permission of Whanganui District Council. A series of linked trails join for a 6.8km loop.
In addition, there’s a 900m professionally built flow trail that runs from the top back corner of the park down to the Brunswick Road gate.
A full 9km cross-country circuit begins at the Brunswick Road gate.
Hylton’s Pit is situated off Brunswick Road, Aramoho, Wanganui opposite the Ravensdown Fertiliser Bulk Store.
- 9km
- 1–4 hours
- Grade 2–3 (easy–intermediate)
Araheke MTB Park - Whanganui
Whanganui city’s mountain bike park has 10km of tracks winding through pine forest with river, farm and lake views.The park is divided into two separate areas – Wiritoa and Pauri – joined by a 300m section of road.
Although all tracks are generally graded intermediate, Pauri is easier and therefore suitable for novices and young kids. However, riders of most ages and abilities will enjoy the grand circuit of around 10km around both areas.
All trails are signposted and numbered to form a continuous loop. Easy short loops are identified by white road marker poles.
Translating as ‘migratory path’, Araheke refers to the tuna (eels) that use the Kaitoke River flowing from Lakes Pauri and Wiritoa, through the MTB park to the sea. They are an important source of food for the local Māori.
The MTB park is on Kaitoke Road, signposted 3km south of the Whanganui River bridge on SH3. From the turn-off it’s another 3km to Lake Wiritoa Reserve car park where there are toilets and a swimming area. Please be aware that walkers and dogs also use the tracks.
Camping and cabin accommodation is available at the adjoining Lakelands Holiday Park.
- 10km
- 1–4 hours
- Grade 2–3 (easy–intermediate)
Lismore Forest - Whanganui
This is an operational forest 20km north of Whanganui. From SH4 turn right onto Lismore/Mangaone Rd turnoff and park at the picnic area on the left before the main locked gate. Access on forest roads only on weekends. This includes Mangaone Rd which is the main forest road and is the easiest option to reach the start of all the downhill tracks. From the locked gate it is a steepish uphill for 3.2km and then left up the steeper Airstrip Rd which then flattens out and from which all the trails start. Off road tracks tend to be muddy in the Winter. Great downhill riding.
Check Whanganui MTB website for current details
- 8km
- 1–4 hours
- Grade 2–5 (easy to expert)
Springvale Pump Track - Whanganui
Whanganui’s pump track is a great place for all ages to practise their bike skills in a safe, fun environment.The pump track includes a senior and junior pump track, two permanent shade areas and a learn-to-ride track for young children to practise safe cycling and scootering.
The pump track is situated next to the Splash Centre in Springvale Park, close to the city centre. Between the swimming pools and hydroslides, pump track, and lots of grassy fields to run around on, Springvale is a great place to take the kids for an outing.
- 30 mins–1 hour
- Grade 2 (easy)
Highlights
- fun for young and old
- close to Whanganui city
- great place to learn