01. The Millennium / Glendhu Bay Track

Type: Lakeside cruise, cross-country riding | Suitable for intermediate to advanced riders

So you want undulation? Look no further than the Millennium/Glendhu Bay Track. With about 15km to ride from Waterfall Creek to Glendhu Bay, this track has some fast downhills, short and steep climbs and even a few rocky outcrops for those wanting to test their suspension. Keep your eyes out for some of the beautiful, secluded beaches along the way.

Follow the track all the way to Glendhu Bay Campground and then return via the same track back to Wānaka. Please be in mind that this track is not well maintained, so bike it with caution and awareness.

Locals tip: Stop at Rippon Vineyard’s cellar door on your way back to try some great local wines or try one of the fantastic scones at Edgewater which are baked to order (be sure to order them ahead of time).

02. Hāwea River Track

Type: Undulating unmaintained track, cross-country riding | Suitable for beginners, intermediate

For a little outdoor serenity, the Hāwea River Track is the go.

Along the Hāwea River is the 10km trail from Albert Town to Lake Hāwea. Access to this trail is across the Albert Town bridge and then hangs a right into the reserve (across from the Albert Town Campground). You’ll know you’re on the right track when you see the large pedestrian swing bridge that crosses the river.

Locals tip: The Hāwea Hotel is a great place to stop for a beer and a burger after your ride. And there’s a skills park for riders right in the backyard!

03. Sticky Forest & Kirimoko Networks

Type: Downhill tech and flow | Suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced

The Bike Wanaka commissioned trail systems include both Sticky Forest and the Kirimoko Trails. Both of these networks are made possible by community donations, membership funds and volunteer dig days – they are a true testament to the passion of our local riders here in Wanaka.

A 10-minute bike ride from the centre of Wānaka is Sticky Forest. This single-track network has about twenty different trails (with new ones mysteriously popping up all the time). Featuring natural tech on trails like Stumpy and Yumpts, easy berms and loam on Venus and jankier shale slopes on the more advanced trails.

The Kirimoko Trails are a new development that are a bit of a ‘throwback’. What is now clear cut used to be a pine forest where local riders slogged to build ‘homemade’ trails. When the developer cleared the land, the trails went with it. However, Bike Wānaka campaigned to replace the lost trails, and lo and behold, the Kirimoko network was born.

Kirimoko are designed to appeal to a wide range of skill levels, with an easy downhill line, a flow line and a jump track.

Locals Tip: After you’re finished riding the local trails, check out B.Effect Brewery – the local water hole. Beloved by local riders, B. Effect is a just a short 10-minute ride from both Sticky and Kirimoko.

04. Dean’s Bank

Type: Cross-country riding | Suitable for beginners, intermediate

Deans Bank is a purpose built 11km loop of fast, flowing single track on the river terrace above the Clutha River. This fun cross-country track starts at the Albert Town campground and takes you to the Lake Wānaka outlet, before doubling back through the forest, offering amazing views of the Southern Alps and waters of the Clutha River. The fast, flowing track includes sections of banks and berms and is ideally suited to intermediate riders.

Locals tip: To fuel up before or after your ride head into Double Black Cafe or Pembroke Patisserie in Albert Town. The cakes and coffee are next level!

05. Cardrona Bike Park

Type: Downhill tech and flow | Suitable for strong intermediate, advanced

At Cardrona Bike Park, it’s all about alpine riding. With a variety of lift-accessed downhill biking trails, showcasing epic natural features like rock gardens, rockrolls and shale slopes.

Alpine riding can be intimidating to those not used to it; it’s about 10 degrees cooler on the mountain and the terrain exposure can be daunting. We recommend taking it easy on the first few laps and sussing out the trails before going full noise.

Locals tip: It’s hard to beat a cold beer and snacks sitting in the garden bar at the Cardrona Hotel, but if you can’t wait then try the cafes up on the hill at Cardrona.