Tongariro Bike Trails You Can’t Miss!
The Tongariro National Park might be better known for hiking trails but did you know just how many amazing bike trails are in and around the area?!
Whether you’re looking for an easy-going scenic ride or some super serious downhill thrills, there are bike trails around Tongariro National Park to suit!
These bike trails in the Central North Island are best accessed from either Waimarino (formerly National Park Village), Ohakune or Turangi. There are bike hire and shuttle operators in each of those settlements so you can plan your bike trail with ease.
For more bike trails in the wider area, head over to our Mountain Biking in Ruapehu guide. You also might want to find a cheap place to stay in our 10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Tongariro National Park.
Table of Contents
1. Mountains to Sea (3-5 Days One Way)
Let’s begin with the biggest ride of them all, the Mountains to Sea bike trail. Also known as Ngā Ara Tūhono, this epic trail is one of New Zealand’s Great Rides, covering more than 200 km (124 mi) from the slopes of Mt Ruapehu at the Turoa Ski Area to the shores of Whanganui on the wild Tasman Sea.
In between, the scenic journey takes you through the volcanic grandeur of Tongariro National Park and the wild forests of Whanganui National Park. This trail is a mix of grade 3 and 4.
Location: Most start at either Waimarino or Ohakune where riders can organise bike hire and return transport with local operators.
© Tourism NZ2. Ohakune Mountain Road (1 Hour One Way)
For some simply fun downhills on a sealed road, choose the Ohakune Mountain Road. Enjoy a 1,000 m (3,281 ft) vertical descent (or ascent if you’re tough enough) with plenty of walks and waterfalls to stop by alongside the road.
Ohakune bike hire operators can transport you to the top of the road if you wish. For more things to do while in the area, check out 15 Outstanding Things to Do in Ohakune.
Location: Ohakune. Start from the Turoa ski area base for the descent, or at the bottom of the Ohakune Mountain Road for the ascent.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Ohakune Old Coach Road (3-4 Hours One Way)
Follow the original trail that used to transport passengers between two railheads of the never-completed North Island trunk line during the 1900s. The trail takes you through virgin native forest between the railway station in Ohakune and Horopito (or vice versa).
Find historic viaducts and tunnels and all sorts of other surprises along the way on this grade 2 trail.
Location: Ohakune. Start from either the Ohakune Railway Station or Horopito. Shuttle services, such as the TCB Bike Shop, run from Ohakune taking riders to Horopito so riders can make their way back to Ohakune.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Fishers Track (2-3 Hours One Way)
With mostly fun downhills and not too strenuous uphills, the Fishers Track is the perfect mountain biking experience for beginner and experienced riders alike! The track can be ridden straight from Waimarino on a steady climb alongside native forest before a descent through valleys and farmland. The trail is grade 2.
Find more activities in the area with our 10 Epic Things to Do in Waimarino (National Park Village).
Location: Waimarino. Start from the end of Carroll Street, crossing the railway line onto Fishers Road. Return transport will need to be organised from the end of the trail.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Marton Sash and Door Tramway (2 Hours Loop)
A fun yet easy-going ride taking you from Waimarino and back again is the Marton Sash and Door Tramway. This Grade 3 bike trail follows a recovered bush tramway route alongside the North Island Main Trunk Railway, weaving through pine forest and passing fascinating relics from the old tramway era.
As you pedal this two-hour loop, you’ll spot rusted rail irons, pumice cuttings and even remnants of log bridges and a small dam, all echoes of the region’s timber industry past.
The forested route can get muddy in winter, so morning rides are your best bet. While it’s rated Intermediate, you don’t need pro-level skills, just a decent bike and a sense of adventure.
Location: Waimarino. Start at the end of Carroll Street, cross the railway line and follow the dirt road alongside the railway line south.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. 42 Traverse (4-7 Hours One Way)
This 46 km (28.5 mi) advanced bike trail in the Tongariro Forest Park is a serious backcountry ride through remote wilderness. Graded between 3-4, you’ll need solid fitness, proper gear and stamina to tackle this one.
Starting from Kapoors Road, the trail snakes through old logging routes, native bush and creek crossings with rutted gravel and muddy sections. There are some steep climbs, especially around the end with a final 2 km (1.2 mi) uphill slog.
The payoff? Sweeping views of three volcanoes, forest canyons and a real sense of remoteness. Just a heads up, there’s a bypass for a landslide section where it’s best to dismount (it’s steep and slippery), and river fords can rise fast after rain, so exercise caution.
Location: 19 km (12 mi) from National Park. Start from Kapoors Road, about 16 km (10 mi) down State Highway 47.
© TRAILSOURCE.COM on Flickr7. The Pines Tracks (1-2 Hours Loop)
Tucked into Ruapehu’s pine forest just a few minutes south of Waimarino, The Pines Tracks serve up a fun, family-friendly ride through a dense network of forestry trails.
This 10 km (6 mi) MTB park offers everything from mellow grade 2 lines to more technical grade 5 features, making it a super flexible option whether you’re after a quick blast or a chill forest cruise.
The entry point sits off a sealed road leading to an old mill site, a remnant of the timber era tied to the now-defunct prison mill.
According to the Ruapehu Mountain Bike Club, riders can freely explore loops of varying difficulty and return to the same trailhead, though signage can be minimal as it’s a dedicated MTB park rather than a formal Great Ride (good to grab a map or connect with locals before heading out).
Location: Waimarino. A 2-3 km (1.2-1.8 mi) ride from National Park on the Waikune Mill Road.
© MaxPixel8. Ruatiti Road and Middle Road (3-4 Hours One Way)
This grade 2 trail is a gravel road link between the Ohakune Old Coach Road (at Horopito) and the Mangapurua Track which takes you into the Whanganui National Park.
It makes a good option to connect bike trails for a full-day adventure or solely ride the Ruatiti Road & Middle Road with beautiful countryside scenery.
The roads follow the Manganui-o-te-ao River to a great free camping and picnic spot at the Ruatiti Domain. A must-do in summer!
Location: Ohakune. Start from Horopito following signs for the Mountains to Sea trail. The trail ends at the Ruatiti Domain.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Tree Trunk Gorge and The Pillars of Hercules (2 Hours One Way)
For a different type of scenic mountain bike trail on the eastern side of the Tongariro National Park, pick the Tree Trunk Gorge Track. This grade 3-4 trail of 18 km (11 mi) takes you over ancient lava flows that now stand a magnificent beech forest.
There are a few stream crossing you will have to cross by foot so be prepared to get your feet wet.
For more things to do in Turangi, see 10 Turangi Walks You Can’t Miss.
Location: 22 km (14 mi) from Turangi. Starts from Tree Trunk Gorge Road just off State Highway 1/Desert Road.
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Lakes Reserve and Ratamaire Road (1-2 Hours One Way)
An excellent bike trail for the family, this easy grade 1 trail follows nearby the Raetihi-Ohakune Road through farmland and gardens with awesome views of Mt Ruapehu in the distance.
Location: Ohakune. Start from Clyde Street in Ohakune, follow the Ohakune-Raetihi Road then turn off when you see the sign to the Lake Reserve. Continue on Lakes Road then turn off onto Ratamaire Road. Ratamaire Road ends in the Rangataua side of Ohakune.
© NZPocketGuide.com11. Tukino Road (2-3 Hours One Way)
This 4WD gravel road provides access to the Tukino Ski Field area but makes an awesome bike trail in summer. The intermediate grade 3 ride offers amazing scenery across the Rangipo Desert.
Either ascent on this challenging uphill climb, or enjoy the fun descent for 600 m (1,969 ft)! Or do both!
Location: 36 km (22 mi) from Turangi just off State Highway 1/Desert Road.
© Krzysztof Golik on Wikipedia12. Te Ara Mangawhero (2 Hours)
Te Ara Mangawhero is a newly opened shared-use trail that forms part of the Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride. This Grade 2 track weaves through regenerating native forest alongside parts of the historic Bennett & Punch bush tramway.
As you ride, you’ll cross bridges over the Mangawhero River and take in sweeping views of Mt Ruapehu, all while riding through country steeped in the cultural significance of Ngāti Rangi.
The terrain is mostly gravel, and because it’s shared with walkers, keep your wits about you around corners and narrow spots.
Location: Starts near Ohakune Mountain Road, Ohakune.
© Visit Ruapehu13. Timber Trail (1-2 Days)
The Timber Trail is a classic Kiwi mountain-biking pilgrimage that threads through the heart of Pureora Forest Park, following historic logging tramways and crossing 35 bridges, including eight dramatic suspension bridges.
This 85 km Great Ride starts in Pureora Village, climbing to nearly 940 m (3,084 ft) above sea level before descending into the Ongarue valley via a mix of gravel roads, single-track and restored tramline.
Along the way, you’ll ride through the engineering marvel of the Ongarue Spiral and spot relics of the old timber industry, including tramline remnants and logging camps.
Rated Grade 2-3, it’s accessible to fit recreational riders, though you’ll need endurance for the four to six hours of riding each day. Most riders stretch it over two days, overnighting at Piropiro Flats campsite or treating themselves to more comfort at Timber Trail Lodge.
Location: Pureora Village (South end) – near SH32, south of Lake Taupō and Ongarue / National Park area (North end) – near SH4, north of Taumarunui.
© Studiozag - Visit RuapehuMore About Mountain Biking and the Tongariro National Park
That’s it for our guide to epic bike trails around Tongariro National Park; for more information about adventures and exploring the region, check out the following articles:
- 10 Tongariro National Park Must-Dos
- Mountain Biking in New Zealand: A Complete Guide
- 10 Things to do in Ohakune on a Rainy Day
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Ohakune.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
