Scenic Bike Trails and Mountain Bike Trails in Whanganui
Whanganui is a city that “wheely” provides for cycling enthusiasts! Downhill thrills can be found all over Whanganui for experienced riders and even families. Or if you’re looking for an easy-going scenic trail with plenty of photo opportunities, you have plenty of river rides and even multi-day excursion! We go through the best places you can have two-wheel fun in this list of must-do bike trails in Whanganui!
In between riding the Whanganui bike trails, make sure to check out these 10 Free or Cheap Things to Do in Whanganui and stay in one of the 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Whanganui or 10 Best Motels in Whanganui. We have a lot more information on the city in The Complete Guide to Whanganui too!
1. Araheke Mountain Bike Park (Grade 2)
This grade 2 mountain bike park is great for beginner and intermediate riders, as well as families! Tackle the 9.5km loop going through two areas called Wiritoa and Pauri. Wiritoa covers 3.4km of pine forest trails on an easy grade. Pauri has about 5km of pine forest trails alongside Lakes Wiritoa and Pauri. There are a few climbs in Pauri to wonderful views.
Location: On State Highway 3, head south for 3km (2 miles) and turn onto Kaitoke Road and follow for 3km (2 miles) to the Lake Wiritoa Reserve car park.
© Pxhere2. Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail (Grades 2-4)
This 3-5 day cycling journey begins on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu in the Tongariro National Park, follow the Whanganui River through the Whanganui National Park, then continues following the to where it enters the sea in Whanganui city! The adventure takes in the best of the Whanganui area including the Whanganui River Road and the city itself!
Location: Most start in Ohakune or National Park Village in Ruapehu and end the trail in Whanganui city.
© Tourism NZ3. Hylton Park (Grade 2-4)
An accessible ride from Whanganui city, Hylton Park has something for everyone in this cross country venue. There are several kilometres of tracks with the beginners track being on the lower levels of the park, to the more advanced tracks being higher up. You can spend at least an hour to two biking the trails here!
Location: 600m (656 yards) from Somme Parade on Brunswick Road. Entry to the park is on the right.
© Pxhere4. Whanganui River Road (Grade 1-2)
For a scenic ride on the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail taking only about 2-4 hours, hit the Whanganui River Road! There are tens of stops and photo opportunities with historical landmarks and breathtaking scenery along the way. Check out our guide the to Whanganui River Road to plan your itinerary.
Location: The Whanganui River Road goes between Whanganui City and Pipiriki.
© Jacqui McGowan on Wikipedia5. Round the Bridges Whanganui (Grade 1)
This shared cycleway and walkway is one of the best and most easily accessible river bike trails in Whanganui. With boardwalks and wide sealed pathways, the Round the Bridges rides make for a super easy and scenic cycle trail taking in the views of the Whanganui River, parks and public art. With several bridges crossing the river and pathways on either side, there are a number of loops you can do as follows: Cobham (SH3) – Whanganui City Bridge Loop (3.6km), Whanganui City – Dublin Street Bridge Loop (4.2km), Dublin Street – Railway Bridge Loop (3.3km), and Cobham – Whanganui – Dublin Street Bridge Loop (10.5km).
Location: Access is via Anzac Parade, Somme Parade, Putiki Drive and Taupo Quay.
© NZPocketGuide.com[CLOSED] Matipo Park (Grade 4)
This reserve has a number of challenging downhills through a mix of native and exotic forest. We recommend crossing the railway and following one of the forestry roads to get uphill. Turn right at the ridgeline and choose one of the downhill tracks from there. Repeat the process trying out all the different tracks. Matipo Park has plenty of walking trails too, which you can find out more about in our 10 Must-Do Walks in Whanganui.
Location: Up Brunswick Road, about 800m past Hylton pit. Entry is on your left.
© pxhereMore About Whanganui and Mountain Biking
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 [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
