If you love getting out and about in a motorhome, then the chances are, you love the outdoors. And what better way to explore them than on the back of a bike? The past few years have seen great improvement in the cycling infrastructure throughout New Zealand and subsequently, the popularity of recreational cycling has hugely increased.
E-bikes have also had a significant impact on the way kiwis choose to explore the country, enabling them to go further and harder than ever before. My husband and I have always been keen mountain bikers, and (instead of spending money on an overseas trip during the pandemic) invested in e-bikes a couple of years ago. We honestly have not looked back!
When planning our cycling adventures, a website we have found super helpful is Nga Haerenga – New Zealand Cycle Trails. It features the 23 Great Rides of New Zealand and includes invaluable information on location, distance, difficulty, and trail highlights. There is also a Great Rides App that you can download here.
The Whakarewarewa Loop in Rotorua is New Zealand's newest Great Ride and was our first cycling adventure for 2023. If you are new to mountain biking, this is a really good place to begin - an easy-grade loop track, with gentle gradients, stunning views, and convenient facilities. However, if you have more experience, this track still offers plenty of opportunity for a little excitement and finesse along the way! As well as the loop, the Whakarewarewa Forest has over 200 kilometres of purpose-built cycle tracks, ranging from easy to extreme, so it's a great place to build your skills, have some fun and enjoy a truly beautiful corner of the world. There really is something for everybody.
We stayed at Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park, an easy five-minute bike ride from the beginning of the trail, but there is also plenty of safe parking on location. If you don't have your own bike or would like to "test drive" an e-bike, you can hire one at Mountain Bike Rotorua (best to book ahead for this). I can also recommend the great coffee at the cafe there!
The loop track is clearly marked with gentle gradients that lead to breathtaking views of Rotorua Lake and township, and the Blue and Green Lakes. It's 33 kilometres, with plenty of places to stop for breaks, we particularly enjoyed a well-deserved icecream on the shore of Blue Lake - beautiful! There was plenty of interesting information on the trail, explaining the cultural, historical and natural significance of the area and we loved the fun downhill single track.
The final 8 kilometres is a gentle downhill path that runs alongside the main road, and this is where the e-bike comes into its own - turn up the power and speed to the end! And that cafe I mentioned before? They do nice cold drinks as well - the perfect conclusion to our adventure!
Naturally, Rotorua is the ideal place to soak away the aches and pains of a day on the trail, so check out the Secret Spot Hot Tubs, conveniently located at the bike park. Make sure you book ahead though - they are super popular!
We had an awesome day and can thoroughly recommend everything listed here. We will definitely be back to do it all again!
Mountain biking is a huge amount of fun, but as with any outdoor pursuit, it's not without risks, so here are some guidelines for cycling safely...
Know where you are going
- take a map, make a plan, follow the directions, and pay attention
- let someone else know where you are going as well.
Wear the right gear
- Always wear a helmet
- Dress/pack for the weather conditions
Be prepared
- carry enough food and water for your trip
- pack a puncture repair kit
- pack a first aid kit
Ride to conditions
- check out the weather forecast
- be careful on the track, some sharp corners can lead to huge drop-offs
- be aware of other riders
- check carefully before crossing intersecting roads/tracks
E-bike batteries
- without power e-bikes are heavy and cumbersome, so make sure you have enough battery to last the distance.
Above all, have fun! Take the time to stop and enjoy the views.
