Activities

Mountain Biking

Bikes available for hire from LKNZ

Ohakune and surrounding areas are a major part of the New Zealand Cycle way with two major sections operating on either side of the township, and is a must visit for any serious mountain biker in new Zealand.

The 42nd traverse is widely recognized as one of the best, and in our opinion the best mountain bike track in the north island. It involves great up and downhill riding through old logging tracks and remote native bush. The track is well maintained, and has many undulations and jumps with an overall descent of 570 meters. To navigate the downhill at speed requires a high skill level, however the track can be completed by any skill level of rider if they take care down the steeper parts. Note : Be aware that when there has been heavy rain there are rivers in the area which can be prone to flash floods.

The already renowned Old Coach road is one of the first parts of the cycle way to be completed. The track starts off with a nice easy incline by and across a stream, then heads into the ancient native bush during the incline. The rider then crosses a large historic rail road bridge and goes through a near pitch black tunnel. There is also a very nice downhill to finish. All this is in an under a 1.5 hour round trip bike ride from the lodge itself.

Nearby are some of the fastest paced downhill tracks in the country. The Turoa Ski field road has 1000m of vertical descent curving around nicely cambered corners, and reaching speeds of over 70 km/h if you are brave, or merely cruise and admire the 200 kilometre long views. LKNZ offers transport to the top if the Ski field road once the ski season finishes.

In the Rangataua Forest region, accessible by 4wd, there are a range downhill tracks for all levels, some of which are advanced. This is a great area for exploring in the summer, and LKNZ are working on D.O.C to help with some of our planned track building in the area to improve speed levels through some of our favourite routes. This area is a great place to rent a bike for the day, take a picnic and explore some great native bush tracks.