3 curated MTB spots in New Zealand, each with its own note and source.
Bay of Plenty · Best time: Year-round · All levels
Around 150 km of trails in Whakarewarewa Forest, graded across six levels from beginner to extreme. The operator points to well-draining volcanic soils as a key advantage; bike hire and shuttles are on site.
Sources: The Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest
Waikato
Craters MTB Park sits 3 km north of town with around 50 km of trails, from children's entry level to technical cross-country and downhill lines, plus colour-coded loops from the hub. Volcanic pumice soil drains fast, so riding works year-round. Access via a Bike Taupo day, week or annual pass.
Sources: Love Taupō (Great Lake Taupō Official Website), Wikipedia (Seefläche), Bike Taupo, Love Taupo (offizielle Tourismusseite)
Otago
Sticky Forest on the edge of Wanaka is a pine plantation with more than 20 tracks for intermediate to advanced riders — technical switchbacks, berms and an uphill corkscrew, on lines such as Stumpy, Yumpts, Venus and Crankin' Fine. Trails cross public reserve, DOC reserve and private property; they link up with the Hikuwai tracks.
Sources: Cardrona & Treble Cone (offizieller Betreiber), Lake Wanaka Tourism, Lake Wanaka Tourism