Home Urban-Rural There are many places in the Bay of Plenty where nature is close to our homes. Kaimai-Mamaku The western ranges of the Bay of Plenty are a living museum of the regions natural and human history. Whirinaki Forest 'Dinosaur' forests of giant trees many centuries old. The eastern ranges of the Bay of Plenty are remote and untouched. Lakes And Geothermal Beautiful lakes, distinctive volcanic landscapes and unique geothermal sites are special features of the Bay of Plenty. Coastal Pohutukawa fringed beaches and golden sand. Bay of Plenty's coastal environment is beautiful.

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Whirinaki/Te Urewera Forests

'Dinosaur' forests of giant trees many centuries old. The eastern ranges of the Bay of Plenty are remote and untouched.

Whirinaki Forest Park Mountain Bike Track

Click for Contact Details Whirinaki Forest Park Mountain Bike Track

Tall trees, rushing rivers, special plants and animals, a wide variety of habitats and fascinating past combine to create Whirinaki Forest park. This was one of New Zealand''s most famous conservation battlegrounds, where people actively fought to save a magnificent native forest.
Camping Plenty of room is available to pitch yor tent and enjoy your surrounds throughout most of the Bay of Plenty. Historical The way things used to be, preserved lest we forget. Mountain Biking Extreme or leisurely, the Bay of Plenty has many great scenic cycling experiences.


Today Whirinaki's beauty is protected for everyone to enjoy through a comprehensive network of walking tracks, huts and other facilities.




A Specially managed area


Because this forest is special, part of it is under intensive management. This area is known as the Wirinaki Ecological Management Zone (WEMZ) and the mountain bike track goes through it. The Management of WEMZ is holistic and includes work with rare plants and animals, improving visitor facilities and intensive pest control.



How to get there


Whirinaki forest park is 90 km southeast of Rotorua, off Ruatahuna Road, via SH38. The mountain bike track is located at the end of old Fort Road.


Ride Whirinaki

The Whirinaki Forest Mountain Bike Track is purpose built and weaves through one of the most spectacular and interesting forests in the world. The track is designed for the eco mountain bike rider and requires a medium fitness and skill level (grade 2-3) . The track is 16 km and most people complete it in 2 - 4 hours. Shorter sections of the Track can also be ridden.


Responsible mountain biking


Mountain biking has dangers, proceed at your own risk and ride within your ability.

* Wear an approved cycle helmet and protective clothing.
* Stay on the designated mountain bike track or roads - do not take short cuts.
* Take out what you bring in - do not litter.
* Beware of whicles when using the roads. Standard NZ road rules apply - keep to the left and give way when appropriate.
*Do not build now tracks or modify existing tracks.


For your Safety

The weather in the park can be very unpredictable and visitors should be prepared for cold, wet spells even at the height of the summer. Warm clothing, rain proof gear and suitable footwear are recommended. Please leave a record of your intentions with reliable friends or relatives or at the Rangitaiki Area office.

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If you wish to view the Whirinaki Forest Park Mountain Bike Track info plus accompanying map, for easy printing, click on the "View Fact Sheet" button above. Please be patient - depending on connection speed it sometimes takes a while for the file to be displayed. Download in PDF
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Protect plants and animals.
Remove rubbish.
Bury toilet waste.
Keep streams and lakes clean.
Take care with fires.
Camp carefully.
Keep to the track.
Consider others.
Respect our cultural heritage.
Enjoy your visit.

Toitu te Whenua
(Leave the land undisturbed).

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© Copyright. Destination Outdoors Bay of Plenty is the product of a Department of Conservation (Bay of Plenty Conservancy) initiative promoting recreational opportunities for people to learn about the natural, historical and cultural significance of the Bay of Plenty.
Please contact 0064 09 349 7400 for more information.