Mountain Biking all year round

See two spectacular national parks

Explore the volcanic plateau & peaceful countryside In the heart of the North Island, Ruapehu and Whanganui’s two national parks and surrounding countryside are an incredible backdrop to bike rides as well as a wide variety of other sights and activities. The Mountains to Sea Cycle are your paths to the perfect holiday. Here are just some of the reasons why! The Mountains to Sea trails take you through Tongariro and Whanganui national parks – home to UNESCO-listed volcanoes and strange lava fields, alpine gardens, ancient rainforests, waterfalls, streams and New Zealand’s longest navigable river. Cycling is an ideal pace to appreciate their unique beauty.

In between the national parks are diverse landscapes from the tussock-covered plateau surrounding Tongariro National Park, to the rolling farmland of the Whanganui region. As you travel through them you'll visit small towns and settlements offering insight into local life. The Ruapehu and Whanganui regions are rich in history. The Mountains to Sea passes many places where significant stories are retold – from Māori pa and marae (villages and meeting places), the beautiful church at Jerusalem (Hiruhārama), the abandoned Bridge to Nowhere, and the Old Coach Road’s tunnel and viaducts. As you'll soon discover, there’s way more to this journey than just riding a bike.

Our trails serve up a diverse range of terrain, so there really is something for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Family groups can get rolling on Ohakune’s Old Coach Road, while history buffs can bike back in time on the Whanganui River Road. Mad-keen mountain bikers, meanwhile, can crank things up on the classic Mangapurua Track. There are plenty of places to pedal a trike, e-bike, push a pram or wheelchair, too. Make the most of your visit by mixing in other must-do activities, such mountain biking the thrilling Fishers downhill track; hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing; kayaking the Whanganui Journey; or sightseeing on the Whanganui River by jet boat or the historic paddle-steamer, Waimarie.