The Best Mountain Biking in Wānaka, New Zealand
Trails, tips, and a touch of local creativity
Nestled in the Southern Alps, Wānaka is a dream destination for mountain bikers. With over 750km of trails, riders can explore everything from smooth lakeside cruisers to technical downhill parks, all surrounded by jaw-dropping alpine scenery. Wānaka also happens to be my hometown and I've been mountain biking here since the trees of Sticky Forest were just saplings!
This guide covers the best places to ride for all abilities around Wānaka, plus some shameless self promotion of my very own Bridget Hall Design artworks inspired by this stunning region.
Why Wānaka is a Mountain Biking Paradise
Wānaka offers something rare: variety. You can ride flowy forest trails in the morning, tackle technical downhill runs by midday, and cruise along a lake at sunset.
Key highlights include:
- Scenic alpine views at every turn
- Trails for beginner to expert riders
- A strong local biking culture
- Easy access to trails straight from town
This view of Lake Wānaka is from a trail called Dublin Back.
Best Mountain Bike Trails in Wānaka
1. Sticky Forest (Kirimoko Trails)
If you only ride one place in Wānaka, make it Sticky Forest. This local favourite offers a network of over 20 trails with everything from beginner-friendly berms to steep technical descents and jumps. Park up at Platinum Ridge which is in the Peninsula Bay suburb of Wanaka - about 5-7 minutes drive from the town centre. From there you can head straight up the 'Hoe Down' trail which is one of the main uphill tracks into the forest and then turn left along the 4WD track (Easy Street) until you arrive at double gate which is where a lot of the trails start. There are a few maps around the forest so you can pick a green, blue or black run according to your ability. Also check out this map of the Sticky Forest trails. There's lots of trails to explore in Sticky. My favourites are Sesame Street, Dizzy Turns and 4G. A nice thing about Sticky is its free and there are some great views from different spots around the forest. There is a really special viewpoint near the top of Crankin' Fine which is the main uphill trail from the Venus Landing side of the forest. Definitely worth checking out!
- Best for: All skill levels
- Style: Flow, tech, jumps
- Local tip: Start at “Double Gate” for easy access to multiple trails
This winter view is what you'll see from just above the main carpark on Platinum Ridge
My Wanaka Mountains design is available as a greeting card or art print
2. Bike Glendhu
A world-class MTB park set against Lake Wānaka, Bike Glendhu combines flowy trails, technical lines, and epic views. Passes are reasonably priced, you can choose to bike up or catch a shuttle from base for an extra cost. Bike rentals are available and there is the awesome Velo Cafe and Beer Garden - perfect for aprés ride.
- Best for: Progression riding (green → black trails)
- Style: Flow + tech + cross-country
- Highlight: The iconic summit views from Falcon’s Nest
Modern Glendhu Bay, Lake Wānaka Art PrInt
3. Cardrona Bike Park
For adrenaline seekers, Cardrona Bike Park delivers lift-assisted downhill riding with jumps, berms, and technical terrain. The bike park is open in the summer months at the Cardrona Ski Resort which is about 40-50 minutes from Wānaka. The passes are more pricey because you'll be using the chairlifts to get up the hill. There are some pretty full-on trails with big jumps, but there are also easier tracks that give a real sense of exploring these beautiful mountains. Check out this trail map. A fun thing to do at the end of the day is to ride the Peak to Pub trail all the way to the bottom of the mountain, which finishes near the historic Cardrona Hotel. While you're there check out the Old Schoolhouse gift shop next to the Hotel, where you'll find some of my prints along with lots of other beautiful New Zealand products.
- Best for: Intermediate to advanced riders
- Style: Downhill & freeride
- Bonus: Coaching available to level up your skills
The epic view of the Cardrona Valley from one of the many Trails at Cardrona Bike Park
A full face helmet and safely gear is recommended at Cardrona Bike Park
Cardrona Hotel Art Print
Cardrona Valley Art Print
4. Millennium & Glendhu Bay Track
A scenic ride along the lake, this trail blends rolling terrain with incredible alpine views. For this trail you can start from Wānaka town, bike to the left as you look at the lake. Go along the path at the lakes edge, past the famous Wānaka Tree, then past Edgewater Resort (where you can stop for a coffee and check out their scone menu). After that you will pass Rippon Vineyard and then reach Waterfall Creek. You can also start your ride at Waterfall Creek if you prefer to park there. By the way you will not see a waterfall at this spot! The trail is quite hilly from here and there are some quite exposed areas with cliffs along the side of the lake but the views are simply stunning and the lake water is clear and blue. You could do this trail just one way if you can arrange a car to pick you up at the Glendhu Bay end of the track.
- Best for: Intermediate riders
- Style: Cross-country
- Distance: ~15km of undulating riding, one way from Waterfall Creek to Glendhu Bay
The Millennium Trail along the shores of Lake Wānaka
Minaret Peaks, Lake Wānaka Art Print as viewed from the Millennium Track
5. Hāwea River Track
Perfect for a relaxed ride, this trail follows a peaceful river starts just over the Albert Town Bridge and follows the Hāwea River all the way to Lake Hāwea. The track is about 14 kms long. If you're passing through Albert Town then a stop at the Pembroke Patisserie is a real treat.
- Best for: Beginners & families
- Style: Easy cross-country
- Vibe: Scenic and mellow
The Hāwea River Track is an easy and scenic trail for all levels of rider
Lake Hawea Art Print
6. Deans Bank Track
A fun singletrack loop with great views of the Clutha River and surrounding mountains. This circuit starts at the Albert Town Campground and takes around 45 mins to 1 hour.
- Best for: Intermediate riders
- Style: Fast, flowing cross-country, some small hills
- Features: berms, switchbacks in open grassland and pine forest
The Deans Bank Track is great for kids and has beautiful views of the Clutha River
Capture the Wānaka Vibe with Bridget Hall Design
After a day on the trails, you may want to take a piece of Wānaka home and that’s where Bridget Hall Design comes in. As a local Wānaka artist many of my art prints are inspired by the landscapes and views you experience on these rides - ideal for riders who love design as much as dirt trails.
Explore the collection here:
Tips for Mountain Biking in Wānaka
- Best time to ride: Spring through autumn (October–April)
- Bring layers: Weather can change quickly in alpine regions
- Hire or service bikes locally: Plenty of quality rental options in town. I would recommend Racers Edge or Bike Lounge
- Respect the trails: Many are shared with walkers
Final Thoughts
Wānaka isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. With its mix of world-class trails, breathtaking scenery and laid-back vibe, it’s easy to see why mountain bikers love this place.
Whether you’re shredding downhill at Cardrona, flowing through Sticky Forest, or cruising beside Lake Wānaka, every ride feels unforgettable. When the day ends, bringing home a piece of that experience through Bridget Hall Design artworks, is the perfect way to keep the adventure alive.
