Our country may not be big, but it has a diverse range of terrain and some of the best riding you can have. New Zealand is definitely a must-see mountain biking destination. Load up the car, grab some friends and you'll soon be in a world of completely different landscapes. From high alps to rugged deserts, it really is anything and everything.
With the help of a Crow's Nest rooftop tent, my friend and serious trail enthusiast Callum Wood spread out camp and we set off to explore and ride some of Queenstown's best areas.
The only requirement was that they had to be within a short drive of central Queenstown. Callum is passionate about cycling, so it wasn't too difficult to find his favourite spots. Narrowing it down to a top five, however, is another story. So, let's get started...
SPOT #1: FERN HILL
Located above Queenstown Bike Park, this is one of my favorite riding spots. From ancient beech forests to exposed ridgelines, this unique trail offers more than just stunning views. The Queenstown Mountain Bike Club has invested heavily in this area, and the addition of the new climb trail has made it incredibly accessible. Once you start descending, the riding is steep and loose, featuring lots of exposure and tight corners.
The club's latest trail offering, The Salomon Run, has been creating buzz in the New Zealand mountain biking community and is on the must-visit list for riders visiting Queenstown.
It gets its name from the fact that it descends the side of Fern Hill and ends in a dry riverbed. It features steep, tight bends through beech forest at the top, and then enters a high-speed rock garden at the bottom. Good braking is essential on this trail!
SPOT #2: SEVEN MILE
Located just a short drive from the town centre on the Glenorchy Road, this is a popular spot for riders of all levels. It's easy to find, as all trails start at picturesque Wilson's Bay. To make the most of this spot, it's worth parking and spending the night at the adjacent 12 Mile Delta DOC campsite.
The map is quite confusing - it looks like blue spaghetti... so it's best to pop into a local bike shop to figure out which trails to ride. My favourite track is 'Kachong', a fast and flowing trail that's a fun change from the other steep trails in Queenstown.
SPOT #3: STICKY FOREST
Similar to Seven Mile, but with a difference... Outlet Campground is the perfect place to set up camp before heading up the hill to explore what Wanaka has to offer. All trails branch off from the summit ridge, making them extremely easy to navigate. Carrot Cake and Venus offer tight trails that weave through the pine forest, but if you're looking for some action, head to Pedal or Die on the other side of the hill - it lives up to its name!
SPOT #4: NASEBY
Once a mecca for mountain biking in the south, this area has felt somewhat neglected since the Forestry Commission began clearing the land. Trails are unsigned, so it's well worth doing some research before entering the forest. Pink Bike offers a handy app called Trailforks, which has a database of trails from around the world. The unique landscape, created by the gold rush of the late 19th century, is still evident today, and the forest is full of natural features. Nearby St. Bathans is my favorite camping spot, thanks to its Blue Lake.
SPOT #5: CORONET PEAK
Though it's a well-known ski area, the hill hides some secrets once the snow melts. A classic visitor trail is Rude Rock, a fast-paced flow trail that snakes down the slopes of Coronet. Packed with berms, rollers and double jumps, it's best enjoyed as a shuttle with friends.
From Rood Rock you can follow the Pack Track and Sack trail, which leads to the beautiful Skippers Canyon. If you're looking for something a little steeper, Colotown might be just what you're looking for. This trail starts on the Coronet XC Track and winds through steep and varied terrain before finishing in Arrowtown, where you'll likely be craving a cold drink at the local pub.
A huge thank you to Callum and his friends for taking the time to find their favourite riding spot.
To see more of Callum and his friends having more fun than you could ever imagine, check out Callum Wood Photography and @cwoodphoto on Instagram.