Top 5 Wanaka MTB Trails
Wanaka has much to offer when it comes to cycling. With scenery and trails stretching as far as the eye can see, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a region with as rich an offering for mountain biking. All of the following five bike trails can be enjoyed solo, or as a family with mixed experience. A MTB rider needs a bike, so check out our selection of hardtail, full suspension and e-bikes to tackle the trails of Wanaka, from the tame to the treacherous.
5 - Sticky Forest
Ride there from the centre of Wanaka in no time at all and discover a broad network of single track trails that seem to grow and evolve ride after ride. With a mix of flowing, downhill and jump tracks, Sticky Forest has something for everyone and is a place to revisit every time you wish to saddle up and send it on the tree-dense tracks of Wanaka.
4 - Glendu Bay Track
Not the longest track, but definitely one of the most varied in terms of terrain. With short and steep climbs and downhills, this one is great for improving your skills or having as much fun as you can squeeze into a 15km stretch. Suitable for beginners and intermediate riders, enjoy the bumpy roads and keep your eyes open to spot the uninhabited beaches along the way.
3 - Dean’s Bank
This purpose-built trail delivers a fast single track loop beside the Clutha River. There’s plenty of fun to be had on this cross-country track starting at Albert Town Campground and stretching to the Lake Wanaka outlet, before returning through the lush green forest road. With mixed views of lake, bush and the majestic Southern Alps, you might go for the views but come back for the trails. Once you’ve enjoyed a spin around Dean’s Bank, you’ll be coming back for more.
2 - Bike Glendu
A newer addition to the Glendu area, Bike Glendu offers a trail network dug into the hilly terrain. With speed and technical riding, this mixed bag of expertly crafted routes offers a memorable day of MTB shredding for friends and family. Choose between beginner, intermediate or advanced riding to match and improve your skillset.
1 - Cardrona Bike Park
It’s hard to beat alpine riding and that’s what puts Cardrona at number one. With epic downhill MTB trails accessible via lifts, you’ll want to get a few practice runs in before going hard out with magnificent but heavily exposed twists and turns making this park like no other in Wanaka. The views are stunning and the routes are rad. So rad they are suitable for more advanced riders. It’s also worth remembering that it’ll be much cooler on the mountain, so wrap up warm.
For mountain bikes, protective clothing and accessories, take a look at Pushbikes today.
