MTB/Gravel Rides
Mountain Biking
When you join the North Canterbury Cycling Club you get exclusive access to the private forest lands of Ashley, Mt Thomas and Okuku. Fantastic riding on gravel roads, single tracks, no traffic, great scenery and great mates to ride with.
The local Ashley River Rakahuri track developed by ECAN with the assistance of NCCC is available for both walkers and bikers.
For serious mountain bike rides we are near Mt Grey, Mt Richardson, Mt Thomas, Mt Karetu and the Wharfedale track. Plus the amazing Blowhard single track to the top of Mt Richardson.
If 1000m climbs and serious blasts down are your scene then this is the club for you.
Local Waimakariri riding
Ashley Forest
Ashley Forest is a private forest managed by Rayonier Matariki. The North Canterbury Cycle Club has organised access by permit. By being a NCCC club member and Forest Permit Holder, you get weekly emailed reports on when you are able to access the forest, any forest or road closures, dangers or other events that may impact access.
Click here for more info for Ashley Forest Rides
Click here for more info about Ashley Forest access Permits
Ashley Rakahuri
Multiple rides of varying lengths including the Rakahuri and along the stop banks to Waikuku. Grade 2
In August 2022 approximately four kilometres was added to the track to create an 8.8km loop for mountain bikers and walkers. New ramps have been installed as part of the track extension. The track is designed for mountain bikers to ride in one direction only, making the track safer for all users. There are now approximately 21.5km of walking and biking tracks in the Ashley Rakahuri Regional Park.
Lees Valley
This has been the venue for some competitive racing. The route can start at the start of the Okuku Pass at the end of the Loburn road and end at Oxford township. This trip may require 4WD backup as the ride is about 75kms long. Travel arrangements would need to be worked out to get back to vehicles at the start along Quarry road.
Wharfedale
The ride in from View hill to the saddle is Intermediate grade 3 to Advanced/Grade 4. A loop from Oxford over to lees valley, Wharfedale Hut, Wharfedale Saddle and return via View Hill is a 5-7hour ride. Very good fitness required. This track has had some major upgrade work done on it recently.
Other Mountain Bike options Canterbury
Hanmer Springs
Around 80 mins drive time from Rangiora, Hanmer Springs have a top-class trail network with rides suitable for every level of rider. From the cruisy Easy Rider through to C-Line & Addiction and the Tombstone track. Spend a day riding and then take a soak in the hot pools.
Mt Hutt Bike Park
Around 80 mins drive time from Rangiora, the park is an excellent playground for all levels. 40km+ of trails which should satisfy even the hardiest of DH riders.
Poulter River Track
This ride can be done in a day or an overnight stay at the Casey or Poulter hut. The ride one way to the Poulter Hut is 27kms. Grade 2-3 conditions, reasonable fitness required.
Craigeburn
There are many route choices in the Craigieburn Forest Park and offers good riding and great views over the Castle hill area. For example the Hogs Back and Sidle 73 tracks, the upgrade/reroute of the Dracophyllum Flat track, and the construction of the Coal Pit Spur track. These four tracks constitute the Craigieburn Trail, 24km of single-track with a couple of short linking sections of ski-field road from Flock Hill to Castle Hill. Generally considered to be intermediate grade 3.
Double Fence Line (Port Hills)
A steep start to this adventure around the Port Hills above Little river. Great views. Approximately 5 hours of riding. Intermediate grade, Good fitness required.
St James Cycleway
One of the Great rides, the St James offers easy to intermediate riding in a fantastic mix of high country and river views. It's about 65kms long with several huts choices along the route if overnighting.
Note: As of October 2022 a bridge washout in 2021 has still not been replaced so the loop cannot be completed.
Christchurch's Port Hills
Multiple ride possibilities catering for all riding abilities. Many single tracks available along with road and 4WD tracks. The Christchurch City Council puts out a brochure on its city and port hills riding areas otherwise check out this website. All grades of riding to suit all ranges of fitness available.
Little River Rail Trail
This is a flat easy-going grade 1 ride from Motukarara to Little river of 22kms or 44kms if you choose to return the same way.
Halswell Quarry & Crocodile XC Park
Dan van Asch has supported mountain biking since rubber met dirt- and owns the land that this track system resides in. He instigated the construction of the original Crocodile Track back in 2001 and since then has fostered a partnership with the Christchurch Single Track Club who have since 2011, built many more superb tracks on his land, creating what is now the Crocodile XC MTB park. The trails are extremely popular, and they tick all the boxes as a fun system easily accessible from the City.
Tracks are built and maintained by volunteers, mainly from the Christchurch Singletrack Club
CAP – Christchurch Adventure Park
Gravity oriented bike park with a good range of blue and black tracks (the green trails are a bit exposed to the elements and need a good amount of work to make them worth riding).
Chairlift uplifts mean a good day of downhill runs if that is what you are after although there is a challenging uphill track if you feel the need.
There is a good skills area for those wanting to hone their drops or table jump skills.
Your base for epic mountain bike, zipline & sightseeing adventures as well as chilled out down-time on the large deck of our Adventure Park Café nestled in the pine forest.