Mountain biking in Fiordland
Located in Fiordland National Park and Hollyford Valley area and Lake Monowai/Borland Road area and Lake Te Anau area and Milford Road/Milford Sound area in the Fiordland region
|
Introduction
Find out about places to go mountain biking in the Fiordland area, including on formed roads and selected local tracks (but sorry, no bikes are allowed on tracks in Fiordland National Park).Mountain biking
Intermediate: Grade 3Advanced: Grade 4
Dog access
While mountain biking is not permitted on any walking tracks within Fiordland National Park, it is allowed on formed roads and a few local tracks around townships. For other routes for various skill levels on rural sealed and unsealed roads in the surrounding areas, ask at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre for a factsheet.
Borland Road and Percy Pass
Mountain bikes are allowed on the Borland Road which is a great place for views and side trips. A challenging route for the more adventurous leads over the Percy Pass to West Arm, Lake Manapouri.
This is a one way trip for skilled, experienced parties in fine conditions – you will need to carry your bike for about an hour over the difficult top section, and pre-arrange transport by boat from West Arm.
Milford Road
The road from Te Anau to Milford Sound (120 km) offers fantastic views the whole way as well as many camping spots. There is the option of returning by bus if booked in advance. During summer this route is very busy with a very narrow shoulder. During winter biking is not permitted beyond Falls Creek due to avalanche danger.
Hollyford Valley
The gravel road from the Hollyford Road turnoff to the road end (16 km) is a very scenic road following the Hollyford River. Camping and side trips for short walks are available.
Te Anau
Te Anau to Upukerora River (8 km return). This scenic lakeside route is unsealed to the river with the option of returning via the (sealed) Te Anau-Milford Sound highway. See the Visitor Centre to Upukerora River walk.
Ivon Wilson Park, opposite the Wildlife Park, features an 8 km single track circuit with easy/medium and technical sections, some of which are suitable for families. Free maps are available at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre.
Lake 2 Lake Track
The trail runs alongside Lake Te Anau and the East side of the Waiau river. This offers a variety of natural settings.
The total length to Manapouri will be 28 km. The first 19 km to Balloon Loop is open for walkers,
runners, cyclists and any other non-motorised transport (e-bikes welcome).
The trail can be used in both directions or people can make a loop by returning on Golf Course Road or Te Anau-Manapouri Highway.
A 41 km loop can be created by gravel roads up Mt York Road and along Ramparts Road, past the lookout, returning to town via the Te Anau-Mossburn Highway.
A further 4.7 km of trail from Manapouri to Supply Bay Road is currently under construction and should be open by winter 2018.
For more information visit the Trails Trust website.
Near Fiordland
Mavora Lakes Park and Eyre Mountains, both in Southland, also offer excellent mountain biking within a few hours drive of Te Anau and Manapouri.
Contacts
| Te Rua-o-te-moko/Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 3 249 7924 |
| fiordlandvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | Lakefront Drive Te Anau 9600 |
| Hours | See visitor centre hours |