When is the Best time to go Mountain Biking in New Zealand?

When is the best time to go Mountain Biking in New Zealand for the most unforgettable experience. From a professional mountain bike guide based on the South Island of New Zealand.

Best Season to go Mountain Biking in New Zealand

This might be counter-intuitive but the shoulder seasons are actually the best time to go mountain biking in New Zealand. Specifically October and November (Spring) and between mid February through to April (late Summer into Autumn/ Fall). That’s why we are only running mountain bike tours during the prime riding months!

The days are still long (10-13 hours of daylight in the Autumn and 12-15 hours in the Spring) and the trails are quiet. Also, there might still be some snow in the mountains to get those beautiful views!

What is the Best Month to Mountain Biking in New Zealand?

Personally, after years guiding mountain biking trips, I absolutely love riding in November. It’s a little cooler but there are way less people around. The mountain bike trails are usually in really good conditions and haven’t had much traffic yet, meaning extra tacky trails. The nature is waking up with fresh lambs in the fields and the excitement of summer is just around the corner.

What are the Mountain Bike Trail Conditions Like?

Mountain biking year round in New Zealand is possible, but with some major restrictions. The  MTB trails here are incredibly varied (which is what makes it such a unique place to ride) ranging from hard-packed clay like soil, to dry rocky desert, to rooty beech forests and thick loamy rainforest. This wide variety means plenty of riding but they are all affected differently by the weather and temperatures. 

Many of the trails will be closed in winter due to ‘freeze / thaw’ conditions, especially the more clay-like trail surfaces. These same trails can be damaged if ridden when too wet. As a general rule if the mud is sticking to your tyres (like peanut butter) you will be damaging the trail.

The rocky desert riding is awesome in the winter, but you do have to watch out for the ice or frost on the rocks if they are in the shade. Also, in the summer it is obviously very hot with no tree cover.

The rainforest riding is actually extremely resilient year round but when it rains it pours so you have to be ready for getting wet. The main issue in the rainforest is rising creeks and rivers so this should be taken very seriously. Never try to cross a flooded creek or stream.

When is the Quietest Time to Visit New Zealand for Mountain Biking?

Even riding in the peak of the summer season it is easy to find secluded riding. You just need to get out of the big tourist hubs like Queenstown or Rotorua. Peak summer season is December – February but compared to other countries it is still very quiet. For an even quieter experience come in the spring or autumn!

Where is best to ride for each season in New Zealand?

Spring (September – November) most of the MTB trails are in prime condition. The days are getting longer and the trails are going to perfect with plenty of grip. We do have very strong winds in the spring (especially in Otago) and be prepared for showers at any time. 

Summer (December – February) crowds are starting to build around Queenstown and Rotorua. Alexandra is getting crazy hot. So, I would sneak off to the quieter areas of the South Island; West Coast, Canterbury and Nelson.

Autumn (March – May) things are starting to cool down but the days are still really long. Most of New Zealand’s trails will be riding great so take your pick. The higher alpine trails might get some early snow storms so pick your weather window and get them while you can.

Winter (June – August) is the quietest season but there is still plenty of riding to be done. The West Coast rides are particularly good; The Old Ghost Road, The Paparoa are ideal in winter. The Heaphy is open to mountain bikes too from 1 May to 30 November each year. The North Island is generally a much warmer climate and so has warmer (though also wetter) weather throughout the winter.

When are the annual Mountain Biking events in New Zealand?

If you are travelling to New Zealand why not check out some of the amazing Mountain Biking events whilst you’re here? These are just a handful of the biggest events but we have races all year round dotted across both islands.

• Crankworx Christchurch: February (at the Christchurch Adventure Park).
• Crankworx Rotorua: March (at Skyline Rotorua).
• Whaka 100: Late October annually in Rotorua.
• Motatapu Mountain Bike: Early March annually between Wānaka and Arrowtown

Who can show me the best Mountain Biking in New Zealand?

All of our Mountain Bike Tours are tailored to the conditions and the group. That means that each tour is unique but you will always get to ride the very best trails each day. We specialize in beautiful and remote backcountry riding combined with the most comfortable accommodations (and plenty of hot pools to relax in)

To create a truly personalised experience we have the smallest groups in the industry (6 riders with 2 guides) and our trips will be guaranteed to run at just 3 riders.