MTB Etiquette

Rotorua is the world’s best all-year mountain biking destination and with so many visitors riding the trails, we thought it might be helpful to share a few guidelines on how everyone can enjoy the forest together.

1: Pass kindly and say hi to other trail users. When you're a faster rider and come up behind other riders on the trails, say hello and call out if you’re going to pass on the left or right, depending on the trail. Also let them know how many more riders are going to pass. Smile a lot. Then say thanks.

2: If you need to stop on the trail for a refreshment, sort out your bike or take a photo, make sure you are well off the trail and out of the way of others.

3: Say "Hi" or "Kia ora!" to walkers, runners and other forest users.

4: Always remember that a lot of work has gone into creating the trails, so please try not to damage the trails and foliage.   

5: Don’t litter in the beautiful forest. Take all rubbish back out with you. The trails are part of our home and we love sharing them. We ask that they be treated with the respect they deserve.

6: Please respect the area and the land and the iwi owners. The forest is a commercial operation, owned by local iwi and we are lucky to be riding in there for free.

7: If you’re new to the forest it’s always good to learn the trails on the map, plan a route, learn where water supply locations are and also remember the phone number for the First Response Unit. The First Response Unit can be contacted by calling: 0800 WHAKA 1 or 0800 942 521

8: Don’t go the wrong way on a trail. Entrances and exit points are clearly marked.

9: Do not ride closed trails at all. 

10: Read and understand the trail grades, so you know if you are ready to ride that trail. Don’t be over ambitious!

In the Whakarewarewa Forest, we are a community of riders, sharing the trails together. Our awesome trails cater to all levels of ability and experience. If everyone follows these simple guidelines, we can all enjoy the same space at our own speed.

Last but possibly most importantly, if you're coming from out of town, please join (internal link) the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club or make a koha to the forest First Response Unit (internal link). This rescue service is funded by the club and is a vital part of what makes it safe for all riders to experience the trails. Contribute a little or a lot, it’s always very much appreciated, and you never know, the next life they save could be yours.

First Response can be contacted by calling: 0800 WHAKA 1 or 0800 942 521

By: RMTBC member Graeme Murray