Fun little MTB adventures near Hamilton

Are the kids keen to hit some dirt trails and test out their mountain biking skills? Here are three little adventures near Hamilton that suit all ages from newly minted MTB riders to kids with a few more miles in their legs. 

Hakarimata Rail Trail 

This flat grassy trail follows the route of the former Ngāruawāhia/Glen Massey railway and is the ideal spot for kids graduating from concrete paths to trails. It’s slightly more adventurous but there’s nothing strenuous here! The trail leads to the Cascade Waterfall which is a sun dappled swimming hole in the middle of a forest.

Grade: Easy
Accessibility: Walking, buggies and bikes. No bikes allowed for last 200m to waterfall – there is a bike rack available.
Time: Allow 60 min return for a quick ride and explore.
Location: About 3 km south of Ngāruawāhia on Waingaro Road.
Dogs: No dogs.  

Avantidrome MTB Track

Tucked behind the Avantidrome is a short well-hidden mountain bike trail. It is easy to miss so keep an eye out for a small sign on the fence beside the southern side of the Avantidrome. It’s a fun little trail with a couple options; stay near the fence line and loop back to the carpark, or where the trail splits you can drop down to connect up with the Te Awa River Ride on a meandering dirt trail. Older kids will handle the downhill trail better.

Grade: Easy/Medium
Accessibility: Suitable for mountain bikes. 
Time: Allow 10 min on upper loop and about 20 min on lower loop.
Location: Parking available at Avantidrome.
Dogs: No dogs.  

Pūkete Farm Park

This purpose-built park on the northern edge of Hamilton has about 10 kilometres of twisty single-track mountain bike trails suitable for all skill-levels. Spend a couple hours exploring the sprawling park which has winding trails with bridges, stream crossing and culverts to traverse. Loads of fun budding MTB riders!

Grade: Easy/Medium
Accessibility: Suitable for mountain bikes. 
Time: As long as you like!
Location: Parking available on Māui Street in Te Rapa.
Dogs: Dogs are discouraged for safety reasons.