Cycling & Mountain Biking in and around Tongariro National Park

by | Oct 24, 2025 | Explore

Three cyclists riding along Ohakune Old Coach Road in New Zealand with a striking mountain in the background, enjoying outdoor adventure and scenic landscape.

If you love the outdoors, the Tongariro National Park and surrounding region offers some of New Zealand’s most rewarding cycling and mountain biking experiences. From scenic forest loops to epic back-country descents, there’s something for every rider.

1. Te Ara Mangawhero

  • Distance: 12.95 km (loop)

  • Grade: 2 – Intermediate

  • Approx. time: 2+ hours

  • Location: Ohakune

    Start your journey at the base of Ohakune Mountain Road, exploring remnants of an old village and colonial buildings before following a gentle ascent through lush native forest, small bridges, and sections of historic tramway. The trail winds through wetlands and tussocks, featuring old tramway remnants and a 19-metre bridge with scenic views of Mt Ruapehu, before descending along regenerating bush and roads to reconnect with the main loop.

    A couple with their two young children riding on their bicycles on the the area mangawhero trailGroup of friends riding on the the art mangawhero trail with striking snow covered mountain in the background

2. Ohakune Old Coach Road

  • Distance: 15 km one way

  • Grade: 3 – Moderate

  • Approx. time: 3 hours one way

  • Start/Finish: The easiest and most rewarding way to tackle this ride is one-way from Horopito to Ohakune.

    The Ohakune Old Coach Road is a 15 km multi-terrain cycling and walking trail beneath the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, passing through one of the few remaining sections of virgin native forest in the North Island. Originally built in the early 1900s to connect two railheads by horse-drawn coach, it was lost to the forest for nearly a century before being restored. Today, cyclists and walkers enjoy its historic cobbled sections, diverse terrain, and the impressive Hapuawhenua Viaduct, with options for shuttle-supported downhill rides or as part of the full Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono journey. Riders should be cautious on muddy or slippery sections and respect the active railway corridor.

    Three cyclists biking the Ohakune Old Coast Road with striking mountain in backgroundCyclists waving to a hiker as they pass on the Ohakune Old CoaCh Road trail

3. Fishers Track

  • Distance: 27 km one way (to the pick up point)

  • Grade: 2 – Easy to Moderate

  • Approx. time: 2 – 3 hours

  • Start: National Park Village

  • Finish: Monument Corner on Oio Road

    Starting behind the historic railway station in National Park Village, this family-friendly ride climbs briefly through Erua Forest before descending 520 m through native bush into the Retaruke Valley, finishing at the War Memorial Monument on Oio Road for pickup.

4. Marton Sash & Door Tramway Loop

  • Distance: 16 km loop

  • Grade: 3

  • Approx. time: 2+ hours for families

  • Start/Finish: National Park Village
    This family-friendly 2-hour loop in Waimarino follows a restored bush tramway through pine plantations alongside the North Island Main Trunk Railway, passing historic relics such as log bridges, a wood dam, pumice cuttings, and rail irons; children under 10 should be confident riders, and winter conditions may include puddles and mud.

    2 cyclists riding side by side through lush vegetation while mountain biking on the marton sash and door trail

5. 42 Traverse

  • Distance: 46 km one way

  • Grade: 3 – 4 Moderate – Advanced

  • Approx. time: 4 – 6 hours

  • Start/Finish: Kapoors Road off SH47, finishing in Owhango

    The 42 Traverse is a challenging grade 3–4 mountain biking trail in Ruapehu, featuring rutted downhills, gravel, mud, stream crossings, and uphills. Riders need good fitness and skill set but are rewarded with spectacular views of Tongariro National Park’s volcanoes and bush, finishing in Owhango.

    Mountain Biker spraying dirt as he skids on the t42 track

 

Mountain Biking Safety: Ride Smart in the Ruapehu Region

The landscapes around Tongariro National Park are breathtaking, but also rugged and changeable. Before setting out, it’s worth taking a few precautions including:

  • Check the weather — alpine conditions can change quickly.

  • Always wear a helmet and carry gloves, eye protection, and warm layers.

  • Bring spare gear such as a repair kit, pump, water and food.

  • Some trails are one way, so arrange a shuttle or pickup before you ride.

  • Stick to your skill level.

  • Respect trail etiquette: stay on marked paths, close gates, and yield to walkers.

  • Let someone know your planned route and expected return time.

  • Mobile coverage is limited in places — carry a small first-aid kit and map.

See the Backcountry Mountain Biking Know Before Your Go for the full safety guide, for  the latest trail conditions and maps, visit Visit Ruapehu Cycling & Mountain Biking

Family-Friendly Rides

If you’re cycling as a family or with beginners, start with:

  • Fishers Track

  • Marton Sash & Door Tramway Loop

  • Te Ara Mangawhero

These trails offer beautiful scenery without too much technical difficulty, making them perfect for a fun and active family day out.

Stay at Skotel Alpine Resort

After a big day on the bike, unwind and refuel at Skotel Alpine Resort. Located in Whakapapa Village, the resort offers:

  • A variety of rooms and accommodation styles to suit families, friends or groups.

  • An on-site bar and restaurant — the perfect place to relax and share stories from the trail.

From gentle forest rides to rugged mountain adventures, Skotel Alpine Resort is your ideal base for exploring the best of Cycling & Mountain Biking Tongariro National Park.

Images courtesy of Visit Ruapehu.