Easy Rides

Rides suited for families or novice riders

With steep hills and sharp blind corners, the Hūnua Traverse is best suited to experienced riders. There are however some great segments for less experienced riders.

Clevedon (mostly) downhill

14km, 220m elevation

For those looking for a less challenging one-way ride, we recommend you start at the Moumoukai Hill Road carpark (acces via Ness Valley) and travel one-way back to Clevedon Village. While you won’t avoid uphills, the majority of riding is downhill and the descent down Otau Mountain is beautiful. Less experienced riders should take care – confident bike handling skills are required when descending in gravel and may encounter vehicles. Please keep left and ride single-file.
At the conclusion of your ride, make sure you reward your efforts with food and drink from one of Clevedon’s hospitality venues. If you’re riding on a Sunday, we suggest you finish your ride at the famous Clevedon Village Farmers Market.

SAFETY ALERT

Otau Mountain Road is used by logging trucks during weekdays and shoud be avoided by cyclists.

We recommend this route on weekends an public holidays only.

Hūnua Explorer

Base yourself in the middle of the Hūnua Ranges Regional Park and enjoy some of our most scenic portions of the Hūnua Traverse.

1. Set up camp at Upper Mangatāwhiri Campground

2. Bike skills area

Beside the Upper Mangatāwhiri Campground you’ll find a neat little bike skills park to hone your bike handling skills.

3. Upper Mangatāwhiri dam wall ride

approx 2km return, 65m elevation

Short and punchy, ride up to the dam wall and be wowed by the infrastructural might of the Upper Mangatāwhiri reservoir.

4. Reservoir Ride

approx 7km return, 175m elevation gain

Ride the Hūnua Traverse north alongside the Upper Mangatāwhiri Reservoir to the bottom of Ernie’s Track & back again – gently undulating, with a canopy of native bush and stunning views over the reservoir. Sorry, swimming in the reservoir is not permitted.

5. Valley Loop

approx 13.5km, 185m elevation gain

Starting and finishing in the Upper Mangatawhiri Valley, ride approx 4km south along A R A Drive / Mangatangi Road to the bottom on Mangatangi Hill. Turn right onto Graeme White Road and loop back to A R A Drive via Moumoukai Valley Road and Manning Road, exploring 7km of gravel riding around the Valley Loop (on road) and a multitude of single tracks. Beware the river crossing.

Find out more on the trailforks website