Ashley Forest is a private forest managed by Matariki Forests. The North Canterbury Cycling Club has organised access by permit ONLY. The forest access permit (Hivepass digital membership) allows cycling on the private forest roads in Ashley, Okuku and Mt Thomas forests, as well as on the club built single tracks in Ashley Forest.
NCCC is constantly developing trails within Ashley Forest. Currently there is nearly 14km of trails within the forest that range in difficulty from beginner (green) to black (expert), with most trails suiting intermediate riders (blue).
By being a NCCC club member you get weekly forest access reports via email, Facebook and Hivepass that inform of any road closures, dangers or events that may impact access. Membership expires a year from date of signing up to club via Hivepass (see Become a Member). Membership also provides limited liability insurance cover through the club’s affiliation with Cycling NZ.
Access Times
Monday to Friday – 5pm to midnight
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays – dawn to midnight
Strictly no access outside of these hours
Rules
- Access to the Ashley, Okuku and Mt Thomas Forests is for NCCC members who have a current Hivepass/membership.
- Members may take up to 5 guests with them into the forest at any one time. Guests MUST stay with the Hivepass holder who is responsible for the safety and actions of their guests.
- Hivepass holders (and guests) enter the forests at their own risk and must abide by the MTB code.
- Have your Hivepass membership available on your phone. You may be asked to produce it by forestry staff.
- You must wear a helmet.
- Wear bright or easily visible clothing as hunters and other access holders are often in the forests.
- No access when fire danger is HIGH or EXTREME.
- It is the responsibility of members to check the current forest access status on Hivepass, Facebook or the Friday NCCC email.
- Entry into the forest is at notified entry areas only, DO NOT ENTER THROUGH ANY PRIVATE LAND.
- Members are obliged to help their fellow riders if they require assistance.
- No smoking in the forest.
- No hunting is permitted by NCCC members (when accessing the forests as a NCCC member).
- Access by vehicle is not allowed.
- Dogs must be kept under control and are taken in the forest at the owner’s risk. It is not recommended to have dogs on the Ashley Forest single track mountain bike trails.
- Road rules apply – Keep Left at all times. Expect to see TRUCKS, dogs and hunters. Report any track issues to the club directly on info@nccc.co.nz.
- For emergency access and security issues only (including suspicious or hazardous activities) please contact Colin Smith, Smith Security 24/7 on mobile: 027 815 8950.
- REPORT FIRES TO 111 IMMEDIATELY.
- Any breaches of these rules may result in termination of NCCC membership.
- Junior riders under 12 must be accompanied at all times by an adult who is a permit holder.
- No unauthorized track building, doing so could jeopardize future access for all members. If you would like to be involved with track building, please contact us on info@nccc.co.nz.