When you join the North Canterbury Cycling Club you get exclusive access to the private forests of Ashley, Okuku and Mt Thomas that provide fantastic riding on gravel roads and single tracks with no public traffic, varied terrain and great scenery.
The local Ashley River Rakahuri Trail developed by ECAN with the assistance of NCCC is available for both walkers and bikers, with the Rakahuri MTB Park in Rangiora containing some dedicated MTB trails. These trails are generally beginner friendly and are a good place for new riders to develop skill before heading up to the Ashley Forest.
For all day epics and serious mountain bike rides we have Mt Grey, Mt Richardson, Mt Thomas, Mt Karetu and the Wharfedale track nearby. Plus the amazing Blowhard single track to the top of Mt Richardson.
If 1000m climbs and fast, occasionally technical descents are your scene then this is the club for you.
Other local rides in the Waimakariri region
Ashley Forest
Our network of hand built single tracks in the Ashley Forest has grown steadily over the last few years and we now offer approximately 14kms of tracks (with new tracks being added) along with hundreds of kilometres of gravel roads in various condition from pristine to ‘sporty’. There’s no chairlift or shuttle so you’ll be powering yourself up well maintained forestry roads and single tracks.
Click here for more info for Ashley Forest Rides
Click here for more info about Ashley Forest access Permits
Ashley Rakahuri
Multiple rides of varying lengths including the Rakahuri and along the stop banks between Rangiora and Waikuku. Mostly beginner friendly Grade 2.
In August 2022 approximately four kilometres was added to the track to create an 8.8km loop for mountain bikers and walkers. New ramps have been installed as part of the track extension. The track is designed for mountain bikers to ride in one direction only, making the track safer for all users. There are now approximately 21.5km of walking and biking tracks in the Ashley Rakahuri Regional Park.
Lees Valley
The Lees Valley can be ridden as a partial loop starting at Okuku Pass Rd west of White Rock, finishing on Ashley Gorge Rd just north of Oxford township. This trip may require 4WD backup as the ride is about 75kms long. Travel arrangements would need to be worked out to get back to vehicles at the start along Quarry road.
Wharfedale
The ride in from View hill to the saddle is Intermediate grade 3 to Advanced/Grade 4. A can also be ridden from Oxford connecting Lees Valley, the Townshend Track past Wharfedale Hut, Wharfedale Saddle and return via View Hill. This can be ridden in either direction and is a 5-7hour ride so very good fitness is required. Wharfedale Track has had some major upgrade work done on it recently, but is still susceptible to weather damage.
Other Mountain Bike options around Canterbury
Hanmer Springs
Around 80 mins drive time from Rangiora, Hanmer Springs have a top-class trail network with rides suitable for every level of rider. From the cruisy Easy Rider through to C-Line & Addiction and the Tombstone track. Spend a day riding and then take a soak in the hot pools.
Mt Hutt Bike Park
Around 80 mins drive time from Rangiora, the park is an excellent playground for all levels. 40km+ of trails which should satisfy even the hardiest of DH riders.
Poulter River Track
This ride can be done in a day or an overnight stay at the Casey or Poulter hut. The ride one way to the Poulter Hut is 27kms. Grade 2-3 conditions, reasonable fitness required.
Craigeburn
There are many route choices in the Craigieburn Forest Park and offers good riding and great views over the Castle hill area. For example the Hogs Back and Sidle 73 tracks, the upgrade/reroute of the Dracophyllum Flat track, and the construction of the Coal Pit Spur track. These four tracks constitute the Craigieburn Trail, 24km of single-track with a couple of short linking sections of ski-field road from Flock Hill to Castle Hill. Generally considered to be intermediate grade 3.
Double Fence Line (Port Hills)
A steep start to this adventure around the Port Hills above Little river. Great views. Approximately 5 hours of riding. Intermediate grade, Good fitness required.
St James Cycleway
One of the Great rides, the St James offers easy to intermediate riding in a fantastic mix of high country and river views. The full loop is about 65-70kms long with several huts choices along the route if overnighting.
Christchurch’s Port Hills
Multiple ride possibilities catering for all riding abilities. Many single tracks available along with road and 4WD tracks. The Christchurch City Council puts out a brochure on its city and port hills riding areas otherwise check out this website. All grades of riding to suit all ranges of fitness available.
Little River Rail Trail
This is a flat easy-going grade 1 ride from Motukarara to Little river of 22kms or 44kms if you choose to return the same way.
Halswell Quarry & Crocodile XC Park
Dan van Asch has supported mountain biking since rubber met dirt- and owns the land that this track system resides in. He instigated the construction of the original Crocodile Track back in 2001 and since then has fostered a partnership with the Christchurch Single Track Club who have built many more superb tracks on his land, creating what is now the Crocodile XC MTB park. The trails are extremely popular, and they tick all the boxes as a fun system easily accessible from the City.
Tracks are built and maintained by volunteers, mainly from the Christchurch Singletrack Club
CAP – Christchurch Adventure Park
Gravity oriented bike park with a good range of blue and black tracks (the green trails are a bit exposed to the elements and need a good amount of work to make them worth riding).
Chairlift uplifts mean a good day of downhill runs if that is what you are after although there is a challenging uphill track if you feel the need.
There is a good skills area for those wanting to hone their drops or table jump skills.
Your base for epic mountain bike, zipline & sightseeing adventures as well as chilled out down-time on the large deck of our Adventure Park Café nestled in the pine forest.