The Waimakariri River Regional Park has a great biking trail. There are 40 ha of tracks, jumps and even an area for learners (less-experienced bikers).
Important information for trail bikes
There are some important changes being made to the trail bike areas in the Waimakariri Regional Park.
Find out about these changes (pdf 908 kB)
Updated June 2010.
Where can I ride?
Kaiapoi Island
Stopbanks and groynes
Stopbanks are large, compacted mounds along waterways. Groynes are short banks that run at right angles to the river. These are designed to keep rivers from flooding nearby communities. They are easily damaged by motor vehicles – so keep to defined tracks.
You pay for these river works with your rates, and you really pay if you damage them (because of their importance, fines for stopbank damage are up to $10,000).
Trail bike code
- Wear a helmet, boots and protective clothing.
- Spark arrestors must be fitted to reduce fire hazard.
- Tracks may be closed during periods of extreme fire risk.
- Ride quietly (excessive noise is likely to lead to access restrictions).
- Maintain a safe speed for the conditions.
- Keep your eyes open and consider the safety of others - including walkers and mountain bikers.
- Road rules apply outside the trail bike area.
- Be safe and enjoy your ride.
Code of the Waimak
- Pack everything out – rubbish, cigarette butts, your mates – everything.
- Respect plants and animals.
- Riverbed bird nesting season is from mid-August to mid-January. Please don’t ride in open shingle areas during this time.
Trail bike park
The trail bike park (TBP) on the north side of the Waimakariri River is located 3.5 km upstream of the motorway bridge. The TBP consists of 40 ha of tracks, jumps and a learner’s area.
- Read the signs and know where you’re going.
- Circuits run anti-clockwise.
- Plenty of car parking is available at the TBP.
- Grassed areas downstream of the TBP are for non-motor vehicle users only.
Other trail riding areas along the river
You’ll also find excellent trail riding:
- on the north side of the river west of Downs Road; and
- on the south side west of Miners Bank, with more tracks to be developed here soon with the Trail Riders Group.
Waimakariri Trail Riders Group
If you want a say on trail riding along the river, consider joining the Trail Riders Group. Contact Kate Roughan on 027 432 2742 for details.
Brochure
Read the brochure!
Trail bike riding at the Waimakariri River Regional Park (pdf 1.19 MB)