Last updated June 2026
Craters Mountain Bike Park is Taupō’s purpose-built off-road riding destination, featuring around 50 kilometres of singletrack through pine and eucalyptus plantations roughly 3 kilometres north of town on Wairakei Drive. Trails range from easy Grade 2 beginner loops to technical Grade 4–5 descents, suiting riders of all abilities in the central North Island. The park sits on free-draining volcanic pumice soil that supports year-round riding, with geothermal features from the nearby Craters of the Moon area adding a distinctive backdrop. Bike Taupō manages the park under licence from the Crown, and all users require membership or a visitor pass.
Practical Information
| Location | Wairakei Drive, 3 km north of Taupō town centre |
| Trail network | Around 50 km of singletrack |
| Grades | Grade 2 (beginner) to Grade 5 (advanced/expert) |
| Membership | Bike Taupō membership required; day passes $10, 7-day visitor passes $30 available online or at KEFI at the Hub |
| Bike hire | FourB bike hire at the Hub |
| Café | KEFI at the Hub, opposite the main car park |
| Best season | Year-round; pumice soil drains quickly after rain |
About the Park
Craters Mountain Bike Park takes its name from the adjacent Craters of the Moon geothermal field. Steam vents and geothermal activity are visible in the surrounding area, while the trails wind through exotic pine and eucalyptus plantations with occasional views of Lake Taupō and the Waikato River. The volcanic pumice soils provide excellent drainage, allowing the trails to remain rideable in conditions that would close clay-based networks elsewhere in New Zealand.
The network offers options for every rider. Beginners and families can enjoy flowing Grade 2 loops, while intermediate riders find a mix of cross-country and flow trails. Advanced riders tackle steeper, more technical descents and directional tracks in the upper sections. Popular entry points include the underpass from the Hub leading onto trails such as Tourist Trap.
Bike Taupō maintains and develops the trails using membership fees. The organisation also oversees other Taupō-area tracks, ensuring consistent standards across the region.
The Hub and Facilities
The KEFI at the Hub café sits across Huka Falls Road from the main car park and serves as the primary access point for visitor passes, maps and post-ride refreshments. FourB operates bike hire from the same location. A tunnel under Wairakei Drive connects the Hub directly to the trail network. Additional access is available via an older car park on Karapiti Road and a point on State Highway 5 for riders approaching from the south.
Membership and Passes
All users of Craters Mountain Bike Park must hold a Bike Taupō membership. Annual individual memberships cost $80, family memberships $100 and youth memberships $30. Visitor options include a $10 day pass or $30 seven-day pass. Passes can be purchased online via the Bike Taupō website, at KEFI at the Hub or at local cycle shops in Taupō. Membership directly supports trail maintenance and development.
What Visitors Often Say
Riders praise the variety of trails suitable for all skill levels and the quick-drying pumice surface that keeps the park rideable after rain. Many highlight the flowing descents, well-marked routes and convenient facilities at the Hub.
Visitors frequently note the park’s proximity to Taupō town and the helpful staff at the café and bike hire. Some mention enjoying the forest setting and the ability to combine rides with nearby trails.
Where to Learn More
Bike Taupō — Craters MTB Park: Official trail information, membership details, conditions reports and pass purchases.
Trailforks — Craters Mountain Bike Park: Detailed interactive maps, individual trail descriptions and rider logs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a member to ride at Craters Mountain Bike Park?
Yes, all users require a Bike Taupō membership. Day passes and seven-day visitor passes are available online or at KEFI at the Hub.
Is Craters Mountain Bike Park suitable for beginners?
Yes, Grade 2 trails cater to beginners and families, with options progressing up to Grade 5 for advanced riders.
Can I hire a bike at Craters Mountain Bike Park?
Yes, FourB bike hire operates from the Hub next to KEFI café, offering a range of mountain bikes.
Is Craters Mountain Bike Park open year-round?
Yes, the pumice soil drains rapidly. Check the Bike Taupō website for current conditions before riding.
How do I get to Craters Mountain Bike Park?
Travel north from Taupō on Wairakei Drive; the main car park and Hub are approximately 3 km from town on the right.
Are there maps available on site?
Yes, maps can be purchased at KEFI at the Hub, local bike shops or via the Bike Taupō online shop.
Is shuttle service available?
Yes, local operators offer shuttles by arrangement; book in advance during peak periods.
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