Craters Mountain Bike Park is Taupō’s dedicated off-road riding hub, with more than 50 kilometres of singletrack spread through geothermal pine and native forest about 3 kilometres north of town on Wairakei Drive. Trails run from Grade 2 beginner cross-country to Grade 5 technical descents, making it one of the most versatile mountain bike venues in the central North Island.
Practical Information
| Location | Wairakei Drive, 3km north of Taupō town centre |
| Trail network | 50km+ of singletrack |
| Grades | Grade 2 (beginner) to Grade 5 (advanced/expert) |
| Membership | Bike Taupō membership required — visitor day passes available at KEFI Hub Café |
| Bike hire | FourB bike hire, next to KEFI café at the Hub |
| Café | KEFI at the Hub, across Huka Falls Road from the main car park |
| Best season | Year-round — volcanic pumice soil drains quickly |
About the Park
Craters MTB Park takes its name from the nearby Craters of the Moon geothermal field, and steam vents and geothermal activity are a visible presence throughout the forest. The park runs on pumice soil — the same volcanic material that underlies most of the central plateau — which drains rapidly after rain and allows for year-round riding in conditions that would close clay-based trails elsewhere.
The trail network caters to all levels. Beginner riders can use the easier Grade 2 loops to build confidence, while intermediate and advanced riders have access to technical flow trails, drops and directional tracks. Popular beginner trails include Tourist Trap; advanced riders gravitate to the Grade 4–5 descents in the upper forest sections.
The Hub and Facilities
The KEFI at the Hub Café sits across Huka Falls Road from the main Craters car park and is the base for park access, visitor passes and post-ride coffee. FourB operates bike hire from the same location. A tunnel under Wairakei Drive connects the hub to the trail network. There is also an older car park about 600m up Karapiti Road and a third access point on SH5 for those coming from the south.
Membership and Passes
All users of Craters MTB Park must be a Bike Taupō member. Annual and visitor day pass options are available — purchase online at the Bike Taupō website, at KEFI café, or at local cycle shops in Taupō. The membership fee funds trail maintenance and development across all Taupō-area trails.
Where to Learn More
Bike Taupō — Craters MTB Park
Trail maps, conditions reports, membership info and visitor pass purchase for Craters Mountain Bike Park.
Trailforks — Craters MTB Park
Detailed trail maps, individual trail profiles and rider reviews for the Craters network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a member to ride at Craters MTB Park?
Yes — all riders must have a Bike Taupō membership. Visitor day passes are available at KEFI café at the Hub or online. Annual memberships are available for regular visitors.
Is Craters MTB Park suitable for beginners?
Yes — there are Grade 2 trails suitable for beginners and casual riders. The park has trails across the full range from Grade 2 to 5.
Can I hire a bike at Craters MTB Park?
Yes — FourB bike hire operates next to KEFI café at the Hub. They have a range of bikes including full-suspension mountain bikes.
Is Craters MTB Park open year-round?
Yes — the pumice soil drains quickly after rain. Check the Bike Taupō website for current conditions before heading out.
How do I get to Craters MTB Park?
Head north from Taupō town on Wairakei Drive (towards Wairakei and Huka Falls). The main car park and KEFI Hub are about 3km from town on the right.
See also: Cycling tracks in Taupō · Parks and reserves · Things to do in Taupō