Pirongia Mountain Bike Park reopens after storm damage on upper trails cleared

Wednesday, 8 July 2026

Pirongia Mountain Bike Park has reopened after widespread damage from Feburary’s storm forced the trails to shut.

After 18 weeks of storm recovery work, mountain bikers and recreational users will be able to use the upper trails north of the Mangawawa Stream.

Slips, washouts, fallen trees, blocked culverts, unstable ground and damaged roads caused by Feburary’s weather event left some areas impassable or unsafe.

The reopened trails include Lockdown, Central Forest Road, Primeval Downhill, Joining Link, Delta, Northern Forestry Road and Resurrection.

Several lower trails were reopened in March following efforts from the Pirongia Mountain Bike Club, which manages the network under lease from Waipā District Council.

Pirongia Mountain Bike Club president Les McKenzie said it was great to see the full network open again for riders.

“The reopening restores one of the Waikato’s most popular mountain biking destinations - a trail network built over years of strong community partnership between the club, landowners and council,” he said.

Waipā District Council property services manager Dave Varcoe said it had been a significant effort to make the upper trails safe.

“Recovery work included repairing roads and tracks, improving drainage, removing hazards, installing new safety fencing and signage, repairing the turnaround area east of the creek, and completing final safety inspections across the network,” he said.

Riders are being asked to check trail conditions before heading out, respect any remaining signage, and enjoy the trails responsibly.