Mountain bikers in Waikaia will soon enjoy new riding opportunities as the Waikaia Forest Trails Trust opens its first mountain bike tracks this Thursday. The opening includes two new trails: the 1.16km Winding Creek Link and the 5.3km Switzers Gold Loop, both rated grade 2, which means they are suitable for beginners, occasional cyclists, and families due to their predictable, wide, and smooth paths.
Several young riders tested the trails ahead of the official opening and shared their excitement. Six-year-old Miles Crooks enjoyed the downhill runs, while five-year-old Jack Orpwood liked the sweeping corners. Toby Orpwood, 8, appreciated the berms, and Bede Crooks, also 8, enjoyed racing down the hills fast. Local Josh McDowell said he would use the track often because it is close to his home.
The trails were constructed by Graded Earth within a forest block owned by the Southland District Council. Dylan Ditchfield, a trustee of the Waikaia Forest Trails Trust, said the trails were designed with families in mind. If the trails attract enough riders, the trust hopes to secure more funding to expand the network. Trustees are also considering installing a counter to track trail usage.
Earlier feedback from a Rural Riders group who tested the trails was very positive, with members eager to return. These new trails mark the first phase of a proposed 25km mountain bike trail network centered around Waikaia township. The initial stage also includes a pump track and picnic area, forming the Waikaia Forest Trails hub.
This development adds to Waikaia’s outdoor attractions, which include historic gold mining sites and scenic forest walks, enriching opportunities for recreation and tourism in the region.