For Auckland's one and a half million people Waiheke Island is an idyllic retreat from the stress, bustle, noise and gridlock of the city. It's clear blue Pacific waves, white sandy beaches, peace and boutique vineyards make a great weekend break. They're just an hour's ferry ride from the city. And there some good mountain bike trails on the island - not "reserve class" but a little better than the local wine.
The trails are at the Onetangi Sports Park. There is an easy kids loop around the football field and a couple of intermediate loops around the nearby hill. The intermediate trails are quality handmade singletrack with nice switchbacks, dodgy swerves through trees, a few steep downhill pitches, and a short meadow ramble. There is not much in the way of humps, bumps and jumps but you won't miss them...
All up there is about 6km of trail, worth doing two or three times.
Love the kids track, nice and flowing 26/04/2017
| ThankThe thing about this bike ride is that it's part of the mini-adventure of visiting Waiheke Island, best done with friends or family in summer.
You can take your bike on the ferry for free or take your car at reasonable cost. When you've done riding, the vinyards, cafes and restaurants will be happy to take your surplus cash!
For the the best value attraction on the island head for the Onetangi Sports Park mountain bike trails. They're free and lots of fun.
| ThankTight and windy with sandy patches. Not a lot chance to get up consistent flow but some fun sections zipping past trees and bushes
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