Dunedin Mountain Biking

Dunedin’s Mountain biking community is growing exponentially and already exemplifies a strong, superior scene for locals and visitors alike. As well as popular social rides, which meet on a weekly or monthly basis, there are plenty of tracks executable on an ad hoc basis at one’s leisure. Maps at entrance gates are often present to indicate the track difficulty, ranging from a novice level through to advanced.  

Signal Hill is the paragon of Dunedin Mountain Biking, encompassing a wide range of tracks and set in the hilly forest terrain reminiscent of Scotland, being matched with glimpses of captivating panoramic views of the city and harbour. This location is even host to the Nationals Downhill Track used extensively by the sports finest for training and is under continual development by renowned luminaries Luke Millington and Ant Jackson.  

The Nationals Downhill track is not for the fainthearted and includes a 280m-drop range, clay/rock-strewn soils and roller coaster undulations. The Student track conversely is comically entitled after the propensity to do silly things after a couple of beverages at the many student pubs littered throughout the student zone. Also designated as a track for more experienced riders, or perhaps those who are just courageously inebriated, it features similar drops, daring twists and narrow tree drops.  

Find Signal Hill by heading North from the Octagon at the City Centre towards the Gardens Shopping area along Opoho Road and up the hill to Signal Hill Road which you follow until you reach the lookout and monument site. Your mountain biking journey begins here! (MAP) 

For the not so dare-devilish there is an abundance of other tracks beyond Signal Hill. 

Jubilee Park is located by winding your way up Serpentine Ave from Princes Street at the Southern end of the Octagon. There is signage when you reach the top of the 4-way intersection at Maori Road. (MAP) Ideal for families, this figure-eight track comprises easy undulations and a safe, pleasant environment for aspiring mountain bikers.

Nichols Creek Track is currently in the completion stage but will provide both Beginner and Intermediate bikers with entertaining both ascending and descending the route. Nestled in the Leith Valley, the track also plays host to walkers but an established MTB chapter is looking to complement the trail at the end of 2008.