Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking around Great Barrier Island

Here at Stray Possum Lodge we are often host to bike riders of all ages and from all walks of life, keen to experience the Island’s beauty at first hand. Just exploring by road can be an adventure in itself or go off road on tracks ranging from easy to extreme. Take a leisurely ride to one of the stunning beaches, have a picnic and ride back to the lodge or spend the day riding down the walking track to Medlands and then up to Claris for a quick coffee before heading up to the top of Te Ahumata or White Cliffs.

Last summer one of our guests cycled from here to Port Fitzroy with a quick stop off en route to jog to the top of Mount Hobson and back before returning to Tryphena via the DOC coastal road, a journey of some 80km by cycle with a 2hr run thrown in… now I for one consider that a bit daunting. For those with a competitive streak there is an annual “Wharf to Wharf ” combining running and biking. Entry is for all comers and different age groups from children to veterans are catered for.

While about half the roads here are sealed they can be narrow in places and loose metal on unsealed sections can be hazardous with steep drop offs and traffic adding to a need for vigilance. Helmets are not only a must for your safety but are compulsory! As large areas of the Barrier are uninhabited we advise that you take food and water with you on your journey.

Mountain Bike Hire

For those wishing to hire, Nathan at Paradise Cycles has a great range of well-maintained bikes and, as an avid mountain biker himself can offer good advice regarding conditions and track suitability.
Contact Nathan on 09 4290 311 or Email [email protected]

Take care and enjoy your ride!