From the Lakefront to Sticky Forest: Wānaka's Best Cycle Trails

Wānaka is the kind of place that makes you want to get out on two wheels, and you don't have to be a serious mountain biker to make the most of it. Whether you're after a flat, easy pedal along the river or a mountain bike session, there's a trail close to Hampshire Holiday Parks – Wānaka to match.

Here's the rundown, sorted by difficulty and ride type, so you can pick the right one before you gear up.

Easy rides: Flat, family-friendly, and right on the doorstep  

If you're after a relaxed pedal rather than a workout, start with the Waterfall Creek Track or Outlet Track — both Grade 1-2, or easy.

Waterfall Creek Track is the shorter option — around 2.5km, tracing the lake's edge from the western end of Roys Bay. You'll pass Wānaka Station Park, continue past Rippon Winery & Vineyard, and finish at New Zealand's most-photographed tree — That Wānaka Tree.  

The Outlet Track follows the Clutha/Mata-Au River as it flows out of the lake, rolling gently downstream toward Albert Town Bridge. It's about a 12km ride one-way, so treat it as a there-and-back.  

These rides sit on opposite sides of town, so pick whichever direction suits your day. Waterfall Creek is about a 15-minute ride from the park, while the Outlet Track is about 30 minutes towards the Clutha outlet.  

Intermediate rides: Bigger distances, bigger views 

Once you're comfortable in the saddle, the Millennium Track to Glendhu Bay is the ride to build a day around.  

It's Grade 3 (intermediate), running roughly 15km one-way along the lake's edge past beaches, bluffs and vineyards.  

The climbs have traditionally made this one for confident riders, or you can add an e-bike to the equation. Pedal-assist turns a demanding intermediate ride into an achievable, ridiculously scenic half-day out for a much wider range of fitness levels. 

Mountain biking: Technical trails for every skill level 

For genuine mountain biking, Sticky Forest is the local favourite. It's the closest trail network to the park, less than 2km from the lakefront on the same side of town as the Outlet Track.  

With Grade 1 through to Grade 6 trails across the network (that's beginner-friendly greens right through to expert-level black and double-black runs), there's realistically something here for everyone in the group.  

Most of the network sits in the blue, intermediate range, and technical features like jumps usually have an easier "chicken line" alongside them for riders who'd rather skip it. 

From an easy pedal along the lakefront to a session at Sticky Forest, there's a ride here to suit you. So, grab a bike, pick your trail, and explore Wānaka on two wheels.