IT TAKES A VILLAGE...
The story of how Rotorua became one of the best trail networks in the world revolves around a key theme, partnership.
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To understand the awesomeness of the forest you need to first understand who is involved and it starts with our mana whenua, who are the kaitiaki of the land. Ngati Hurunga, Ngati Whakaue and Tuhourangi are the people of the land that makes up the Whakarewarewa and Titokorangi Forests. The land is owned by CNI which holds land titles and manages assets across the North IIsland on behalf of a confederation of eight Iwi.
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The land is managed by Crown Licence holders Timberlands for the production and harvesting of plantation forests but the management of recreation activities has been delegated to the Rotorua Lakes Council on behalf of CNI and Timberlands.
There are many stakeholders that operate in the forest such as Mountain Bike Rotorua, Tohu Experiences, events companies, the huge and awesome volunteer workforce maintaining trails, looking after wildlife, pest management and more!​
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The partnership between all these partners is what keeps the trail network world leading and absolutely free for all to use. That's right, riding on the Whakarewarewa trails doesn't cost you a cent.... no entry fee at all.
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The crew of Mountain Bike Rotorua are active in maintaining trails, with trail maintenance shifts scheduled effectively weekly, heading out at doing vegetation and water control. However there is one entity that is primarily responsible for maintaining the more than 250kms of mountain bike trails, the Rotorua Trails Trust...
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At Rotorua Trails Trust, we are passionate about creating and maintaining world-class trails that connect people with nature and adventure. Based in Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua, we are dedicated to enhancing the outdoor experience for locals and visitors alike.
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Our Mission.
Our mission is to develop, maintain, and advocate for sustainable trails that promote active lifestyles, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. By fostering a shared sense of responsibility for our trails, we aim to ensure their longevity and enjoyment for generations to come.
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What We Do
Trail Building and Maintenance: Our team of professionals work alongside volunteers tirelessly to construct new trails and keep existing ones in top condition, catering to a range of activities including mountain biking, horse riding, walking, hiking, and running.
Community Collaboration: We partner with volunteers, local businesses, iwi, and government organizations to create a thriving trail network that reflects the spirit and needs of the Rotorua community.
Advocacy and Education: We champion the importance of sustainable trail use and provide resources to educate users about best practices to preserve our environment.
Events and Engagement: From races to trail-cleanup days, we host and support events that bring people together to celebrate and care for our trails.
Learn more about the Rotorua Trails Trust by clicking the link and consider donating towards the awesome mahi the trust undertakes.