Check out these popular trails that make the Christchurch and Canterbury region a mountain biking mecca.

St James Cycle Trail

This remote and challenging ride is an epic journey enriched with Canterbury's stunning alpine vistas, mountain beech forest and vast grassland valleys dotted with rustic farm buildings. 

Christchurch - Canterbury
St James Cycle Trail, Christchurch - Canterbury

Located 90 minutes from Christchurch, you can easily access one of the best mountain biking tracks in the South Island, St James Cycle Trail.

christchurch-canterbury

Christchurch - Canterbury

St James cycle Trail Information

Highlights

  • Remote wilderness
  • Spectacular alpine scenery
  • Hanmer Springs spa town

Proximity

GRADE

Easy - Advanced

Craigieburn Forest

Skirting the foothills of the Southern Alps, this challenging trail cuts across a steep scree slope before diving into a beech forest for a fantastic descent.

Christchurch - Canterbury
Craigieburn Forest, Christchurch - Canterbury

This spectacular ride traverses the foothills of the Southern Alps, taking you through beech forest and across the base of ski fields.

christchurch-canterbury

Christchurch - Canterbury

Craigieburn Forest Information

Highlights

  • Native beech forest
  • Alpine scenery
  • Long downhill

Proximity

GRADE

Advanced

The Crater Rim - Port Hills

Ride this impressive network of tracks in Christchurch with more than 40km of flowing singletrack traversing the rim of a massive extinct volcano.

Christchurch - Canterbury
Port Hills, Christchurch - Canterbury

One of Christchurch's most-loved landscapes, the Port Hills, are home to amazing mountain biking tracks.

christchurch-canterbury

Christchurch - Canterbury

The Crater Rim - Port Hills Information

Highlights

  • Unbeatable views of Christchurch
  • Massive dormant volcano
  • Seaside cafes

Proximity

GRADE

Intermediate

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