Fishers Track

Riding the trail

Starting in Waimarino (formerly National Park Village) with shuttle pick-ups available at the end, this classic mountain bike ride is a fantastic half-day option for intermediate riders craving a backcountry experience.

The Fishers Track(opens in new window) starts on the western side of Waimarino and winds up through the beautiful Erua Forest passing some fine stands of mature tawa, rimu, miro and tōtara. It’s a gentle climb along a wide gravel road, and rewards riders with epic views of the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park behind you and the rural splendour of the Retaruke Valley ahead. On a fine day, the near-perfect cone of Taranaki Maunga can be glimpsed way out west.

From here’s it’s a thrilling 520m downhill through lush farmland into the Retaruke Valley. At the end of the farm track it’s approximately 10km along a scenic gravel road to the war memorial at the junction of Oio Road. It’s a pleasant spot to wait for your shuttle pick-up or to rest and refuel if you’re carrying onwards. From the end of Fishers Track, riders can continue along Oio Road towards Whakahoro and Blue Duck Station, connecting with the wider Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono network.

The track can be combined with the remote Kaiwhakauka Track as an alternate start to the Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhon Cycle Trail.

Riders continuing to Kaiwhakauka Track should head west along Oio Road towards Blue Duck Station at Whakahoro, where the Kaiwhakauka trailhead is located.

Rides nearby

Mountains to Sea, Ohakune Old Coach Road, Bridge to Nowhere, Great Lake Trail, Timber Trail, Craters MTB Park