Swap your skis or hiking boots for a pair of wheels and enjoy Wanaka’s amazing scenery on your next pedal-powered adventure.

Even though the mountains are buzzing with skiing and snowboarding, Wanaka is still an amazing scene for mountain biking during midwinter. Bike Wanaka MTB Club and volunteers have done a lot of maintenance on several tracks in town, draining, digging and making the trails suitable for winter-missions.

An all-time favourite is Sticky Forest, which has more than 30 tracks well hidden and protected from frost and rain.

The pine forest remains one of the busiest mountain bike areas in Wanaka, and according to data from Bike Wanaka, Sticky Forest has over 300 bike movements on an average day (Jan 2020).

Sticky Forest is a dreamy place with a lot to offer for both racers and recreational riders, from enjoying the beautiful berms of ‘Venus’ and ‘Bilantis’ to seeing your knuckles turn white when going down ‘The Grove’ or reaching the switchbacks at ‘Stumpy’.

Even the uphill ‘Cranking Fine’ puts your technique to the test but your work is rewarded when you reach the must-stop lookout bench at the top, which provides an amazing view over Lake Wanaka, Stevenson arm and Buchanan Peaks.

Catch your breath at the lookout.

You can spend anything from one hour to an entire day riding the trails, enjoying the feeling of dirt and forest under your wheels with the soft light flickering through the tall pine trees. Apart from some muddy bits, the trails generally drain well and are open all winter.

Another option for a fun ride is Deans Bank Mtb Track in Albert Town: Fun, fast and flowy singletrack designed to bring out giggles.

Deans Bank is suitable for every rider.

Due to the Department of Conservation (DOC) undertaking rabbit control in the area from late July, the track may be closed - but the DOC visitor centre in Wanaka will provide you with up to date information regarding any mountain bike track closures.

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Backyard Bliss: River floating on the Hāwea and Clutha Rivers

If you do reach Deans Bank and the track is closed, fear not. You can still catch crisp colours and fresh air on a slightly longer ride along the Upper Clutha River Track. Starting in Albert Town, this cross-country track follows the river downstream through gravel, sand and forest.

The Upper Clutha Track is a favourite for commuting during summer, but it’s also a pleasant ride in winter as it drains well. 

After biking all 18km to the Luggate Red Bridge, you can follow the river back upstream on the opposite side via the Newcastle Track. This is a slightly shorter and different perspective of the same stunning section of river. 

Remember that both the Upper Clutha and Newcastle tracks are shared with walkers, so always follow the mountain biker’s code; respect others, respect the rules and respect the trail.

You can find information on every track here.

And after your midwinter-MTB-adventure, you can enjoy some well-earned post-pedal-chill-time in Wanaka with a hot drink or a meal.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App