Dirt Rides NZ

Trail

Berm Buster Trail Ride Taupo

Sat 10 Jul – Sun 11 Jul 2027

See daily times ↓

Wainui Forest, Taharua Road, Taupo · Waikato

About this ride

Location

SH 5 Napier-Taupo Road, Taharua Road, Wainui Forest, about 25 minutes from Taupo.

Arrows on SH 5 at the Taharua Road corner, then just past the one-lane bridge turn right into the forest at Homestead Road.

The ride

Suitable for all two-wheel abilities.

The Taupo pumice terrain is described as rideable in all weather, with over 100 km of rolling hills, winding gullies, firebreaks, jumps, many berms, and high traction. Main trails are freshly groomed after each event.

Optional expert-only trails are available, along with purpose-built trails for novice riders and kids.

Weekend trail information notes tracks are changed during the year and riders should check at sign-on for updates.

  • KTM Trail: 31 km, fluro arrows, 7 optional breakout tracks graded 2-6
  • HUSQVARNA Trail: 25 km, fluro arrows, 4 optional breakout tracks graded 2-6
  • GASGAS Trail: 15 km, fluro arrows, 7 optional breakout tracks graded 2-6
  • MOTOREX Trail: 10 km, fluro arrows, 1 optional breakout track graded 2
  • Kids forest track: 0.6 km, for kids on small bikes; no full-size bikes unless looking after kids
  • Novice kids track: 0.4 km, for kids learning to ride; no fast kids
  • Little Wittle track: 0.1 km, small and flat for novice kids
  • MUD Track: 3 km, can get muddy but fun

Times

Sign-on from 8:00am.

Starts between 9:00am and 9:30am.

Tracks open from 9:00-9:30am to 3:00pm.

Fees

Enter on the day by cash. No Eftpos.

Saturday:

  • Adult: $70
  • Child under 11: $40
  • Youth 11-15: $50
  • Family 2+3: $200

Weekend:

  • Adult: $100
  • Child under 11: $50
  • Youth 11-15: $60
  • Family 2+3: $300

Sunday:

  • Adult: $60
  • Child under 11: $20
  • Youth 11-15: $30
  • Family 2+3: $140

Families means Mum and Dad (parents) and their children, up to 3 kids maximum, aged 15 years or younger.

Requirements

  • No quads or dogs; this is a forestry rule
  • Fire extinguishers are compulsory for adult riders and can be bought on the day for $30, with a return system giving $20 back
  • This is a working forest, so absolutely no entry to the forest before the event on Saturday and Sunday

Facilities

Food, coffee, and cold drinks for sale.

Demo bikes and hire bikes available at each event; book hire bikes early. Bike service with Huka Honda.

Motorcycle and accessories display from AFC, plus riding gear and outlet store deals.

Accommodation options are available in Taupo. Camping is available in a paddock near the ride from Friday afternoon. There is no charge at this stage and only 1 portaloo. Text Dee. No dogs, fires, or riding around the paddock.

More rides in this series

Past dates

Ride stories

Berm Buster Trail Ride Taupō – Rain, Ruts and a Weekend of Great Riding
A weekend at one of New Zealand’s biggest trail rides, tackling the GASGAS, KTM and HUSQVARNA loops in wet Taupō conditions. The rain only made the tracks more interesting, with deepening ruts, quieter technical breakouts and plenty of Grade 2–4 terrain to explore.

References & contact

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