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  7. Bottle Lake Forest mountain biking

Bottle Lake Forest mountain biking

Great tracks through pine forest for all the family.

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Located in Bottle Lake Forest Park, off Waitikiri Avenue, Burwood. 

Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, the mountain bike tracks wind through the 800 hectare pine forest. The terrain is mostly flat but planted sand hills by the coast and the old landfill hill tracks provide some challenge. 

E-bikes (pedal assist) are welcome on the tracks but please be aware of other track users and keep to a safe speed. Motorbikes and quad bikes are not allowed on the track.

Download a map [PDF, 2 MB] showing all recreational tracks in the forest, or collect one from the Bottle Lake Forest Visitor Centre.

View opening hours, facilities and other recreational activities.

Track etiquette

Safety tips

  • Don't stop in the middle of the track, or block throughways, especially around blind corners. If you need to stop then pull over to the left, some cyclists are going at considerable speed and cannot stop at short notice.
  • Stick to the left unless you are passing. 
  • If you need to pass other riders, announce yourself and how many others will be passing after you - 'Behind, two riders'.
  • Keep a careful eye on children if other cyclists need to pass, they can behave unpredictably if confused or surprised. 
  • Do not walk on the cycling track. There are dedicated walking tracks available as well as shared use road networks.
  • Do not ride the track the wrong way. There are numerous signs directing the flow of cyclists, it is dangerous to ignore this.

Dogs

  • Dogs are allowed off leash in the forest but they must be under effective control. This means they respond to your commands instantly and don't rush at other people or dogs.
  • Remember to bring bags so you can clean up after your dog.
  • Don't let your dog get in the way of other mountain bikers or stop in the middle of MTB tracks.
  • Walking and MTB tracks cross over roads that are shared with logging trucks. Keep your dog close at these junctions.

Hints and tips
  • The north-south forestry roads are named alphabetically towards the beach (Apple, Bravo, Charlie)
  • The east-west avenues are numbered sequentially, starting from 10th by Spencer Park to 28th by Parklands
  • There is no drinking water in the forest. Take a water bottle, sun block and something to eat to keep your energy levels up
  • Call 111 immediately if you see smoke or fire

Grades 1 and 2


Grades 3 and 4


Grades 5 and 6


Takiuru ki ā mātou ratonga
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