Ride wild and free The thrills of fast, downhill free mountain biking are unrivalled in Central Otago’s open, sparse landscape. Go wild in this unique and unpopulated playground, where the tracks of old miners, and the horse and cart, as well as old coach roads and `pure downhill’ long runs from high mountain tops, offer it all. Free riders hang suspended mid-jump, groups of mountain bikers head up tussock-clad hills and solitary riders negotiate empty rock trails that stretch into the twilight. Central Otago boasts a smorgasbord of challenging and easier downhill trails, as well as some of the `bigger’ high-country alpine downhill rides in the country. These include a trail on the Old Man mountain range, the south’s highest rideable mountains. It’s a route that starts 1,695 meters up, with a moonscape topped by a 20-meter towering slab of upright rock known as the Obelisk (Kopuwai) . Now a recognized place to experience pure downhill adrenalin without the distraction of walking groups or four-wheel drivers, Central Otago’s mountain bike trails are favorites for national and international riders from England, Germany and Australia. Visitors are `wowed’ by the empty landscape and lack of traffic. Local companies offer an unforgettable experience each year on guided mountain bike tours. Their knowledge of local off-road routes, four-wheel drive tracks, single trails, technical cross-country rides, and fast downhill free rides in mountain ranges is unsurpassed. All routes described in this section are labeled with a symbol to describe the expected conditions: is a route suitable for all ages and reasonable fitness levels, generally easy track is for an intermediate level rider, some steeper sections with ruts and bumps expected designed for the expert, fit rider, expecting technical areas and extreme terrain. All routes should be checked for current conditions and weather expectations before starting out. Some of these routes will be impassable in winter months. Welcome to Central Otago; an exhilarating place where adventure truly meets nature.

Carricktown / Young Australian  Carricktown and the Young Australian Water Wheel are high on the Carrick Range behind Bannockburn. This is an awe inspiring bike ride with magnificent views over Cromwell and the Upper Clutha Valley. The route is approx. 30 km and is graded expert. The challenging, rocky descent begins after a steep 9km climb up the Nevis Road to Duffers Saddle. READ MORE	Cromwell to Bannockburn – Lakeside  This 11 km track follows the shoreline of Lake Dunstan from Old Cromwell Town to near the Bannockburn Bridge at Pearson Road. It is an easy ride, generally flat and smooth surfaced, with gentle undulations. The track does have some soft sandy sections. Features to be seen are old stone huts and gold workings. READ MORE	Dunstan Lakeside    This track follows a single or 4WD track and heads north beside Lake Dunstan from Old Cromwell Town, passing under the Deadmans Point (Cromwell) Bridge before heading up the lake to Lowburn. This is a most pleasant walk or bike featuring the extensive plantings done as part of the lake formation project in the 1990’s.  READ MORE

Hawksburn Road    The Hawksburn Road runs between Clyde township and Bannockburn, skirting the Cairnmuir Range on the southern side. Known to locals as the Pylon Road, this is an intermediate to expert route of approx. 25km. It is a mixture of smooth gravel, some tar seal, and some very steep climbs. A good level of fitness is desired. READ MORE	Millennium Track - Millers Flat to Beaumont  The Millennium track runs between Millers Flat and Beaumont on the north side of the Clutha River. The metalled road provides an easy cycle through the stunning Beaumont Gorge as it follows the course of the river downstream. This track is ideal for a family ride with lots of time to explore and enjoy. READ MORE	Naseby Forest      The Naseby Forest Recreation Area is a 500 ha privately owned playground that provides wonderful opportunities for walkers and bikers. Entry is free and open, but subject to fire season or logging operation closure. There are rides here for all abilities, ranging from the easy water race tracks to intermediate and advanced single track trails. READ MORE

Old Man Range    The Old Man Range track starts at Fruitlands. A 9 km granny gear workout uphill on a well formed 4WD road reaches the ridgeline before traversing along to the Obelisk rock (Kopuwai). The Prospect Track then descends to the Fraser Dam Road. This is a great ride for the expert biker and if conditions are pleasant will be very rewarding. READ MORE	Alexandra to Clyde Anniversary River Track This track follows the Clutha River on the true right bank between Alexandra and Clyde. It stays within 20 meters of the river and is mostly in the shade of large willow trees. This is a fantastic bike with the kids for a day out and especially good in the height of summer when shade is appreciated. READ MORE	Roxburgh Gorge to Butchers Point  The ride follows a steep rocky gorge, with no other access than the old bridle path which winds down beside the upper reaches of Lake Roxburgh. This is a rugged, lonely landscape. Relics of the past may be seen but otherwise you are on your own! This 4 km (8 km return) intermediate grade ride starts easy but the further you go the tougher it gets! READ MORE

Thomsons Gorge    This intermediate grade track bisects the Dunstan Mountains and follows the route that led from the Manuherikia Valley to the gold mines of Bendigo. It is approx. 30 km on a good surface 4WD track which may be greasy if wet. There are a few small streams to cross and there are two steep climbs and two fast descents. READ MORE