Woodhill Mountain Bike Park is one of New Zealand’s largest purpose-built mountain biking destinations, located at Woodhill Forest near Waimauku on Auckland’s northwest fringe — approximately 45 minutes from the city centre. The park has over 20 kilometres of trails across a range of difficulty grades, from beginner-friendly green runs to technical black diamond lines through commercial pine forest. Access requires a trail pass purchased at the gate. The same landholding also supports horse riding, 4WD tracks, orienteering and tree adventure activities, but walking in the forest itself is not available to the general public — this is a managed commercial recreation venue, not a public park.
Practical Information
| Location | Restall Road, Waimauku, Auckland (~45 km northwest of Auckland CBD via SH16) |
| Trail network | 20+ km of mountain bike trails across all skill grades (green to black) |
| Access | Trail pass required — purchased at the gate |
| Facilities | Café, bike hire, workshop with mechanics, toilets, large car park, information centre |
| Dogs | Check with the park — commercial rules apply |
| Drive from Auckland CBD | Approximately 45 km via SH16 toward Helensville; follow signage from Waimauku |
| General public walking | Not available — forest access requires a permit/trail pass for all activities |
About the Park
Woodhill Forest is a large commercial pine forest covering several thousand hectares on the Kaipara coast. The land is owned by Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara following a 2013 Treaty of Waitangi settlement, and the forest is managed as a working timber resource with designated recreation areas. The mountain bike park is the primary public recreation draw — a well-developed network of trails that has made Woodhill a destination for Auckland’s cycling community for decades.
The trail network suits riders at every level. Green and blue trails wind through the pines at an accessible pace, while the more technical lines — some with significant drops and gap features — attract experienced riders from across the country. A dedicated beginner section near the car park gives newer riders a chance to build confidence before venturing deeper into the forest. Trail conditions vary after rain; the pine needle surface drains reasonably well but deep sections can become boggy.
The park village at the entrance has a café for post-ride food and coffee, a full bike hire operation for those arriving without bikes, and mechanics available for repairs. Trail maps are available at the information centre and the trail network is regularly updated. The park also hosts organised events including orienteering and mountain bike races throughout the year.
Other Activities at Woodhill
Beyond mountain biking, the wider Woodhill landholding supports horse riding on designated tracks (permit required), 4WD and trail biking in specified areas, Tree Adventures (a high-ropes course near the bike park entrance), and paintball. Each activity requires its own permit or booking through the commercial operators on site. The mix of activities makes Woodhill a flexible destination for groups with mixed interests.
What Visitors Say
TripAdvisor and Google reviewers consistently praise Woodhill Mountain Bike Park for the quality and variety of its trail network — with the beginner-to-intermediate range cited as excellent for those learning to ride. The café and facilities are regularly mentioned as a cut above what is typically found at a trail park. A few reviewers note that trail conditions can be variable after heavy rain, and recommend checking conditions before making the drive.
Where to Learn More
Woodhill Forest — Official Website — current trail pass pricing, activity permits, park rules, contact details and event listings for all activities at the Woodhill Forest recreational complex.
Wikipedia — Woodhill Forest — background on the forest’s history, ownership, the Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara Treaty settlement, and the range of permitted recreational activities.
Trailforks — Woodhill Mountain Bike Park — interactive trail map, difficulty ratings, trail conditions, and current user reports from riders who have ridden recently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Woodhill Mountain Bike Park?
The park is at Restall Road, Waimauku, approximately 45 kilometres northwest of Auckland CBD via SH16. Follow signs from Waimauku township. Allow about 45 minutes driving time.
Do I need to pay to ride at Woodhill?
Yes — a trail pass is required and is purchased at the gate. Pricing varies by activity; check the official website for current rates. Bike hire is also available on site.
Can I walk in Woodhill Forest?
General public walking in the forest is not available — all access requires a trail pass or permit. The forest is a managed commercial timber and recreation operation, not a public park.
What skill level do I need for Woodhill?
The park caters to all skill levels, from complete beginners on green trails to experienced riders on black diamond lines. There is a dedicated learner area near the car park.
Are there facilities at Woodhill Mountain Bike Park?
Yes — there is a café, bike hire, a mechanics workshop, toilets, and a large car park at the park entrance.
Can I bring my dog to Woodhill?
Check with the park directly via the official website — commercial access rules apply and these can change.
For more cycling and outdoor riding options across the region, see the full guide to cycling tracks in Auckland. Mercer Bay Loop near Piha offers a very different experience — a short coastal walk with sea cliffs rather than forest trails.