Trail rides NZ

A trail ride is a non-competitive day of riding on private land: farm blocks, forestry, riverbeds and hill country that is usually closed to the public. Organisers mark out loops with arrows or tape, and riders work their way around at their own pace between sign-on in the morning and the cut-off in the afternoon.

Most rides grade their loops, so there is generally an easier farm-track loop alongside harder bush, clay or hill sections, and many run a short, flat loop for children and learners. Plenty of New Zealand trail rides are run once a year by a school, a volunteer fire brigade, a rugby club or a charity as a fundraiser, with landowners lending the property and locals running sign-on, marshalling and the food tent.

Take a bike that is trail-legal for the day, riding gear and a helmet, fuel for the distance, water and food, and cash in case there is no card payment on a farm. Tools, a tow strap and a spare tube save a long walk. Entry prices, age limits, licence requirements, machine rules (some rides are two-wheels only) and sign-on times are set by each organiser, so check the listing and the organiser's own page before you drive.