MOUNTAIN BIKE ROTORUA SHUTTLES
MOUNTAIN BIKE ROTORUA SHUTTLES
IMPORTANT UPDATE 16 APRIL 2025:
MAIN HILL SHUTTLES TEMPORARILY CLOSED. KATORE RD SHUTTLES NOW OPERATING DAILY
Harvesting plans have changed with Hill Rd now closed until further notice. near the harvesting area so we will be moving from the Main Hill Shuttles route to the Katore Rd Shuttles route from Thursday 30th Jan.
Private charters can still access Kung Fu, Te Ahi Manawa etc. They can, at times, access the top of the Main Hill Shuttle Route too. We will only find out on the day if that route is accessible by private charter so plan on it not being available.
The pick up for the KATORE RD SHUTTLES is the intersection of Pohaturoa and Nursery Rds (end of Challenge Roadside) and the drop off is at the top of Katore Rd (start of Gunna Gotta, Corridor etc.)
We are also operating the Direct Rd Shuttle route Friday to Sunday and all holidays long.
We’re not sure how long we’ll be operating on here and there may be a bit of switching around between the Main Hill and Katore Rd so please keep an eye on our socials for updates.
First shuttle of the day will still be from Wheelhouse Coffee Shop at 10am, the Waipa Carpark at 10.05am before heading in to the forest.
Katore Rd Shuttles
7Days 10am-3pm
Main Hill Shuttles
Re-opening soon
Tawa Shuttles
Fri-Sun and all school holidays - 10am-3pm
Direct Rd Shuttles
Fri - 10am-7pm
Sat-Sun - 10am-4pm
All school holidays - 10am-3pm minimum
GEAR UP, GET SHUTTLED, RIDE THE BEST
MOUNTAIN BIKE ROTORUA SHUTTLES
Mountain Bike Rotorua Shuttles is the provider for forest uplift services in Whakarewarewa and Titokorangi Forests. We take pride in offering a friendly service 7 days a week, with knowledgable staff, using a modern and more environmentally friendly fleet than we have ever seen before in the Forests of Rotorua.
We offer options of both ticketed Public Shuttles (Hop on, Hop off fixed route shuttles) and Private Charters (pre-booked shuttle charter with freedom of movement through most of the forest).
Scroll down for more information about both options below.
PUBLIC SHUTTLES
Public Shuttle - Operating daily (extreme weather, harvesting or event dependant and closed Xmas and Boxing Days), our public shuttle service uses our modern fleet of buses to transport riders to the top of some of their favourite hills in the Whakarewarewa Forest. There are a total of 4 different shuttle routes to choose from with varying hours of operation. Those routes are:
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Main Hill Shuttles
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Direct Rd Shuttles
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Tawa Waka Shuttles
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and Katore Rd Shuttles
More about each of the shuttle routes below:
MAIN HILL SHUTTLES
Pick Up: Corner of Hill and Pipeline Roads.
Drop Off: Near the top of Tawa Road.
Trail Options Include: Eagle vs Shark, Taniwha DH, Tihi-o-Tawa, Te Mounga, Huckleberry Hound/Storm Trooper and more.
Open Hours:
Re-opening soon!
Main Hill Shuttles are the original shuttle route for public shuttles. These shuttles operate up Hill Rd dropping off near the top of Tawa Rd accessing some of the most popular trails in forest and the vast expanse of the Moerangi Hill. One of the best DH trails in the world (as proclaimed by pro-riders) can be accessed on this route, with the Taniwha DH having over 10 options to descend down.
TAWA WAKA SHUTTLES
Pick Up: Te Putake o Tawa Carpark (Hill Rd).
Drop Off: Intersection of Direct and Hill Rds.
Trail Options Include: Black House Down, Whaaki, Tukohoni, Minerals, Ma Te Wa and more.
Open Hours:
Friday 10.00am-3.00pm
Saturday 10.00am-3.00pm
Sunday 10.00am-3.00pm
also open all public and schools holidays
Tawa Waka Shuttle is a short uplift that picks up right from the Putake o Tawa Carpark. This shuttle has proven popular for young families with kids that are just starting their time shuttling, riding the smooth, fun and flowy Whaaki
DIRECT RD SHUTTLES
Pick Up: Corner of Nice and Pipeline Roads.
Drop Off: Top of Hot X and Apumoana
Trail Options Include: Hot X Buns, Te Poaka, Tumeke, Tuteata, Minerals and more.
Open Hours:
Friday 10.00am-7.00pm
Saturday 10.00am-4.00pm
Sunday 10.00am-4.00pm
also open all public and schools holidays
Direct Rd Shuttles are a new option for shuttle pass holders, supporting access to existing legendary trails such as Hot X and Te Poaka, but also placed strategically where a half dozen new trails are about to be developed and opened in 2025. This new shuttle route helps support connecting other existing operations.
KATORE RD SHUTTLES
Pick Up: Corner of Pohaturoa and Nursery Rds.
Drop Off: Top of Katore Rd
Trail Options Include: Box of Birds, Titokorangi, K2, Gunna Gotta, Corridor and more.
Open Hours:
Only operational when there are interruptions to other shuttle operations.
Currently Operating:
7 Days a week 10.00am-3.00pm
Katore Rd Shuttles only operate when access to other shuttle routes is interrupted. This shuttle provides riders access to the top of Titokorangi Hill, which sits about the infamous Redwoods Forest. This area is also a part of the inner core network of trails which is easily accessed from both the Redwoods and Waipa Carparks.
PUBLIC SHUTTLE PASSES
Tickets can be purchased from either of our bikes shop (Tawa Bike Shop or Waipa Bike Shop) or on the Main Hill Shuttle buses. Please note that the Tawa Waka Shuttle and the Direct Rd Shuttle does not have ticket sales available however it is a 200m walk or ride to the Tawa Shop for the Tawa Waka Shuttles and similar for the Direct Rd Shuttle to reach the Main Hill Shuttle sales kiosk.
First Main Hill and Direct Rd Shuttle pick up of the day is from Wheelhouse Coffee Shop (Te Puia Southern Carpark) leaving at 10am, then Waipa Mountain Bike Carpark leaving approximately 5mins later.
First Tawa Waka pick up of the day is from the Putake o Tawa Carpark.
Prices:
1 Lift Pass - $15
5 Lift Pass - $60
10 Lift Pass - $90
20 Lift Pass - $150
50 Lift SOLO RIDER Pass - $240 (10 runs shareable)
50 Lift Pass - $300
All passes are Shareable (excluding the Solo Rider), Non-Refundable and prices include GST. Use of the shuttles is at your own risk. While Mountain Bike Rotorua Shuttles has made a significant investment to develop an efficient and safe uplift system, we will not accept liability for damage of equipment while using our services.
PRIVATE CHARTERS
Experience the forest like never before with Mountain Bike Rotorua’s private charters — your access pass to the best trails, epic views, and hidden gems in Whakarewarewa Forest. Whether you're chasing that sunrise summit, exploring with your crew, or simply want a custom shuttle to the best riding zones, our private charters put you in the front seat of adventure. With expert local drivers, rugged off-road vehicles, and the flexibility to shape your own ride experience, this is next-level trail access — Rotorua style.
PRIVATE 4WD CHARTER
One of the most amazing ways to enjoy as much as the forest as you can in a short amount of time, our Private 4WD Charters allow customers to access most of the trails available via either our Squad Waka or Battle Waka. Want one of the best experiences you can have mountain biking, then book your private 4WD charter now! For bookings or enquiries email shuttles@mtbrotorua.co.nz
Prices:
Battle Waka (up to 4 riders) - $140 per hour (minimum 3 hours)
Squad Waka (up to 9 riders) - $180 per hour (minimum 3 hours)
All bookings are subject to our standard booking conditions and prices include GST. Use of the shuttles is at your own risk. While Mountain Bike Rotorua Shuttles has made a significant investment to develop an efficient and safe uplift system, we will not accept liability for damage of equipment while using our services.
PRIVATE BUS CHARTER
Our fleet of buses is also available to charter privately. Carrying 24 passengers within the forest, private charters can be booked for use on the same route as the Public Shuttle option. For bookings or enquiries email shuttles@mtbrotorua.co.nz
Prices:
3 hours - $750
6 hours - $1,500
All bookings are subject to our standard booking conditions and prices include GST. Use of the shuttles is at your own risk. While Mountain Bike Rotorua Shuttles has made a significant investment to develop an efficient and safe uplift system, we will not accept liability for damage of equipment while using our services.