Is the shuttle service suitable for children?

Yes, children aged 5 and above can participate, but they should be comfortable on a mountain bike and accompanied by an adult.

Are bikes provided with the shuttle?

No, riders must bring their own mountain or e-bikes as the shuttle only transports you and your bike.

How difficult is the Fishers Track ride?

The ride is moderate difficulty with a steady climb at the beginning followed by a mostly downhill route and single-track sections.

What wildlife might I see along the trail?

You may spot native birds like kiwi and fernbirds, along with rare orchids and regenerating bush in Erua Forest.

Can I use an electric bike?

Yes, both regular and electric bikes are suitable, just specify your bike type when booking the shuttle.

Where does the shuttle pick up and drop off?

Pick up is at the end of Fishers Track at the Kaitieke Monument (corner of Oio Road and Upper Retaruke Road); drop off is in National Park village.

Experience the Thrill of Fishers Track Mountain Bike Shuttle from Kaitieke to National Park | Bike Tour | Guided Tour

Located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, the Fishers Track Mountain Bike Shuttle offers an unforgettable rush for riders seeking a blend of natural beauty and exhilarating downhill biking. This shuttle runs from the end of Fishers Track at the Kaitieke Monument down to the scenic township of National Park, carving a route that showcases iconic volcanic landscapes framed by dense native forests and fertile farmland.

Kaitieke, in the Manawatū-Whanganui region, serves as the gateway to this adventure. Riders begin at the historic horseshoe monument on Oio Road, a unique sculpture fashioned entirely from horseshoes celebrating the Horse of the Year, setting the tone for a journey that merges local culture with thrilling outdoor excitement. After a short, scenic shuttle drive, bikers embark on the descent, confronting a well-marked single track that slices through regenerating bush in the Erua Forest.

Erua Forest is ecologically significant, featuring rare orchids and a population of elusive kiwi. The trail follows a fault line that shapes the region’s dramatic geological formations, lending a fascinating backdrop of wetlands and ranges visible throughout the ride. From the summit, gaze out across towering volcanoes — Mount Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro — whose snow-capped peaks punctuate the horizon, reminding visitors of the area's volcanic past and Tongariro National Park’s status as New Zealand’s oldest national park.

The course itself is accessible for a wide skill range, thanks to its steady climb at the start and the long downhill stretch on an official public road, free of traffic, making it a perfect balance of challenge and fun. Riders speed through a mix of farmland pastures and forest canopy, passing a natural stone horse trough fed by a stream — a testament to the area’s rural heritage and nature’s generosity.

This shuttle service simplifies logistics, allowing bikers to focus on the experience without the hassle of uphill pedaling. Whether you choose a regular bike or an e-bike, the journey promises a seamless, adrenaline-fueled descent paired with awe-inspiring panoramic views of one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes.

For adventurers visiting the nearby township of National Park, this trip offers both a cultural introduction to the Manawatū-Whanganui region and a chance to connect deeply with the outdoor soul of the North Island. It’s an ideal ride for families (minimum age 5) and groups, making it one of the standout mountain bike experiences just waiting to be discovered on your next New Zealand trip.

About Owhango Adventures

Owhango Adventures is an adventure operator based in Ōmokoroa, Bay of Plenty, specialising in river journeys, guided cultural expeditions, and one-way shuttle services for iconic New Zealand trails. The company operates freedom-hire canoe trips along the Whanganui River with multi-day options that include 3-day, 4-day and 5-day itineraries between Whakahoro, Ohinepane, Pipiriki and Whanganui. Several freedom-hire options offer free camping or free accommodation the night prior at the Owhango base to streamline logistics for paddlers and hikers.

For visitors seeking cultural immersion, Owhango Adventures delivers Kaitiaki-led guided river journeys such as the Cultural River Expedition, the Serenity River Expedition and shorter guided paddle experiences. These guided trips highlight Māori stories, traditional waka paddling and curated campsite choices. A fully catered, all-inclusive 5-day Whanganui River experience is offered, combining guided interpretation, meals and comfortable accommodation.

Beyond river trips, Owhango Adventures provides one-way shuttle services for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, including shuttles from Ketetahi Road carpark and on-the-day transfer options. Mountain biking riders can book shuttles for routes like the 42 Traverse and Fishers Track, with transport arranged from the Owhango base.

Owhango Adventures also supports long-distance walkers with canoe transfers suitable for Te Araroa Trail hikers. Trip options vary from self-guided freedom hire to fully guided, culturally focused expeditions, giving travellers flexible ways to explore New Zealand’s central North Island landscapes.

Bookings include clear trip descriptions, options for free pre-trip accommodation or camping, and transport logistics from the Ōmokoroa base to trailheads or river put-ins for solo travellers and groups safely.