That Wanaka Tree

Though locals may not especially want the rest of the world to know it, Wanaka has quietly become an off-road hub for recreational and crazy mountain bikers alike, with a hugely exciting variety of easily accessible bike trails and more remote cross country rides that make it one of the best biking areas in the country.To get some idea of local enthusiasm for mountain biking, google the growing number of bike races and events staged in Wanaka - the Lake Hawea Epic, the Motatapu, the Tour de Femmes Cardrona Valley road race for women, and the Big Easy (mega-down hill on the Pisa Range, across farm tracks to end at the Albert Town pub!)Mountain bike riding extends from incredibly scenic lakeside and riverside trails, some with convenient coffee stops enroute, to amazing cross country rides on little used farm tracks and brand new access routes.The Hawea River Track Approx 13 kms from Albert Town to the Hawea Cafe, or 26kms return. This is a good beginner track as it is wide, dry, un-hilly and has some good turn-around points, such as the Hawea cafe! A very social track. You can also access this from town via the 10km Beacon Point Outlet Track. Starts across from just the other side of the Albert Town bridge, access off SH6 along approx 1km of gravel road to parking area by the river. Allow about an hour to the cafe and and 30mins to return. You can extend by exploring the new lakeside trail in front of Hawea township. If you are really keen keep going on up the eastern side of the lake to Timaru Creek, Dingle Burn and beyond....