A proper Kiwi enduro adventure
A multi-day enduro adventure weaving heli-drops, boat access and handcrafted trails through Te Tauihu’s wild backcountry and golden coastline.
Tucked between three national parks and a coastline that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard, the NZ MTB Rally brings world-class riding to the wild backcountry. This isn’t your average trail ride — we’re talking heli-drops, boat access, and 4x4 shuttles stitched together with a mix of historic gold-rush tracks and buttery-smooth singletrack. It’s a proper adventure, a little off the beaten path on a small island at the edge of the world — and yet, somehow, still super easy to get to.
Welcome to the Top of the South — Te Tauihu — where you’ll find golden beaches, alpine peaks, and sunshine for days. The region’s rich mining history left behind a web of trails that feel like they were made for full-suspension fun. Add in a passionate crew of locals and a council that backs the biking scene, and you've got hundreds of handcrafted trails woven into this stunning landscape.
Nelson’s long been the spot Kiwis whisper about when it comes to mountain biking — low-key legendary, with a reputation for gnarly descents and good vibes. The NZ MTB Rally takes that energy and dials it up, serving a fresh, uniquely Kiwi take on the multi-day Enduro. One that’s all about top-notch riding, great people, and soaking up everything this unreal place has to offer.
From loamy steeps to wide-open alpine senders, the good times were rolling as fast as the post-stage beers.
Crank the volume and relive the ride. And if you missed it this year, don’t muck it up again—the Rally is back 14–21 March 2026. Lock it in.
Australian Mountain Bike (AMB) | 14 April 2025
From Wairoa Gorge to Nelson, the 2025 NZ MTB Rally delivered six days of huge vert, tech trails, and unforgettable backcountry adventure.
Mountain Bike Rider UK | 21 Feb 2025
The NZ MTB Rally clocks up over 2,000m of descending on primo New Zealand trails... no wonder if draws in riders like Kilian Bron. Just get there before the £1,195 self-supported rider tickets run out.
The Post | 24 March 2024
Nineteen-year-old Christchurch mountain biker Matt Fairbrother has just done something nobody can get their head around. Mike White reports on his unbelievable achievement, which featured dolphins, nearly freezing to death, and being attacked by a wild animal. And that was just on one day.
"Absolutely one of the best weeks of my life and definitely the best week of bike's I've ever had. Do yourself a favour and sign up next time; the trails were great, the variety of terrain was great, the food/support was great, and the Nelson region is spectacular." Chris, Australia
"Awesome time doing some of the best trails around Nelson, including heli-lifts, boat rides and lots of shuttles. Still enough challenge to do the extended race to be super fun yet engaging. Great crew and participants, a really memorable and rewarding experience!" Paul, Australia