ABOUT

Who We Are

The origin of the Trust The Rotorua Trails Trust is a community-focused, not-for-profit organization dedicated to building, maintaining, and championing worldclass trails in the Rotorua region. Established by the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club to manage the growing demands of trail maintenance, we work closely with iwi, council, and local stakeholders to ensure trails remain accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone. Whether you’re a mountain biker, walker, runner, or horse rider, our mission is to create trails that inspire, connect, and bring joy to our community

Where we operate

The Rotorua Trails Trust oversees the trails within the Whakarewarewa Forest and surrounding areas, a globally renowned trail network that caters to mountain bikers, walkers, runners, and horse riders. Spanning hundreds of kilometers, this diverse network includes trails for all skill levels, from beginner-friendly tracks to advanced technical challenges. Our work ensures these trails remain accessible, safe, and enjoyable for locals and visitors alike while respecting the cultural and environmental significance of the land we operate on

What we do

Our primary focus at the Rotorua Trails Trust is maintaining the trails to ensure they remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all users. As a community organisation, we are passionate about working with other trail-building companies and volunteer trail builders to bring a diverse range of trails to the forest. From maintaining existing trails to collaborating on new builds, we strive to create a network that caters to everyone, from casual walkers to seasoned riders, while preserving the forest's natural beauty and cultural significance

Challenges we face

Managing a world-class trail network comes with its challenges. Funding is always a critical need, as maintaining and building trails requires significant resources. We must also navigate compliance requirements, including adhering to strict specifications outlined in the Recreation Aotearoa Guidelines. Balancing the diverse needs of trail users, iwi, and the environment can be complex, as is ensuring the long-term sustainability of our work. Additionally, weather events and wear from heavy use often require urgent repairs, stretching our resources.

How you can help

You can support the Rotorua Trails Trust in a variety of ways:

Become a Member: Join the Trust.
Volunteer Your Time: Help with trail maintenance, events.
Adopt a Trail: Individuals can adopt trails to leave a lasting legacy.
Make a Donation: Every contribution, big or small, helps us keep the trails safe, accessible, and worldclass.
Spread the Word: Share our work with your networks and encourage others to get involved or become a member