Ride the Backcountry: Mountain Biking at Poronui This Autumn

Ride the Backcountry: Mountain Biking at Poronui This Autumn

For travellers looking for an unforgettable riding escape, Poronui offers something rare in Aotearoa: exclusive private trails, wide-open wilderness, and luxury accommodation where the adventure begins the moment you step outside. Set in the secluded Taharua Valley, just outside Taupō, Poronui delivers a mountain biking experience that feels remote yet is remarkably accessible thanks to simple autumn flight connections between Australia and New Zealand.

With more than 150 kilometres of trails, the property is a world of its own — a place where riders can move from forested singletrack to high ridge lines to open grasslands in a single outing. Whether you bring your own bike or prefer to hire one on property, every ride is guided to ensure you make the most of Poronui’s vast terrain, hidden viewpoints, and varied landscapes.

Remote Backcountry, Private Trails, Endless Variety

Poronui’s riding network offers something for every style and skill level. From gentle gravel roads to technical climbs and long, flowing descents, each trail reveals a different angle of the property’s 6,500 hectares.

Riders can explore iconic routes such as the Western Ridge, the Red Hut Ride, the Safari Camp loop, and the Taharua Road stretch — all part of a broader network that allows you to roam for hours without ever crossing another rider. It’s the freedom of the backcountry paired with the comfort of knowing a knowledgeable guide is leading the way.

Luxury and Wilderness at Your Doorstep

After a day on the trails, the Poronui experience continues at your choice of accommodation.

• • The Lodge blends understated luxury with views across the valley — an inviting base for riders looking to unwind after long adventures.
  • Blake House offers total privacy and space, ideal for groups or families wanting their own mountain biking headquarters.
  • Safari Camp sits on the banks of the Mohaka River and gives riders a deeper connection to the land, without compromising on comfort.

No matter where you stay, the landscape is always within reach. Step outside with your guide and you’re instantly on the trail — no transfers, no crowds, no waiting. As the sun sets, enjoy generous cuisine, a glass of wine, and the chance to soothe tired legs in the sauna before resting up for the next ride.

Make the Most of Autumn Travel

Autumn is one of the best times to travel from Australia to Poronui. Direct connections make the journey simple, and the season’s cooler temperatures create ideal riding conditions. It’s a time when the valley feels calm and unhurried — perfect for travellers seeking space, solitude, and a truly immersive experience.

Beyond the Bike

For those wanting to balance riding days with other experiences, Poronui offers hiking, horse riding, and world-class fly fishing, alongside excellent cuisine and warm hospitality. It’s an environment designed for travellers who appreciate refined comfort as much as the outdoors.

Cycle Aotearoa, the Exclusive Way

While the Cycle Aotearoa campaign encourages exploration across the country, Poronui represents something different — a hidden gem far from the mainstream cycle routes, offering a private and deeply personal way to ride the backcountry. It’s mountain biking set against one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the North Island.

Enquire now for your exclusive mountain biking adventure – email us at [email protected].