There’s a recreational jewel hidden up Thompson Track just south of Katikati – and Western Bay of Plenty is invited to enjoy its mountain biking trails next Saturday, February 28.

In partnership with Katikati Trails Group and Waitekohekohe Recreational Park, Katch Katikati is hosting the second spin of 2026’s Katikati Bike Series at the park to get people of all ages and abilities together on their bikes and into the outdoors.

Katikati resident and mountain biker Damon McLachlan said the February 28 event aimed to educate the community on what the park offers bikers – and to encourage people to use this free recreational facility.

The day will host a unique, guided mountain biking adventure around the park. A kids’ loop will set off at 10.15am; and a guided track for experienced riders will begin 10.40am.

Learn

Entry is a gold coin donation with a free community barbecue afterwards, providing a relaxed space for participants to connect, celebrate, and learn more about the shared vision of the Katikati Trails Group and Waitekohekohe.

The mountain bike carpark at Waitekohekohe Recreational Park is well set-up. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

This would include showcasing completed trails, sharing updates on current projects, and outlining exciting future pathway proposals.

“We invite people to please come along, bring your bike – or don’t – and meet at the carpark, and we’ll start with the beginner level trails,” said McLachlan, who is the mountain bike lead of the Waitekohekohe Recreational Park development group, which had been working hard for more than five years to build trails and facilities at the park.

“There’s a barbecue afterwards to meet us and talk to us.”

6km of trails

McLachlan estimated 6km of mountain bike trails are now within the park. “Some are existing forestry trails from when it was a forest, then we’ve got about 3km of purpose-built mountain bike trails, from grade 2 through to grade 5.”

McLachlan said while the mountain bike trails were small-scale, they catered for all abilities of riders. “There’s a beginner’s loop that anyone on an off-road, mountain-type bike can get around comfortably.

The mountain bike trails at Waitekohekohe Recreational Park sit within an existing pine forest. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

“There’s a main uphill trail track which gives you access from the carpark to the top of the park, and with grade 2-5, there’s trails for all single-track skill levels.”

McLachlan said the park had good trail map signage, but it was within an existing pine forest.

Very lucky

He believed the park was an excellent facility to have right on Katikati’s doorstep. “That’s one of the reasons I got involved – we’re actually very lucky.

“Rotorua’s mountain bike park is one of the world-renowned ones. It’s amazing, but it’s an hour-and-a-half’s drive away. We’re lucky to have this 10-15 minutes from our doorstep. It’s actually a beautiful park – it’s got a beautiful river and there’s nice walking trails as well.”

More use

While some families and mountain bikers regularly use the facility, McLachlan wanted to see more people taking advantage of it. “It’s free to enter and open all hours. The Mountain Bike carpark, 3.5km up Thompsons Track, has a new carpark, toilet facilities, a water source for the public and a shelter so it’s well set-up.”

At Waitekohekohe Recreational Park the 6km of mountain bike trails range from grade 2 through to grade 5 are at the park. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

“More than five years ago, the site was a whole lot of pine forest and gorse and no parking, so there’s been quite a development.”

Regular maintenance included a group of volunteers that McLachlan calls on for working bees to keep trails in good order.

Everyone invited!

Katch Katikati event manager Kylie Watkins said the February 28 event would celebrate our local environment, promote active and healthy lifestyles, and highlight the ongoing trails work done behind the scenes that help enhance and expand the region’s trail network.

The mountain bike carpark at Waitekohekohe Recreational Park has new toilets, among other facilities. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

“Events like these help get local people excited about cycling, whether they’re regular riders or just keen to give it a go. They offer a relaxed, welcoming way to connect with the community, learn about the trails, and build confidence on the bike.

The mountain bike carpark at Waitekohekohe Recreational Park is well set-up. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

“We invite everyone to come along, spend the morning with us, and enjoy spot prizes for those who register on the day.”

Find out more about the event on Katch Katikati’s Facebook page.