When you are ready, there are many trails in the Whakarewarewa Forest to challenge even the best mountain bikers.

On any of these trails, you can expect unavoidable very steep sections, exposure to large drops off the sides of the trail, very rooty and natural surfaces (ungroomed, in other words) and as you move into Grade 5 and 6 trails, unavoidable gap jumps and other complications.

To paraphrase James Brown: Please, Please, Please, read and understand the Trail Grades on the trail entrance signs! 

Don't assume you can safely walk sections you can't ride, it is sometimes more risky than riding. Always scope one of these trails carefully before trying to ride it at pace.