Carterton Mountain Bike Park sits at the base of Mt Dick in the Wairarapa, with over 2 km of grade 3 trails and a small skills area to practise on before heading out. The hill is the main draw. The ride up Mt Dick is 3.7 km, and it ends in a view over the Wairarapa valley. Work continues on plans to extend a link between the outer loop and the river, which would add to the trails.
For riders who want to warm up on the trails and skills area before the climb, the park gives a short, focused start. The park's position at the foot of Mt Dick means the hill is part of the ride rather than a drive away, and the valley view is the reward at the top. Our pick in the Wairarapa for a ride with a view.