Forest uplift shuttles that carry mountain bikers to the tops of the hills in Whakarewarewa and Titokorangi forests, so riders spend their time on the way down. The trade is simple: a bus or van takes you and your bike up a fire road, and you ride the trails back to the car park. This company runs that service seven days a week, with a modern and more environmentally friendly fleet.
There are two ways to ride. Public shuttles run on fixed routes with set times, and they are weather, harvest and event dependent, closed on Christmas and Boxing Day. Tickets come from the Tawa Bike Shop or Waipa Bike Shop, or from the drivers on the Main Hill buses. Private charters are booked ahead and give you more freedom to move around most of the forest.
The four public routes each reach a different set of trails. Main Hill goes up Hill Road to the Taniwha downhill, Whaaki and Minerals. Tawa Waka is a short uplift from the Putake o Tawa car park, popular with young families whose children are starting out on the smooth, flowy Whaaki. Direct Road reaches Hot X and Te Poaka. Katore Road only runs when the other routes are cut off. The Tawa Waka and Direct Road shuttles do not sell tickets, so buy from the Tawa Shop or the Main Hill kiosk first.
The company is at 33 Waipa State Mill Road, in the Whakarewarewa forest on the edge of Rotorua. Our pick for a first big day on the trails with a bike.