Rotovegas

As for tours i'm not sure but i hired a bike from vegas when i was there. Technically i cant fault the bike i hired (marin trail 5") but i would never hire again. it really did ruin the whole experience for me, i just wasn't in sync with the bike and kept wishing i was on my bike..

Hope that helps.

You certainly have to take your own bike. Nothing like something you know. If you stay in town then you probably don't need to hire a car either. The airport transfers (book ahead) are all set up to handle bike boxes.

For a guide? Hmmmm... well, first time we went were spoilt by having 'that Kiwi bloke' - who hangs out here sometimes show us around. I reckon if you have a map (and they are easy to pick up everywhere in town) you should be right. The trails are all very well signposted.

Fill your GPS up with activities from Garmin Connect or Strava (there will literally be 1000s to choose from) and just follow them for a few days. By then you'll have the lay of the land and might just string things together how you like.

There's a load of threads here about the 'must see' trails if you search for 'Rotorua'.

I wouldn't bother with a shuttle, especially if you are going for a week or more because hills are your friends

Not been riding in NZ (though if you want advice for skiing activities in winter I'm your man) so have nothing to contribute to the discussion except to say what a great dad @hawkeye for planning on taking the boy on a trip post HSC! Does this take the place of a schoolies week

Will does trips to NZ, pretty sure he goes to Rotorua. I did a trip with him to Sparrow Hill and Stromlo and it was a great weekend. He's professional and runs a great tour. His link is http://mtnbike.com.au/home.html

Thanks for all the info. Thanks especially to Kit who has given me the names of some good, bike friendly places to stay.

Hills are definitely my friend and 50-60km on the GNR was a lot of fun when I did it with Geoff63 late last year. I don't think my young bloke shares that view, though. We'll see what I can con him into without stretching the friendship too far.

I did a Rotorua Trip with Will Levy in March which was the best 5 days riding in my life! Sensational XC trail as well as all mountain style and downhill if you want. Guide or no Guide - depends on time available and effort you want to put in.
There was hardly a minute of downtime in the five days on tour and Will customises the day to suit what riders want - he'll ride till midnight if you want or if stuffed by lunchtime it will be an easy afternoon. With a guide you are guaranteed to ride the best trails in the area.
Transporting bikes was easy too - Air NZ straight into Rotorua from Syd twice a week and they are use to handling and looking after bikes (no damage with the 16 on our group).
I can't recommend Rotorua enough......I'll definitely be back there at some stage.

IIRC we stayed at the Birchwood Spa last time. Look, they even have a page for MTB riders:

http://www.birchwoodspamotel.co.nz/Birchwood-Spa...

Super easy access to town and trail.

is there anyone that has been there before in Oct/Nov?

I am looking at maybe doing this as well but have been told some of the mountains will still have some snow in parts.

Am I better to wait till Feb/March next year?

in 2011, they had their first snow in 50 years .. so no problems with snow.

I went in January and the weather was PERFECT riding. 20°C and cooler in the forest.

In Oct November (when Im planning on riding next) it will be a fair bit cooler. Pack some layers.

Im just waiting/hoping for the bonus to come through before I start booking everything. Nov 14-23 is my schedule ATM.

BTW if yr planning on hiring a car don't be afraid of flying to Auckland. Flights are a hell of a lot less than Rotorua (on current rates its $100-$200 less each way!). The drive from Auckland to Rotorua is easy and really beautiful. Its a great opportunity to unwind.

Ace Rental cars do good deals on older model cars.

I can appreciate that. If you see a big guy on a Giant with an orange backpack yell out .. AARON!

Something I found out the other day that is going to RADICALLY change my Rotorua Trip.

If you are a Qantas Club Member you get 40kg of check in baggage plus 7kg of carry on. After checking with the travel agent I'm told there is nothing to stop me taking 2 bike boxes as long as the total weight is under 40kg and neither bike box is over 32kg.

I'm very much looking forward to not only taking the Reign down Te Tihi-O-Tawa (my favourite trail) but also riding the Anthem around Old Chevy (Taree's Kiwarrak on steroids).

Anyone got any feedback yet on the new gondola track area? Heading over that way next month and wondering whether the $55 per day is worth it for XC type riding?

From my investigations a bike bag weighs about 6kg. That's a HUGE chunk of yr allotted check in.

Your mission is to pack under weight. ... no seriously!

Grab a bike box and try to keep it under weight !!! then think about if you want to spend the money on a heavy bag or industrial option.

Alternatively buy additional baggage allowance or upgrade to Qantas club and get enough allowance for 2 bikes .... 11 days and counting!

Pondy DH is fast - my eyes were jolting around so much my vision was blurred and I cracked my neck going over one of the bumps - ow!

I also noticed that you went down on that diagonal root in that right hand hairpin during the credits in your first vid - Josh did *exactly* the same thing in *exactly* the same spot - lol! Only saw the B-line around the outside afterwards.

Those roots at the top of Tickler after the first hairpin messed with my head - walked the big fat diagonal one both times, but probably should have lofted over them like you did.