New Mountain Bike Trail Design Guidelines now available
New guidance aims to improve safety, consistency, sustainability and accessibility across New Zealand’s mountain bike trail network.
Recreation Aotearoa has released updated New Zealand Mountain Bike Trail Design Guidelines, supported by a new, easy-to-use Trail Builders’ Handbook. These resources provide clear, practical advice for land managers, trail designers, builders and auditors.
The updated guidelines were developed in partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC), Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails, ACC, Sport NZ, and the wider mountain bike community.
Improving trail safety, consistency and accessibility
The guidelines were reviewed following a Coroner’s recommendation to create a more nationally consistent approach to trail safety and signage.
Recreation Aotearoa led the project, with funding from Sport NZ and ACC, and support from DOC and Ngā Herenga New Zealand Cycle Trails.
Key changes include:
- New signage guidance developed with support from the Land Safey Forum New Zealand.
- New auditing guidelines.
- New guidance on maintenance, trail enhancers and safety in design.
- Refreshed diagrams and technical drawings.
- Minor changes to ensure trail criteria are consistent and concise.
- Updated guidance on inclusive trails.
These changes better reflect how trails are currently being built and used and help ensure a more consistent and safer experience for all riders.
Supporting safer, stronger trails
“The updated guidelines respond to a clear call for national consistency across trail guidance, design, and safety”, said Sarah Murray, Recreation Aotearoa Chief Executive.
"They not only improve rider safety but also support more sustainable trail development and management. We’ve also taken the opportunity to incorporate guidance on inclusive trails as part of our recently released Outdoor Accessibility Design Guidelines.
By working with DOC and Ngā Herenga, we’ve aligned existed guidance into one practical, accessible resource for everyone involved in trail planning, building and auditing," said Murray.
National alignment
As a result of this project DOC will transition to the New Zealand Mountain Bike Design Guidelines. The Ngā Herenga New Zealand Cycle Trail Guidelines will also be updated to ensure alignment.
About the Trail Builders’ Handbook
A new Trail Builders’ Handbook has also been released. It offers practical, in-field guidance for builders, with diagrams and technical details for each of the six mountain bike trail grades used in New Zealand.
Recreation Aotearoa has partnered with Trail Fund NZ to distribute printed copies to trail building groups nationwide.
“With a history of advocacy, training and funding, Trail Fund NZ is pleased to be involved with this ongoing initiative to provide guidance to hard-working trail builders around the country,” says Trail Fund co-president John Humphrey.
“We appreciate that every area and club is different, and trail builders collectively hold a broad range of skills and approaches to providing trails across the motu. However, we are confident those involved have done their homework and put forward high-quality guidelines that provide a robust framework for trail building around the country.
This doesn’t mean the conversation is over. This is the third iteration of these guidelines, and we look forward to working with the trail building community on the implementation of this third generation of guidelines to support the evolution of mountain biking and trail building.
Trail Fund NZ is pleased to be the conduit between trail builders and Recreation Aotearoa and will be passing on ‘on-the-ground’ feedback to ensure this baseline document continues to be the best it can be,” said Humphrey.
Reducing the risk
“ACC is proud to support the development and launch of the New Zealand Mountain Trail Design Guidelines, aimed at helping people enjoy mountain biking safely. With more riders enjoying the growing network of incredible trails across Aotearoa, consistent signage is essential in helping riders understand what lies ahead and choose trails that match their skill level. Injuries - especially serious ones - can have a major impact on people’s lives,” said Kirsten Malpas, ACC Public Health and Injury Prevention.
“In 2024, there were over 5,500 mountain biking injury claims, costing $22.4 million. The average claim was just over $4,000—making it the most expensive of any sport or active recreation category, and more than twice the average claim cost for rugby. We want to ensure everyone can continue to enjoy the activities they love – like mountain biking – while staying safe and injury-free,” said Malpas.
Download the resources
Find the updated New Zealand Mountain Bike Trail Design Guidelines and Trail Builders' Handbook on our website:
New Zealand Mountain Bike Trail Design Guidelines
Join a Webinar
Learn more about the updated guidelines and handbook from project leads, Johnathan Kennett and Sarah Murray.
Each Webinar is free for Recreation Aotearoa and Trail Fund members. A small fee of $25 applies to non-members.
Wednesday 27 August
Time: 1.00–2.00pm
Location: Online
Thursday 28 August
Time: 7.00–8.00pm
Location: Online