Last updated July 2026
Araheke MTB Park is a community mountain bike park on the southern edge of Whanganui, spread across two separate riding areas at Lake Wiritoa Reserve. The park offers around 10km of colour-coded trails ranging from easy to intermediate grades, making it suitable for a wide range of riders including beginners and families. Lake Wiritoa provides a pleasant backdrop with toilets, a swimming area, and the adjacent Lakelands Holiday Park. The park is managed by the Whanganui Mountain Bike Club, which maintains the trails and welcomes walkers and dogs on the tracks.
Practical Information
| Location | Lake Wiritoa Reserve, Pauri Village, south of Whanganui |
| Total trail distance | Approximately 10km across both areas |
| Difficulty | Grade 2–3; Pauri area suits beginners and young riders |
| Facilities | Toilets and swimming area at Lake Wiritoa Reserve; Lakelands Holiday Park adjacent |
| Parking | Opposite the MTB park entrance and by Lake Wiritoa |
| Cost | Free to ride |
| Access | Signposted on State Highway 3, 3km south of the Whanganui River motorway bridge onto Kaitoke Road; another 3km to the reserve carpark |
About the Park
Araheke MTB Park is split into two distinct areas connected by a short 300m section of road. The name refers to the migratory path of tuna (eels) that use the Kaitoke stream flowing from the lakes through the park to the sea. Wiritoa is the more technically varied section, with trails including Li’l Ripper (pink), River Run (yellow, following Kaitoke Stream), Eeyore Gully (green, with optional harder loops), and Tuna Trail (purple, running the length of the park’s borders). Most Wiritoa trails are graded intermediate, with optional add-ons for more challenge.
Pauri is the easier area and well suited to novice riders and young children. The terrain is gentler with flat sections and wider paths, making it a good introduction to off-road riding. Families often start here before progressing to the Wiritoa network as confidence builds. The tracks are numbered for logical loops and include options like Alcatraz, Katipo, Lakes View, Dragon Wiggles, and Jungle Jinx.
Trails are well-maintained and clearly signed with colour-coded markers. Five easy loops marked with white road poles cater specifically to kids and novices. The park sits in pine trees with some native plantings and offers farm and lake views.
Access and Getting There
The access turnoff is signposted on State Highway 3, 3km south of the Whanganui River motorway bridge, onto Kaitoke Road. It is another 3km to the Lake Wiritoa Reserve carpark. The Wiritoa entrance is across the road from the reserve entrance. Additional parking is available near Lakelands Holiday Park. Walkers and dogs also use the tracks, so riders should be courteous.
What Visitors Often Say
Trailforks users rate Araheke as a well-groomed, beginner-friendly park with enough variety for intermediate riders. The Pauri area is frequently mentioned as ideal for kids, and the proximity to the lake as a bonus for post-ride swimming.
Where to Learn More
Whanganui Mountain Bike Club — Araheke MTB Park: detailed trail descriptions, maps, current conditions, and any temporary closures.
Trailforks — Araheke MTB Park: trail maps, difficulty ratings, user reviews, and current trail status for all tracks at Wiritoa and Pauri.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Araheke MTB Park?
At Lake Wiritoa Reserve, Pauri Village, on the southern outskirts of Whanganui. The access turnoff is signposted on State Highway 3 onto Kaitoke Road.
Is Araheke good for beginners?
Yes — the Pauri area is well suited to beginners and children. The Wiritoa trails offer more challenge for intermediate riders.
How long are the trails at Araheke MTB Park?
Approximately 10km of trails across both riding areas, joined by a short road section.
Is it free to ride at Araheke?
Yes. The park is maintained by the Whanganui Mountain Bike Club through volunteer efforts and donations.
Are there facilities at Araheke?
Toilets and a swimming area at Lake Wiritoa Reserve. Lakelands Holiday Park is adjacent and offers camping and cabin accommodation.
What are the trail grades at Araheke?
Grade 2 through to Grade 3. Pauri is easier overall; Wiritoa has a wider range including harder optional loops.
Can walkers and dogs use the tracks?
Yes. Walkers and dogs also use the tracks, so riders should be courteous and share the trails responsibly.
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