January 20, 2020
The South Island's newest mountain biking adventure park opens this Thursday, set against the stunning backdrop of
Glendhu Bay, Wanaka.
Bike Glendhu will feature 35km of pedal-powered trails twisting and turning through 1000 hectares of terrain on the
beautiful Glendhu Station, a 13-minute drive from downtown Wanaka.
The eco-conscious park, a collaboration between keen local rider John Wilson and station owners John and Emily McRae, is
designed for riders of all abilities, from families looking for an uplifting Sunday ride to hardcore shredders.
It opens to the public on Thursday, but season pass holders will be given an exclusive preview of the trails on
Wednesday as a thank you for their support.
Bike Glendhu managing director Charlie Cochrane says: “We're beyond delighted to finally be able to share our vision and
work with the people of Wanaka and visitors to the region.
"Our amazing trail crews have spent 12 months working tirelessly to build our network. They’re all riders themselves, so
every turn, every berm, every jump, dynamic downhill and honest climb has been designed and crafted to be as epic as
possible.”
The trails were designed and built by Tom Hey and his Queenstown-based company Elevate Trail Building, with the support
of Wanaka-based crew Dirt Dynamics. Hey and his team have crafted many of the region's popular mountain biking trails
and he is a leading light of the local scene.
The park features a 10km scenic family loop, a 22km back country loop that descends 450m over 8km, plus multiple descent
options that include technical enduro, jump and flow trails.
Some 35km of trails will open this week, with the remaining 15km being built in the near future. Work on the base
buildings, landscaping and pump track will also continue.
“The trails have been built as sympathetically as possible to the natural topography, all the buildings are positioned
sensitively within the landscape and we've made sustainability a major focus of the project," Cochrane adds.
More than 4000 native trees and shrubs have been planted and the site is powered exclusively by the sun, with Wanaka
Solar providing a 100% off-grid system.
There will be wastewater capture and composting on site, natural cleaning products used and the facility will be SUP
free – no cups. People are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
John McRae, a third-generation farmer at Glendhu Station, says: “We are custodians of this land and it means so much to
my family. So, we’re proud to be involved in a venture that is sustainable and sympathetic, while also diversifying
income streams and providing something spectacular for the community and visitors.”
Bike Glendhu, which will be open 10 months a year, features a communal hub with cafe where riders can buy tickets, hire
bikes and swap stories.
All staff are pre-hospital emergency trained – they are all first responders. “We’re so lucky to have an awesome crew of
passionate and talented individuals working here,” Cochrane adds. “Everyone is really excited about welcoming bikers out
to Bike Glendhu to experience this incredible playground.”
Tickets are priced $30 for an adult day pass, $120 for a five-day pass, $240 for 10 days, and $299 for a season pass.
Concessions (students with ID and 65-75yrs) are $25, $100, $200 and $240, respectively. Youths (13-18yrs) are $20, $80,
$160 or $180, while children (5-12yrs) are $15, $60, $120 or $130.
Under-fives and over 75s are free. Family passes (2 adults, 2 kids) are $85 for a day pass or $340 for a 5-day pass
(extra kids $5 a day).
Lessons and coaching are also available in a purpose-built skills area provided by local business BlackFox Ride.
ENDS