Places That Rock: 440 MTB Park

I sit and type this ‘Places that Rock’ hot off a day of trails at the 440 MTB park. A gravity fuelled trail haven on the outskirts of Auckland, named after the altitude of the highest track on offer. Not much on international standards but it was specially designed and built over two years by owners Byron Scott and Erin Tate along with a handful of dedicated individuals, it had a brief two month opening in 2014 before opening for the full summer of 2014 /15.

What’s on offer are some of the flowiest handcrafted trails you have ever ridden all operating out of a central hub. The forrest setting reminiscent of Canberra’s Kowen and Sparrow trail networks only with a much harsher elevation drop and slicker dirt, picture the Kowalkski sideshow on steroids.

Trails are lifted by two shuttle buses with NO LINES. They then drop you at a central hub from which all trails bar two descend. However it is well worth the trek/ride up to the Doozer or the 440mtb trail just try not to drag too much brake!

The trail network is essentially three main lines with several different links and offshoots.  We managed to sample almost every trail with the six run pass. Perfect for a single day visit with ample time for lunch and breaks. A  mechanical aside we could have stretched a few runs closer to the 10 run pass easily.There are no large rocks or even many roots for the average skilled rider to worry about. The technical nature of the trails comes from the corners, the easier trails have long floating berms, whilst the intermediate trails have descent that fall into hairpins, jumps or ridge line singletrack with interesting consequences.Unfortunately we didn’t sample the downhill but there is always next time.

The 440 MTB Park has something for everyone, if your happy to lean back. We saw several couples out taking partners down through the runs and plenty of entry level hard tails nothing is unapproachable .

For internationals this is the perfect stop off if your flying into Auckland and headed to Rotorua or vice versa, you simply won’t find access to this sort of riding anywhere else between. Locals, this only has the opportunity to grow into something even bigger and better in the future. More trails and more elevation. Support.

Getting There

Out of Auckland follow the highway south and exit on Hill Road then follow the signs to  Kawakawa bay or let your GPS to do the talking it’s much easier. Follow the road out of Kawakawa bay to Orere Point with the 440 MTB Park lying between the two. It is clearly marked from both directions you can’t miss it.

Technical Nature

The 440 MTB Park has well defined trails for beginners to advanced. Pretty much all trails split from the shuttle stop, so you are getting the same vertical drop whether you are hitting the easy trails of subdup or the intermediate trails of pink stoat.

Distance

This is not a place where you measure distances but runs with the average run taking anywhere from 4 to 10 minutes. Elevation is marked on each trail sign and there are trail maps on the back of the ticket as well.

Local Knowledge

There are one or two unmarked tracks. We weren’t sure if these were new or just unmarked but the fellow at the desk will happily point these out to you when you buy your ticket.

Best time of the year

The park is open throughout spring and summer and closed through winter from May to October. Strike whist the trails are running prime.

Local Bike Shops

The crew at 440MTB have an assortment of tools but no spares. Nothing immediately local so bring spares.

Cost

1 run – $10

6 runs – $40 (advised for one day)

10 runs – $60

50 runs – $250

Facilities

Toilets – Yes

Drinking water – Yes

Parking – Yes

Trails signposted – Yes. Heavily you will always know where you are

Mobile reception – Yes at the top of the hill

Shelter – There is some at the trail hub

BBQ facilties – No

Accommodation – Yes at the Orere Caravan Park

Ratings

Technical – It ranges

Fitness -1

Cross Country – 1/5

Trail 5/5

All Mountain 5/5

Downhill 3.5/5

Jump 3/5