Last Updated: 13th Nov 2023

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Oropi Grove MTB Gliding

Tauranga, Bay of Plenty

Submitted by Anthony Sowerby

Last Updated: 13th Nov 2023

Beginner

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I've done it Done

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Notice More info

Grunt Factor: 10

Gnarl Factor: 20

8.0km

Length of run

270m

Total Ascent

270m

Total Descent

80m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Plantation/exotic forest

Other

Run Makeup

90%

10%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +7.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -8.4%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

1:20

Slow

1:00

Moderate

0:45

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

As the run is in a designated mountain bike park, owned and managed by Tauranga City Council, they request that you follow all trails in the correct direction and give way to all bike riders.

For your first run, at least, it is definitely worth downloading the map and paying special attention to any signs telling you when you're heading in the wrong direction. Similarly, avoid using headphones so you can keep an ear out for any mountain bikes.

This route mostly follows the "Park Loop Ride". Starting from the Joyce Road entrance, turn right onto Switchbacks Climb, which then turns into Switchbacks. Turn onto Ridge Track and then onto Fenceline Track, staying right to head up Bridge Track. This will eventually take you to Access Road where you can see a bridge which you cross. From here head up Exit Track which will deposit you at the Oropi Road Carpark.

On the other side of the carpark head onto Entry Track and stay left on this track which will eventually take you to Pines Loop. Take the "long" way on this trail looping around to Trail Link. A right turn onto Access Road will take you back over the bridge and then onto River Trail. At the end turn left briefly then right onto Tomas Loop and pick up Switchbacks Climb, where again you take the "long" route until you reach the end at Joyce Road.

The run is in Oropi Grove Mountain Bike Park which is Tauranga's longest serving mountain bike park.

Transport and parking:

Parking at either of the above points is safe, although I doubt there's any regular public transport to either spot.

Distance from Tauranga:

14 km

Driving time from Tauranga:

14 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

There's a few places where the trails criss cross one another so it's reasonably easy to end up thinking you're on one trail when you aren't. It isn't a big issue (so long as you're not going in the wrong direction) as the trails aren't long and you'll usually end up somewhere near where you were heading.

Cellphone Coverage:

Perfect throughout.

Suggested Gear List:

Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.

Availability of Water:

Not sure as to availability of water, but as it's a short run simply bring your own.

Seasonality Issues:

It's pretty dusty in summer but no real seasonality issues.

Hazards:

Beware of the mountain bikes. This is their playground and we're there as guests. The trails are pretty tight in a lot of places and there's not tons of folk out there, but be watchful/earful of any bikes that might be coming up from behind on downhill sections.

Four14 Espresso
414 Pyes Pa Road
Do a pretty good coffee and food looks decent too. They're open until 3pm 7 days a week. Otherwise, you can always go to The Crossing.

Trail Legend