Rotorua trails named Kiwi favourite (+video)

Rotorua's mountain bike trails have been named New Zealand's favourite off road trails in the Bike Wise 2016 competition for the third year in a row.

Redwoods/Whakarewarewa Rotorua came first in the NZ's Favourite Off-Road Cycle Trail 2016 category this year.

Dougal List, national cycling manager for the NZ Transport Agency, said the competition was a great chance for Kiwis to showcase their favourite places to cycle.

"Throughout Bike Wise month, nearly 10,000 votes were cast to help us find New Zealand's favourite place to cycle," he said.

"The Redwoods trail network is a fantastic resource, and is a well-deserved winner of NZ's Favourite Off-Road or Adventure Ride," Mr List said.

Mr List presented the award to Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick and deputy mayor Dave Donaldson at a presentation in the Redwoods today.

Mrs Chadwick said it was a huge honour.

"It adds to our reputation as a biking destination and particularly as a mountain biking destination.

"To get this award is huge ... it means a lot to the community," she said.

Mr Donaldson said the award motivated the team that kept Rotorua's trails in supreme condition.

"To have the people's choice award is a good indication. It's become a more attractive destination since we have upgraded the facilities."

He said there would be more upgrades to come including expanding the car park.

Mountain Bike Rotorua director Tak Mutu said the trails had not only been bringing in people from all over New Zealand but from all over the world.

"The trails are amazing. It's the community of people around here that really sell the trails."

Mike van der Boom from Bike Wise New Zealand said he loved the trails.

"On a personal level, this is my favourite place to ride. I've seen how it's come together as a specialty place, not just for Kiwis but internationally as well."