RideRotorua

16/04/2026

16/02/2026

Check this out: more and more of the Rotorua Trails Trust resources are required to maintain the trails after damage from storms and the effects of logging. Join, donate, share!

132 vs 13.
No, that’s not a typo.

In January 2025 we cleared 13 fallen trees from the forest.
In January 2026 we cleared 132.

Same month. One year apart. Slight difference.

Between wild weather and ongoing logging, parts of the forest that were once sheltered are now exposed. Trees that have stood happily for decades are suddenly meeting wind they have never had to deal with before. And… down they come.

Which means we clear them. All of them. Because open, safe trails are non-negotiable.

But here’s the honest bit.
We sat down this week to map out the 2026 budget and our weather event spend has blown out. Fast. More money is now going into storm response and emergency clearing, which means less going into the fun stuff like trail rebuilds, upgrades and ongoing maintenance.

So we need a hand. From the people who love this place as much as we do.

Here’s how you can help keep the forest riding (and running, and walking):
• Become a Trails Trust member
• Throw in a donation if you can
• Tell your mates to join
• Share this post

Membership numbers matter more than you might think. When we go to funders and sponsors, a strong membership base shows them this network is valued, used and worth investing in.

If you’ve ever finished a ride here grinning like an idiot, this is your gentle nudge.

Help us keep the trails clear.
Help us keep improving them.
Help us show just how much this forest matters.

Www.rotoruatrailstrust.co.nz

10/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AXwRcSoJA/

🚴‍♂️ Calling All Rotorua Roadies!

We see you out there on the tarmac every day, but we’d love to see you in the pack!

While Rotorua is famous for the Whaka Forest, our road riding is one of the best in the North Island, if you know where to look.

If you’re tired of the busy state highways and want to discover the quiet backroads, spectacular lake views, and the low-traffic Waikite Valley, come ride with us.

Why join the Rotorua Cycling Club Sunday rides?

Discover new routes: we’ll show you the loops that don't always show up on a quick map search.

All abilities and ages are welcome: whether you're training for a race or just riding for the coffee and conversation, our rides are suitable for everyone.

Connection: It's the best way to meet the local cycling community and find new riding buddies; and enjoy post ride coffee and banter!

🕒 Join us on Sundays!
Time: 8:00 AM every Sunday.

Meeting Point: Eruera St (directly opposite the AA).

Don't just ride Rotorua; experience the best it has to offer with the people who know the roads best.

If you have any questions, just fire us a DM.

13/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17sS77F5vf/

Hopefully you're out there taking advantage of this great weather before our next belt of rain comes through.
Don't forget to stop in at the Tawa Cafe for a coffee and muffin on your way through. Great to have them up and running!

Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand

28/11/2025

Read and abide. That’s all.

PSA: Don't Be a Muppet in the Forest 🚴‍♂️🪓

G'day Whaka whānau,

Right, we need to have a chat about what's been going down in the forest lately. And no, not the good kind of "going down DH trails" – we're talking about not on behaviour and trees. Big ones. The kind that'll turn you into a pancake if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Timberlands are doing some logging ops in Whaka (see the map – yes, the colorful one that looks like a rainbow threw up on our trails). Now, here's the thing:

❗May bike parks around NZ completely shut down during logging. ❗

Like, locked gates, guard dogs, get trespassed if you enter, the works. But because Timberlands are absolute legends, they're working WITH us to keep as much of the forest open as possible while they do their thing.

BUT – and this is a big but (and I cannot lie) – a few folk have been acting like proper wallies. They're rocking up to closed roads and trails, having a go at the young Timberlands staff who are just trying to keep everyone safe, and then... wait for it... ignoring them and riding into active logging sites anyway.

Let's be crystal clear: riding into an active logging site is not brave. It's not "sticking it to the man." It's not even slightly clever. It's the kind of decision-making that makes Darwin Awards look like sound life choices.

Here's what happens if this keeps up:

- Someone gets seriously hurt (or worse)
- Timberlands says "Right, that's it, forest CLOSED until we're done"
- We all lose access for MONTHS
- Everyone blames the muppets who couldn't follow simple instructions

So here's your mission: If you know someone who's been giving the closure signs the finger, give them a gentle reminder that their actions affect the entire community. Or, you know, slap some sense into them (metaphorically speaking... mostly).

The Rules Are Simple:

✅ Respect the closures (they're literally there so you don't die)
✅ Be kind to the Timberlands crew (they're keeping us riding)
✅ Plan your ride around the closures (check the map before you head out)
✅ Remember: No trail is worth your life, or losing access for everyone else

Let's not stuff this up, eh? We're lucky to have what we have. Don't be the reason we lose it.

Ride safe, ride smart, and for the love of all things holy, stay out of the yellow zones.

– Rotorua Trails Trust

(Map attached – learn it, love it, live by it)

06/09/2025

Philly loves Rotorua and bikes! This alone gets Philly our vote. There are lots of other reasons to vote for her, go Philly!

⚠️Voting Papers COMING SOON!⚠️
DX and NZ Post will start delivering Voting Papers from the 9th of September, this Tuesday and have until Tuesday 22 September to deliver all packs. If you don't receive yours by the 22nd, you will need to cast a special vote by contacting the Rotorua Lakes Council.

In your Pack, Voting Papers and Candidate Booklet with each Candidate providing a Statement | Profile. Here’s mine:

Philly Angus for Rotorua Lakes Council | General Ward:
Nearly 30 years ago, I moved to Rotorua to pursue a career in broadcasting. Today, I work alongside local businesses, providing marketing, event, and management services that support and strengthen their success. My experience in leadership and governance with community organisations, further strengthen my skill set.

I’m an effective communicator, with a natural ability to connect with people and build valued relationships. I’m committed to encouraging local business growth. I will continue to champion tourism, sport, culture, arts, and events—key pillars of a vibrant city and a strong local economy.

People, Place, Purpose: I believe in working with purpose, ensuring that every decision made is a sensible and prudent one, that has our people and our place at heart.

Having raised two wonderful children here with my husband, I’m passionate about Rotorua—our city, our people, and building a strong, thriving future for the next generation.

Your Vote | Your Voice at Rotorua Lakes Council.
People. Place. Purpose.
Vote Philly Angus for Rotorua Lakes Council.

29/08/2025

There is no school like the old school. Today’s little outing in the light rain was almost completely on a route made of trails that have existed for more than 25 years. Some have had revisions, one has switched direction, but it’s the same dirt and is still really really good.

07/08/2025

Trails don’t take care of themselves. Lucky we have the Rotorua Trails Trust and an army of volunteers.

21/07/2025

This is a worthwhile way to spend a few hours in the woods.