Mountain biking

Here’s how to protect Kauri when you’re mountain biking in a Kauri forest:

• Don’t ride in Kauri forests in wet or muddy conditions.
• Clean all dirt off your bike tyres, pedals and frame (including recesses), and your footwear, clothing and gear before entering and before leaving the forest.*
• Ride only on designated mountain bike tracks or existing roads. Riding off-track endangers Kauri.
• Use all hygiene stations you come across.**
• Respect track closures and rāhui (protective restrictions).

If you can’t clean your bike and gear before you leave, contain your dirty gear, remove loose dirt from your bike, and use another pair of footwear for driving.  Then thoroughly clean your bike and gear when you get home.

*If you go off-track and don’t clean these items, you could receive an infringement notice and fine, or a criminal conviction, according to rule 8 of the National Plan for the protection of Kauri.

**If you don’t use hygiene stations, you could receive an infringement notice and fine, or a criminal conviction, according to rule 9 of the National Plan for the protection of Kauri.

The National Plan for the protection of Kauri

In August 2022, a National Plan was launched to help protect Kauri from the PA pathogen. The National Plan includes 10 rules that apply to anyone who goes into Kauri forests, grows Kauri, or lives or works around Kauri.