35.7 miles
Distance
5,254 ft
Climb
-5,233 ft
Descent
2,411 ft
High Point

Course subject to change

A journey you won’t forget
​
Not matter what, or how, you ride you’ll love the Highlander.

Embracing old school cool, the Highlander aims to pack as much fun and flow into one event as is possible.

Whether you’re a first timer or an old timer our point to point courses are packed single track, surprises and scenery and will have you smiling from start to finish.​

Detailed Description
Merida | Highlander 2022 (Long Course) is a 36 mile less popular intermediate race route located near Rotorua. This mountain bike primary route can be used one direction and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 30 trails. This route climbs 5,254 ft with a max elevation of 2,411 ft then descends -5,233 ft.
Local Trail Association
Local trail association
Rotorua Trails Trust (rotoruatrailstrust.co.nz)
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.
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22 Reviews & Comments

  • + 0
MattOGAPQs (Nov 10, 2022 at 2:41)
Trail Mad If You Don't
Old trail which isn’t very popular anymore, for good reason. Rooty without much gradient, so just awkward to ride.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Dowser22 (Oct 6, 2022 at 23:35)
Trail Split Enz
I met a bunch of really nice riders calling themselves the Wrinkly Riders. I tagged along with them and they selected Split Enz! The trail is a lot bumpier than then I first used to ride it (before any harvesting at all). But it has handled the weather well and I had a huge smile at the bottom!
[Reply]
  • + 1
mtb-tech-geek (Jun 25, 2022 at 21:16)
Trail Paddy's Run (A Trail)
Smooth and fast track with uphill and downhill
[Reply]
  • + 1
mtb-tech-geek (Jun 25, 2022 at 19:56)
Trail Challenge Exit
Extra jumps and drops that can catch you off guard
[Reply]
  • + 1
mtb-tech-geek (Jun 25, 2022 at 19:34)
Trail Creek Alternative Exit
Good alternate former road out
[Reply]
  • + 0
Pete31 (Apr 10, 2022 at 1:53)
Trail Split Enz
So far this is the most fun downhill track I've done in the park, flows really nice with great speed, rutted sections add to the smiles as you hold on tight. Legs definitely are feeling the burn by the end though.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Tully01 (Dec 18, 2021 at 21:26)
Trail Challenge Roadside
An excellent fun G3 track with plenty of jumping chances. We rode this track as part of the Challenge network of tracks today
[Reply]
  • + 0
Crawd (Mar 8, 2021 at 17:06)
Trail Tarawera Return (Pipeline/Windy Rd to Tank)
Note that it's two way for runners and walkers. Only one way for bikes.
[Reply]
  • + 0
u7A5p (Feb 5, 2021 at 16:31)
Trail Old Chevy
Done twice, level 3 too difficult. More difficult then Arepa.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Teresashailer (Dec 24, 2020 at 17:20)
Trail Challenge Roadside
Great track for those moving from a Grade 2. Can adjust your speed to suit. Lots of rollable jumps, enjoy!
[Reply]
  • + 0
Jethro1999 (Aug 24, 2020 at 2:26)
Trail Mad If You Don't
Lots of roots
Nice if that's what you into but I prefer fast and flowing
[Reply]
  • + 1
Gonezo (Jul 22, 2020 at 22:52)
Trail New Exit
The trails has really good flow, especially the smooth berms in the top section. Some of the corners in the lower section are pretty tight, but also large and well bermed. I just wish this trail was longer, it's over too quickly.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Mbwood (Mar 3, 2020 at 20:06)
Trail Sweet N' Sour
Lower section no longer. Starts at Princess Ann Rd.
[Reply]
  • + 0
MaximusM (Jan 14, 2020 at 20:55)
Trail Tahi
Bit of a mess
[Reply]
  • + 1
GrantO (Jan 3, 2020 at 18:07)
Trail Te Pou Koropū Return (Black House Loop)
Great ride, links to Lentil Road entry to Apumoana.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Scoobywho (Dec 3, 2019 at 11:58)
Trail Challenge Roadside
Love this track. Ride it as fast as you want.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Ridgedidge (May 25, 2019 at 21:08)
Trail New Exit
This is a really enjoyable trail, great for me that enjoys cruising !
[Reply]
  • + 0
MattWhitbyNZ (Apr 23, 2019 at 23:39)
Trail New Exit
Regarded end of April, 2019. Runs like a dream!
[Reply]
  • + 1
Sammyp86 (Apr 8, 2019 at 14:41)
Trail The Tickler
I really enjoyed the top(downhill) section of the tickler. After about 2.5-3 minutes or so the trail starts to flatten out in sections meaning you need to get those legs pumping again. Felt a bit tedious after 5 hours of riding.Would be a good ride if you still had ample energy in the tank or where after a quick fix
[Reply]
  • + 1
Sammyp86 (Apr 8, 2019 at 14:35)
Trail Gunna Gotta
Such a sick trail. Turned out to be my favourite in the Redwoods. Rode it three times back to back Fast, chutey and narrow.Super fun and challenging track.
[Reply]
  • + 0
Staceyz2 (May 25, 2017 at 20:32)
Trail Mad If You Don't
Very roots. Not great fun.
[Reply]
  • + 0
kennedynz (Apr 25, 2017 at 8:08)
Trail Sweet N' Sour
Climb. Access top of nice Rd. Links with dragons tail or be rude not to
[Reply]
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Trails in Route

Details

  • Race Course
  • Race Date
    Saturday April 16, 2022
  • Riding area
    Te Ara Ahi
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Other Activities
    • E-Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Point to Point
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes
  • Direction
    One Direction
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
  • Ridelogs
    14
More Stats for Merida | Highlander 2022 (Long Course) mountain bike route
  • Altitude change
    20 ft
  • Altitude min
    995 ft
  • Altitude start
    1,018 ft
  • Altitude end
    1,040 ft
  • Grade max
    -67.6%
  • Grade min
    56.9%
  • Distance climb
    16 miles
  • Distance down
    15 miles
  • Distance flat
    4 miles
Avg: 4 (1 votes)
close
  • Basemap 
  • Trail Style 
    • ?
  • Activity Type  
3D
Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Inadequate
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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Photos

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Videos

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youtuber The Builder rides Split Enz
The Builder rides Split Enz
trail: Split Enz
7:26 | 26 | comments: 0 | favs:
Mar 15, 2023
Split Enz - Whakarewarewa Forest - Rotorua,...
Split Enz - Whakarewarewa Forest - Rotorua, Aotearoa New Zealand
trail: Split Enz
11:34 | 12 | comments: 0 | favs:
Mar 2, 2023

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Arepa (uphill section)
Mar 22, 2023 @ 2:09pm
1 day
Tree Cleared CK/AF
reporter
Paddy's Run (A Trail)
Mar 20, 2023 @ 1:22pm
Mar 20, 2023
Checked the trail, but couldn't find any trees down.
reporter
Hemo Gorge Trail
Mar 19, 2023 @ 7:47am
Mar 19, 2023
New Exit
Mar 14, 2023 @ 12:33pm
Mar 14, 2023
Cleared worst of the branches off the side of the track and out of the drains, up near the top.
Forest Road
Mar 12, 2023 @ 2:08pm
Mar 12, 2023
 reporter
more reports »
  • By nduronz & contributors
  • #32980 - 1,596 views