Trails built by the community, for generations

We want everyone to have the opportunity to take part in and benefit from mountain bike riding and recreational cycling, in the amazing forest environment of the Brynderwyn Ranges above Bream Bay.

WAIPU · BREAM BAY
−36.047, 174.499
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2 kmGrade 2 family loop
5 yrRenewable access licence
$97.8kTotal project value
100%Free and community led
The vision

A safe, community focussed pathway into cycling for youth and rangatahi

The Brynderwyn Ranges hold some of the finest trail terrain in Northland, yet there is nowhere local to ride. Our young people travel out of the region to experience a sport that is growing fast in popularity.

Waipu MTB Club is changing that. Working in harmony with the whenua, the forest owner and our community, we are building a network of wide, welcoming trails a section at a time, starting with a professionally built foundation loop that opens the door for everyone.

Waipu MTB Club members on site
Some of the people behind the project, on the whenua.
Our journey · 2022 → 2030

From a dream to a destination

Eight years of community mahi across three phases. Tap any year to explore the milestones.

Phase 1Feasibility, desirability & viability
Phase 2Foundation design, build & funding
Phase 3Ownership & sustainable activity
Phase 2
2026

Project Enablement

    2026 · We are here
    Zoned area for the Phase 1 trail loop
    Zoned area for the Phase 1 family Grade 2 access trail loop.
    Stage One

    The Foundation Trail Loop

    A professionally built 2 km Grade 2 family loop. The access spine that lets our community build out its own network, working bee by working bee.

    Builder: Lovett Trail Builders Grade: 2, beginner to intermediate Trailhead: gate, carpark & signage Cost: $50,000 one off

    The gate is in. The carpark is formed. The line is surveyed and marked. All that stands between our community and the first ride is the build itself.

    The whenua

    Experience the stunning beauty of the Brynderwyns

    The Club has agreed a five year renewable access licence to create trails in harmony with the land, in a spectacular working forest above Bream Bay. The natural terrain and quality is all but unmatched in Northland.

    −36.047234, 174.499210 · Waipu, Te Tai Tokerau
    Why it matters

    Outcomes that go far beyond the trail

    Stage One speaks directly to the things our funders and our community care about most.

    Community Support

    Hāpori awhina

    A free, shared space that brings people together and builds pride, skills and resilience through volunteer working bees.

    Increased Equity

    Hāpai te ōritetanga

    Removes the travel barrier for rural Northland rangatahi, putting a positive, active pathway on their doorstep.

    Regenerative Environment

    Whakahou taiao

    Built in harmony with the working forest, with native regenerative planting alongside Shimano NZ.

    Te Tiriti partnership

    Patuharakeke

    Shaped from the outset in partnership with mana whenua, who have been engaged with the club since its inception.

    Better together

    A genuine community partnership

    This project only works because of the people and organisations standing behind it.

    PatuharakekeMana whenua of this place, engaged since the club's inception
    Manulife / A.H.I. GroupForest owner & cornerstone enabling partner
    Shimano NZTools, education & regenerative planting
    Whangārei District CouncilCommunity Impact Partnership
    Lovett Trail BuildersSpecialist trail design & build
    MTBNZ & Cycling NZClub affiliation & insurance
    Back the build

    $50,000 unlocks a legacy

    Stage One is a modest, one off investment with an outsized return. A free, lasting asset for generations of Bream Bay families.

    $25kFoundation North Quick Response Grant
    $25kNZ Lottery Community, parallel request
    $47.8kCommunity and partner contribution in kind

    Genuine co-investment: two $25,000 grants, matched almost dollar-for-dollar by $47,840 of community and partner contribution in kind. Our community is already resourcing nearly half the build — a total project value of $97,840.