Bike Taupō Receives Vital Funding Boost for Craters of the Moon Mountain Bike Park Rebuild

Bike Taupō is thrilled to announce that we have been granted $135,000 in funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) through the latest round of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund. This crucial financial support will significantly accelerate the reconstruction efforts at the Craters of the Moon Mountain Bike Park, which was left in disarray following the devastating Cyclone Gabrielle earlier this year.

Pete Masters, Chairperson of Bike Taupo, expressed his gratitude, saying, "We are truly humbled by the overwhelming support we have received from our local community, businesses, and the Taupō District Council. Their commitment to our cause made it possible for us to successfully secure this funding from MBIE. It's a testament to the strength of our community and the value we all place on our trails. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the local communities, local businesses, and the Taupō District Council for their extraordinary generosity. Their combined contributions allowed Bike Taupo to meet the 50% co-funding requirement, enabling us to access this essential funding from MBIE.”

While harvesting activities are ongoing in the mountain bike park, Bike Taupō have already begun the reconstruction of tracks in the Tourist Trap area. The funding  received will significantly expedite the entire rebuild process, allowing Bike Taupō to get the park ridable as soon as possible.

Pete Masters added, "The Craters of the Moon Mountain Bike Park rebuild is a substantial undertaking. It's not just about restoring the trails; it also involves playing catch-up on trail maintenance throughout the park. We are committed to delivering an outstanding experience for all riders, and this funding will be instrumental in achieving that goal."

Our team is working tirelessly, and we aim to have the park open to the public again by the end of October. Bike Taupō extends its sincere appreciation to the community for their unwavering support and patience throughout this challenging period. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Craters of the Moon Mountain Bike Park soon.

Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas has also welcomed the news, saying Craters of the Moon Mountain Bike Park is an important biking destination for both locals and visitors, and it has been sorely missed.

“We’re thrilled that Bike Taupō’s received this boost to their rebuilding efforts. The Taupō District is such a popular area for mountain biking and Craters is an integral part of what attracts people to get out on their bikes and enjoy our local environment.”

For more information or media inquiries, please contact:

Peter Masters (Bike Taupo Chairperson) at pete@biketaupo.org.nz Phone: 027 497 7832

About Bike Taupō: Bike Taupō is a dedicated organization committed to promoting and enhancing mountain biking in the Taupō region. Our mission is to create world-class mountain bike trails, provide exceptional riding experiences, and foster a strong community of riders and supporters. We work collaboratively with local partners and stakeholders to ensure the ongoing growth and sustainability of mountain biking in Taupō.

More info about Bike Taupō can be found on www.biketaupo.org.nz