New Zealand has some of the most challenging mountain bike terrain in the country. Trouble is, it's mostly inaccessible by car - or bike for that matter.
Ironically, the isolation that restricts riders from accessing these areas is what makes them all the more appealing. What could be better than barrelling down the side of a mountain with fresh air in your face and not another cyclist in sight?
Photos: Bean Riding - Taupo © Lake Taupo NZ, MDA Helibike Tarawera © Destination Rotorua
The answer: heli-biking; because traipsing up said mountain with your bike on your back is no one's idea of fun. For heli-bikers, the trip to the top is much quicker and far more interesting - an exciting helicopter flight overlooking spectacular scenery.
When the chopper drops you off at the top, the only way is down - and fast! Blaze down an adrenalin-pumping track, gripping the handlebars tight as you wind down the mountain - what a buzz! When you make it to the bottom, simply sit yourself down and wait for the helicopter to pick you up again. Now that's door-to-door service, mountain-bike style!
When the chopper drops you off at the top, the only way is down - and fast! Blaze down an adrenalin-pumping track, gripping the handlebars tight as you wind down the mountain - what a buzz! When you make it to the bottom, simply sit yourself down and wait for the helicopter to pick you up again. Now that's door-to-door service, mountain-bike style!
Photos: Mountainbiking © Destination Queenstown, Mountain Biking the Queen Charlotte Track © Destination Marlborough, Mountain Biking in the Wither Hills © Destination Hawke's Bay
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