OPENING DATE FOR NEW 21/22 SEASON
We are HOPING to open at the beginning of October.
The tracks have been very wet. James is assessing them at the moment, to see if they are dry enough for grading. We will update you again soon.
Not long now! It'll be worth the wait.
In the meantime, get vaccinated, stay safe and be kind to one another. Kia kaha, James & Mandy
Hours & Tracks
Opening Hours
Thundercross Valley is open rain, hail or shine from Wednesday to Sunday 9am to 6pm, from September through to end of June. Keep an eye on our FB page and Google listing for precise dates re: season opening and closing.
Latest arrival time with your own bike = 3pm. In the interests of your own safety, we ask that 3pm is the latest for check-in, please. This allows for registration, unloading, getting on your bike, a couple of hours of safe riding, then time to pack up and leave before we close at 6pm. Thanks.
We are open on Mondays & Tuesdays ONLY if they are Public Holidays.
Closed
We are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, unless they are Public Holidays.
Public Holidays
We are open on Public Holidays apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
If Monday and/or Tuesday is a Public Holiday then we are open from 9am to 6pm.
Winter Closing
We are closed for July and August every year.
Tracks
Thundercross is conveniently located 90kms (1.25hrs) from central Auckland and 67kms (1 hour) from Hamilton. This Park is the only one of it's type in New Zealand. Thundercross is a unique, one-stop-shop for dirt biking, where you can hire bikes, have tuition from accredited coaches and ride a variety of trails! We offer everything you need to get amongst it and ride safely. Set in 750 acres of stunning Waikato countryside.
Set in 750 acres of easy rolling to steep countryside in the Franklin District, the Park boasts breath-taking scenery that has featured in television commercials and movies.
The Park offers a total riding experience for all riders, from a family day out for trail riding and cross country through to motocross and enduro. We have riders from all over the world visit the Park, with renowned NZ champions using the tracks as their training grounds. We cater for all levels of ability, from beginners to experienced riders with Learners, B Track (novice/intermediate), A Track (advanced/experts only) and Motocross tracks available.
Our tracks are ash over clay and are graded once a year, with additional maintenance as required. See links below for more details on each Track and view more photos/videos in our Gallery.
In the wetter months, we do recommend a 4x4 vehicle to access our car parks. This is, of course, entirely driver/vehicle dependent as experiences vary from person to person. If you are unsure, it is possible to arrange alternative parking; please ask when you arrive.
Learners Only
Situated in a separate 35 acre paddock, with its own dedicated parking area, this 1.5km loop track is only for Learners and their supporters. On rolling country, the Learner Track has two small hills and mostly gentle corners. It’s surface is soft rock and clay, making it rideable in any weather. Suitable for all learners, from children on Peewee 50s and their first quad to adult learners getting to grips with dirt biking. The Learners' Track is a great place for families to bring a picnic, camp chairs and a gazebo and make themselves at home for the day.
NOTE:
- There are no trees for shade on the Learners' Track - remember your own gazebo or sunshade
- In the wetter months, we do recommend a 4x4 vehicle to access our Learners' Track. This is, of course, entirely driver/vehicle dependent as experiences vary from person to person.
Direction: anti-clockwise
Novice - Intermediate
This 8km track begins and finishes at the general car park. The B Track winds around rolling hills and farm tracks, over culverts and steep hills (with gentler options around the side available).
The last quarter is shared with the A Track.
Direction: anti-clockwise
Advanced Track for EXPERT riders only
Please do not over-estimate your riding skills; if you are not an expert rider, this track is not for you.
You need to have the skills and experience to cope with whatever is around the next corner. Quick reactions and total bike control are vital.
Please do not feel inclined to 'give it a go'. If you are in doubt as to your skills, ask James or Nik to take you around on an accompanied loop (fee applies).
This advanced 20+km loop track begins and finishes at the general car park. Located in the steep bluffs and hill-country of Thundercross, the A Track will find you riding down ridges and up valleys, before you wind your way in and around a 100 acre bush block, blast across paddocks and back into bush again. It is steep up, steep down and there are rocks, logs and trees.
Recent additions to the A Track are Blackberry Hill, Ridge Line & Lord of the Rings
Direction: anti-clockwise. Minimum rescue fee = box of beer.
The Motocross Track is popular with our experienced riders.
(MOTOCROSS AERIAL MAP COMING SOON - WATCH THIS SPACE)
The motocross track is 3km long and set in a dedicated 30-acre paddock immediately adjacent to the Main Car park and start of the A&B Tracks. It is a basic track with basic jumps, step-ups and step-downs and a table top. Not for inexperienced riders.
Direction: clockwise
What to Bring/Wear at Thundercross
Minimum Protective Gear: No alternatives. Not negotiable. No proper gear = no ride
- Proper dirt bike boots
and
- Proper dirt bike helmet
These are required at all times when you are on a bike; even when you are unloading/loading your bike, or making a quick visit to the toilets. We have gear available to hire, in sizes from small children to XXXL adults, and boots from child's #13 to adult #14.
Remember to bring:
- Water
- Energy snacks
- Lunch
- A gazebo or brolly for shade (There are no trees for shade on the Learners' Track)
- Camping chairs
- Relax, kick back and make a day of it!
- The dog (on a lead and under control)
- Friends and family
- No alcohol whilst riding (please follow sober driving laws)
Amenities:
Parking: We have a main car park and a learners' car park. Only those learning or supporting a learner may park in the learners' paddock.
Toilets: There is a toilet block in the main car park.
Refreshments: We have vending machines dispensing soft drinks and snacks. You are welcome to bring your own energy snacks, lunch and drinks with you. (No alcohol to be consumed whilst riding and please ensure you have a sober driver)
Picnics: We have picnic tables available for your use in the car park areas or your are welcome to bring your own comfy chairs, gazebo and set up camp for the day in one of our car park areas.
Gazebo & Barbeque: Our gazebo & barbeque are available to rent for a donation to the Westpac Helicopter
Spare Parts: we have a small selection of spares available at market prices, should you need to do a repair whilst you are here. (Inner tubes, clutch levers, etc).
Air Compressor: our air compressor is available for you to use (small donation to Westpac Helicopter)
Forgotten some protective gear?: No problem - all our protective gear is available to hire (boots, helmet, goggles, gloves, pants, tops, chest protectors and body armour) . $10 per item. We have clothing and helmet sizes from children aged 5 to XXXL adults and boots from children size 13 to adult size 14. (All bikes and protective gear are commercially washed after each hire)
Water Blaster: our water blaster is available for you to use after riding. $5 donation to Westpac Helicopter
Camping: Riders who are riding both days at the Park are welcome to camp at Thundercross
- It is essential to book in advance by telephoning Mandy on 0277331199. No booking = no camping
- Riders must register and pay for each day’s riding before riding
- There are no camping facilities, other than the toilet block
- Please take your rubbish home with you
- No open fires
- No riding before 9am or after 6pm
- No charge for camping
We're here to help
We also offer bike wash facilities ($5 fee donated to Air Ambulance), gear hire, some spare parts (gear levers, tubes), tyre changing facilities, advice on bikes and their suitability for the rider needing the bike. We can also advise on what gear is suitable and the best brands to buy. Camping and home stay accommodation can be arranged.
If you're after an outing for the Stag Do, Hen Party, social club, group outing, reunion or corporate event, as a gift voucher or tourist experience then Thundercross is the place.
With our 30 years of experience in motorcycle racing and trail riding, we are equipped to help you in any way you need.
(All bikes and protective gear are commercially washed after each hire)
