Thundercross' Achievements

Since 2001, one of our primary goals has remained to deliver great tuition and riding experiences while upholding our commitment to preserving New Zealand's pristine environment. Our dedication to this goal has garnered recognition from numerous associations across New Zealand.

Adventure MarkJames, Mandy & the Thundercross crew have a strong focus on health & safety at the Park; proudly holding Adventure Mark certification, activities 2012 and adventure activities certification with WorkSafe, endorsed by JAS-ANZ. We are constantly updating our Safety Management Plan each year and are audited on our performance by independent auditors, Adventure Mark.

QualmarkThundercross is proud to hold the prestigious Gold Qualmark Award, our commitment to sustainable tourism practices. This recognition places us among New Zealand’s leading sustainable tourism operators and reflects our dedication to delivering exceptional visitor experiences. It also highlights our role in promoting New Zealand as a world-class, environmentally responsible destination. We are deeply grateful to our Thundercross whānau—especially our dedicated team and incredible volunteer marshals—for their ongoing support and invaluable contributions. Learn more about Qualmark and our sustainability journey, visit their website.

TripAdvisorJames and Mandy are incredibly proud to announce that Thundercross has received the 2024 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award! This prestigious honour is bestowed as a result of our visitors’ feedback, ranking us in the top 10% of TripAdvisor listed activities . We are particularly excited that this marks the fifth consecutive year Thundercross has been awarded the accolade. Our heartfelt thanks go to our Thundercross riding whanau for their ongoing support and, of course, our amazing crew, Marshals and volunteers. You are all a vital part of our Park’s community. Nga mihi nui.

Tiaki PromiseAt Thundercross Valley Dirt Bike Park, we proudly uphold the Tiaki Promise—our pledge to care for Aotearoa New Zealand, its people, places, and culture. We are also proud participants in the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment (TSC)—working toward a future where all tourism is sustainable by 2025. Our mission is to create unforgettable experiences while actively supporting our local communities and preserving the environment we call home. We believe in protecting the natural beauty and cultural richness of this land, ensuring it remains vibrant and thriving for generations to come. As stewards of the land, we invite every traveller to join us in this commitment by: •Respecting the land, sea, and wildlife—leaving no trace behind •Prioritising safety and showing consideration for others •Embracing cultural respect and connecting with local communities By taking the Tiaki Promise, visitors become guardians of New Zealand, journeying with care and purpose.

Tiaki GuideOur values are the foundation of everything we do at Thundercross: Kaitiakitanga – Protecting our natural resources for future generations Manaakitanga – Showing care, hospitality, and respect for others Whanaungatanga – Fostering strong relationships and a sense of belonging Each member of the Thundercross team is deeply committed to sustainability—championing education, community support, environmental stewardship, and mutual respect. By embracing the Tiaki Promise and supporting our sustainability efforts, you become a guardian of Thundercross. Your actions help protect our park, uplift our community, and ensure its legacy endures. Thank you for being part of our journey.

Thundercross Native Tree RegenerationAt Thundercross, we embrace the environmental challenges inherent in being a dirt bike park while prioritizing sustainable practices across all aspects of our operations. Aligned with the Tiaki Promise, we are steadfast in our commitment to sustainable tourism, serving as guardians of our cherished piece of Waikato for future generations. Our sustainability efforts manifest in various ways: we prioritize recycling, utilize second-hand materials for renovations like our Wool Shed, and support local suppliers to minimize our ecological footprint. Through conscious waste management, including composting and recycling, we strive to reduce our environmental impact at every turn. Furthermore, our dedication to sustainability extends to our bike fleet, which is regularly serviced and upgraded to fuel-efficient models. We are actively exploring electric dirt bike options to further reduce our carbon footprint.

Partner with usNotably, Thundercross boasts two significant native bush areas, recognized by the Waikato District Council. Since 2020, in collaboration with the local youth program, Oho Mauri, we've embarked on a native tree regeneration initiative. This program involves nurturing native saplings and transplanting them to new sites around the park, safeguarding waterways and expanding our natural habitat. You can be part of our conservation efforts! Through our partnership with a local nursery, visitors can contribute to our guardianship program by purchasing a native tree for just $10. Each tree is planted in honour of the donor or in memory of a loved one, with the option to include a personal note. By supporting local suppliers and planting trees acclimated to our climate, we enhance biodiversity and ensure the long-term vitality of Thundercross. Together, we can make a lasting difference for our environment and future generations.