We’re not the biggest of countries, but with such a wide variety of terrain, we have some of the best riding there is to offer. New Zealand has certainly planted itself on the map as a mountain bike destination not to be missed. If you load up the car, grab some mates and hit the road, within no time you'll find some vastly different landscapes. From high alpines to rocky deserts. We really do have it all.

With the aid of the Crow's Nest rooftop tent Callum Wood - a friend and proper trail fiend - set off to unfold camp, explore and ride the finest areas Queenstown has on offer.

The only condition... to stick to spots only a quick drive from central Queenstown. This guy lives and breathes bikes so I'm sure tracking down his top spots wasn't too hard of a task. Getting him to narrow them down to his top 5, well that's a different story. Here goes... 

SPOT #1: FERN HILL

Located above Queenstown Bike Park, this has to be my favourite place to ride. From ancient beech forest to exposed ridgelines, this unique trail offers more than just incredible views. The Queenstown Mountain Bike Club have been investing heavily in this area, with the addition of a new climb trail making access much easier.  Once heading down the riding is best described as steep and loose, with plenty of exposure and tight corners.

The latest offering from the club has been making waves in the New Zealand mtb community, named “The Salmon Run” riders from all over are putting it on the hit list for Queenstown. 

Making its way down the side of Fernhill it ends in dry riverbed, giving it its name. From steep tight turns in the Beech forest up top leading to fast rock gardens down low, its one that defiantly requires your brakes to be on point!

SPOT #2: SEVEN MILE

Just a short drive out of the centre of town on the Glenorchy road, this is a go to for riders of all levels.  All trails start from the picturesque Wilsons Bay making it very easy to find. To really get the most out of this place it’s worth parking up at the neighbouring 12 Mile delta DOC campground and spending the night there.

The map can be very confusing, resembling something along the lines of blue spaghetti… So a trip to the local bike shop wouldn’t go a miss to get an idea of what to ride. My favourite track would have to be Kachoong, fast and flowy it can make a nice change from the steeper things that Queenstown has to offer.

SPOT #3: STICKY FOREST

Like 7 mile but different… The Outlet Campground provides the perfect spot to set up camp and head up the hill to see what Wanaka has to offer. All trails feed off the ridge at the top making it super easy to navigate. Carrot Cake and Venus offer a tighter trail weaving through the pines but if you feeling like getting your huck on, head over to the other side of the hill to Pedal or Die. Clue is in the name for that one!

SPOT #4: NASEBY

Once the mecca of mountain biking in the south, it has some what become neglected as the forestry commission began logging there. It’s defiantly worth doing some research before setting off in to the woods, as the trails are not signed. PinkBike offer a pretty handy app called Trail Forks that has a database of all trails worldwide. The Gold mining boom of the late 19th century has made some unique terrain and the history is still visible today and has packed the forest full of natural features. Near by St Bathans is my pick to set up camp simply due to the Blue Lake.

SPOT #5: CORONET PEAK

A well known ski field this hill holds some secrets once the snow pack disappears. A staple trail for visitors is Rude Rock, a fast and flowy trail that snakes its way down Coronet, full of berms, rollers and doubles and best enjoyed shuttled with a bunch of good mates.

From Rude Rock you can carry on to Pack Track and Sack a trail that winds its way into the beautiful skippers canyon. If your after something a little steeper Corotown might be more your thing. The trail starts at the Coronet XC track, leading you through steep and variable terrain and finishing in Arrowtown, where your sure to be yearning for a cold one at Arrowtown’s locals.

A huge thanks goes to Callum and friends for taking the time to scope out your favourite spots to ride.

For more of Callum and friends having more fun than you can imagine, head to: Callum Wood Photography or @cwoodphoto on Instagram.