Explore Tongariro National Park on a Half-Day Kaimanawa Descent Heli-Biking Tour
Take on the Kaimanawa Descent, a 22km downhill mountain biking trail crafted for intermediate to advanced riders. Start with a breathtaking helicopter flight to the Patutu Tops, sitting 1673m above sea level, before hitting the trail. The first half of your descent meanders through alpine tussock country, offering panoramic views of the Central Plateau and the majestic peaks of Tongariro National Park. The final stretch is a thrilling ride through native mountain beech, culminating at Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures’ base.
Inclusions
- Valid for one person (*rates are per person, based on group size) – please make your selection carefully
- Half-day Kaimanawa Descent heli-biking tour
- One-way scenic helicopter flight to the trailhead on the Patutu Tops
- Ride Kaimanawa Descent downhill mountain bike trail (*approximately 22km)
- Please note: Bike hire and tour guides are not included in your experience
- Available hours:
- May – October: Saturdays: Departs 11am or 12pm
- November – April: Every day: Departs 11am or 12pm
- Bookings available FROM 1 October 2025 to 31 May 2027
Pricing & availability
Things to know
- Please advise individual weights of all passengers and bikes at time of booking
Things don’t always work out, so enjoy peace of mind knowing that the following cancellation options are available to you.
- Up to 2 days before your chosen date - 100%
- Up to 7 days after purchase - 100%
- Cancellations made more than 48 hours before experience date: no cancellation fees apply
- Cancellations within 48 hours of experience date, late arrivals and no-shows: 100% cancellation fee applies
Changes to bookings
48 hours’ notice is required to change a booking you have made
Selected days
Important:
- Exclusions: Meals, drinks, bike hire, guide, and hotel transfers
- Any additional personal expenses must be paid directly to vendor(s)
- Departure/Return Point: Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures Base – Waipakihi Road, Desert Road 3382, New Zealand
- Please arrive at your departure location at least than 35 minutes prior to scheduled flight departure time
- Valid for the flight path selected at the time of purchase – please make your selection carefully
- All tours are subject to availability and weather. All passengers must receive a safety briefing prior to departure
- Please advise individual weights of all passengers and bikes at time of booking
- Helicopter can carry regular bikes and electric bikes, however, please note it cannot carry ‘Fat Boys Tyres’. Max tyre width is 7.1cm per bike
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by a paying parent/adult guardian (18+)
- Please come prepared for cold weather, no matter the forecast. Being an alpine environment, the weather is changeable, and you are expected to be prepared for both hot and cold conditions
- This is a shared tour, meaning you will likely share your flight and biking trail with other guests
- While there is no age limit on riders, all guests should be capable of riding a Grade 3 trail. Bumper seats are not recommended for small children on the ride
- Please allow up to four hours for this experience
Terms & Conditions:
- A fuel surcharge may apply to the flight component of ticket price. In such cases, any charge will be collected on departure, payable directly to Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures. No fuel surcharge is presently applicable
- Tours and aircraft substitutions are subject to Management and/or pilot discretion, weather, air-traffic control and availability. In the event of bad weather, providing there is availability, date changes are welcome or in the worst-case scenario, cancellations
- Reservations are held only when weights are received and full passenger details provided
- During the winter months (May–October), Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures requires a minimum of 12 riders for the day for tour to proceed. Vendor will notify you four days prior to departure date if minimums have not been reached
- Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures will not be liable for any loss, damage, additional expenses or inconvenience arising from, or incidental to, any delay in service. Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures works in conjunction with other tour operators and is not liable for their acts or omissions, whether negligent or otherwise. Travel and admissions will be subject to the conditions imposed by the operators, which may limit or exclude liability for personal injury or property damage
- In the event of bad weather, providing there is availability, date changes are welcome or in the worst-case scenario, cancellations. Please note, if half the paid tour was possible, the component not experienced will be refunded, not both
- For further Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures Terms & Conditions, please see here
Please Note:
- Bookings for this offer are limited and subject to availability. Not valid with any other offer
- Entire value must be used in one visit; any unused will be forfeited, and cannot be used at a later date
Important:
We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Full terms and conditions are located on the terms and conditions page of our website
Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures
Discover the wild beauty of the central North Island with Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures. From an exclusive 22km downhill heli-biking trail to breathtaking scenic flights over Tongariro National Park and remote luxury heli-glamping escapes, every experience is crafted for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.