Last updated June 2026
Pan Pac Eskdale MTB Park is Napier’s dedicated mountain bike park with over 70 km of trails across three forestry blocks in the Esk Valley. The park is built and maintained by the Hawke’s Bay Mountain Bike Club on land owned by Pan Pac Forest Products. Riders need club membership or a visitor permit for access. Trails range from easy Grade 2 options suitable for beginners to demanding Grade 5 and 6 descents for experts. The park sits about 15 minutes’ drive north of Napier and remains one of the larger MTB destinations in the central North Island.
Practical Information
| Location | Esk Valley north of Napier — 15 minutes’ drive via SH5, Waipunga Road and Burden Road |
| Trail network | 71 km of singletrack plus forest roads across Waipunga, Tait and Replanted blocks |
| Trail grading | Grade 2 (easy) to Grade 5/6 (expert/extreme); most trails Grade 3–4 |
| Access | HBMTBC membership or visitor permit required; permit-only private forestry land |
| Cost | Membership or day/week visitor permit fees apply — see HBMTBC for current rates |
| Facilities | Parking with shelter, picnic tables and map board; toilet at carpark; no drinking water on site |
| Suitability | All abilities; helmets mandatory; children under 11 must ride with an adult; no dogs allowed |
| Conditions | Closed during heavy rain and forestry operations; check HBMTBC for real-time status |
About Pan Pac Eskdale MTB Park
The Pan Pac Eskdale MTB Park occupies working pine forest in the Esk Valley north of Napier. The Hawke’s Bay Mountain Bike Club has developed and maintains the trails in partnership with landowner Pan Pac Forest Products. Access operates through membership or visitor permits that support trail work and provide insurance cover for riders.
Three blocks offer varied terrain and experiences. The Waipunga Block features open trails through younger pines with views across the valley toward the sea. The Tait Block provides shaded singletrack that stays cooler in summer. The Replanted Block contains more mature forest and technical trails suited to experienced riders. The former Mill Block is permanently closed.
Well-known trails include Porridge (easy descent, intermediate climb), Nuclear Blast (easy descent, very hard climb), Rollie and Powerline in the Replanted Block. New trails continue to be added by club volunteers. The network supports riders of all skill levels with a mix of flow trails, technical singletrack and climbing routes.
The club was founded in 1991 and secured ongoing access to the forest in 1995. Riders must follow strict rules including no dogs, no smoking, speed limits on the access road and staying within designated MTB areas. Mobile coverage is good in Waipunga and Tait blocks but limited in the Replanted Block.
Trail Grading
The park uses the standard New Zealand mountain bike grading system. Grade 2 trails are wide and smooth for beginners and families. Grade 3 trails introduce roots, small drops and moderate climbs for competent riders. Grade 4 trails add faster, more technical features for advanced riders. Grade 5 trails are steep and technical with significant exposure and require expert skills and full protective gear. Grade 6 trails are extreme and reserved for very confident, experienced riders only. Most trails at Pan Pac fall in the Grade 3–4 range. Current trail-by-trail details and conditions appear on the club website and Trailforks.
Access and Membership
Entry requires current Hawke’s Bay Mountain Bike Club membership or a visitor permit purchased through the club. The system funds trail maintenance and ensures riders carry appropriate insurance. Permits are available for day or longer visits.
The park closes during heavy rain to protect trail surfaces and during active forestry operations for safety. Real-time status updates are posted on the club website and Facebook page. Access is via SH5 turning into Waipunga Road, then Burden Road to the main carpark. The access road is narrow with passing bays and a 20 km/h speed limit.
What Visitors Often Say
Riders praise the park for its extensive network of well-built trails across three distinct blocks, with scenic open riding in Waipunga and technical singletrack in the Replanted Block standing out as favourites. Many note the variety from easy flow trails to challenging descents and appreciate the regular addition of new tracks.
Practical advice shared by visitors includes joining the club for frequent riders rather than buying repeated day permits, always checking the club’s status updates before travelling, and bringing all water and supplies as none is available on site. The carpark toilet and shelter receive positive mentions, while the no-dogs rule and need for helmets are consistently highlighted.
Where to Learn More
Hawke’s Bay Mountain Bike Club — Pan Pac Trails: official club page with trail lists, membership details, rules and current park status.
Trailforks — Pan Pac MTB Park: interactive map showing every trail with GPS data, grading and live condition reports.
Hawke’s Bay NZ — Pan Pac Mountain Bike Park: regional tourism overview with access and riding information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Pan Pac Eskdale MTB Park?
The park offers 71 km of singletrack plus connecting forest roads across three blocks.
What grades are the trails?
Trails range from Grade 2 easy to Grade 5/6 expert and extreme, with most falling in the Grade 3–4 intermediate category.
Do I need a permit or membership?
Yes — either Hawke’s Bay Mountain Bike Club membership or a visitor permit is required for access to the private land.
Where is the park located?
In the Esk Valley north of Napier, reached via SH5, Waipunga Road and Burden Road to the main carpark.
Is the park suitable for beginners?
Yes — Grade 2 trails in the Waipunga Block suit beginners and families, with progression options available.
When is the park closed?
During heavy rain and active forestry operations; check the club website or Facebook for current status before visiting.
What facilities are available?
Parking with shelter, picnic tables, map board and a toilet at the carpark; no drinking water on site.
Are dogs allowed?
No — dogs are strictly prohibited under Pan Pac forest rules.
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