Te Mata Park is open to walkers, runners, unleashed dogs and riders, so make sure you stick to the signposted mountain biking trails.
You can start riding from Havelock North village, following a web of trails to the lower Tauroa Road carpark; you can drive to the same carpark and start exploring from there. You can also ride or drive up Te Mata Peak Road to the Main Gates cappark, and then hit the trails.
A must-do is to ride right to the top (the trig station) where you have 360 degree views of Hawke’s Bay. From here take in the sights of the coast (Waimārama and Ocean Beach), Te Awanga, Napier Hill, Māhia, Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges, as well as Mount Ruapehu on a clear day.
Keep an eye out for new trails within the park as well as from the village. For map trails and latest information, visit www.tematapark.co.nz
The park is open to the public free of charge.