Coronet Peak staffer and former NZ mountain biking rep Erin Greene will make the first ride of its new trailA new downhill mountain bike trail at Coronet Peak especially designed for beginners will be officially opened on Saturday. The 5km-long ‘Whakatipu View’ trail, which runs from the top of the lift to the ski area’s base building, is the Basin’s first-ever grade 2 trail. ‘‘It’s ideal for someone who has riding experience, but is looking to start riding some mountain bike trails.’’Ski area manager Nigel Kerr says Coronet Peak can seem ‘‘incredibly intimidating’’ for riders who haven’t tried downhill trails before. Built by local company Dirt Design since November, Whakatipu View provides a step between a riverside trail and a steeper downhill trail, Kerr says. Next in the pipeline is the grade 6 ‘World Cup’ trail — an extreme, top-to-bottom 1.9km run designed to test professional riders.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 06, 2026 15:02 UTC