Dodzy Skills Park is a free mountain bike skills area in Whakarewarewa Forest, built in memory of well-known local rider James “Dodzy” Dodds. Located at the end of Long Mile Road, between Nursery Road and the Scion carpark boundary, the park sits within the Whakarewarewa Forest trail network and offers jump lines, a slalom track, a kids’ run, a pump track and a Dual Speed and Style track — a progression-focused facility for riders of all ages and abilities.
Practical Information
| Location | End of Long Mile Road, Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua (between Nursery Rd and Scion carpark) |
| Cost | Free |
| Open | Open year-round, all hours |
| Suitable for | All abilities — kids’ run through to advanced jump lines |
| Bike required | Mountain bike; hardtail suitable for most features, full suspension optional |
| Facilities | Toilets and parking available at Nursery Road and Long Mile Road trailheads |
| Dogs | Not recommended — active MTB area with riders at speed |
The Features
Dodzy Skills Park is structured to allow riders to progress through progressively more demanding features. The kids’ run provides gentle rollers and small berms for young and beginner riders, making it an accessible starting point for children being introduced to off-road riding. The pump track — a looping course of rollers and berms ridden without pedalling — is one of the most effective tools for building fundamental MTB skills, and suitable for all ability levels.
The jump lines are the park’s main draw for more experienced riders: tabletops, gaps and rhythm sections of increasing size, allowing riders to choose the line that matches their current skill level and work up progressively. The slalom track develops cornering and line-reading skills in a dynamic course format, while the Dual Speed and Style track — two parallel courses of the same layout — allows riders to compete side by side, honing speed and smoothness simultaneously.
About the Memorial
The park is named in memory of James Dodds, known throughout the Rotorua mountain bike community as “Dodzy.” Dodds was a well-known local rider, and the skills park was developed by the community in his honour. The park’s inclusive design — covering all ability levels from young beginners to advanced jumpers — reflects the spirit in which it was built.
Within the Whakarewarewa Network
Dodzy Skills Park is at the edge of Whakarewarewa Forest’s main trail network — one of New Zealand’s most celebrated mountain bike destinations and an IMBA Gold-rated trail system. The park gives riders a place to warm up, practise specific skills, or spend time working on fundamentals before or after riding the forest trails. Long Mile Road provides access to several of the network’s popular intermediate and advanced trails, making the skills park conveniently located for riders using this entrance.
“Took my kids here and they were on the pump track and kids run for an hour — great facility that’s been really thought out for progression. The bigger jump lines kept me busy while they had their fun.” — Google review
“A genuine skills park, not just a pump track. The Dual Speed and Style feature is brilliant for comparing your technique side by side with a mate. Well maintained.” — Trailforks review
Trailforks — Dodzy Skills Park — facility overview, map and rider reviews.
goRide — Dodzy Skills Park — detailed features and visitor guide for families and beginner riders.
Rotorua MTB Club — Titokorangi & Skills Areas — club guide to riding the Whakarewarewa and Titokorangi forest area including skills facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dodzy Skills Park?
At the end of Long Mile Road, within Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua. It sits between Nursery Road and the Scion carpark boundary, adjacent to the main trail network.
Is Dodzy Skills Park free?
Yes — the park is free to use year-round.
What features does Dodzy Skills Park have?
Jump lines (graduated sizes), a slalom track, a kids’ run, a pump track, and a Dual Speed and Style track. The features cover all ability levels from young beginners to experienced jumpers.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes — the kids’ run and pump track are well-suited to younger and beginner riders. The jump lines are graduated, allowing children to start on smaller features and progress at their own pace.
Do I need a full suspension bike?
No — a hardtail mountain bike is fine for most of the park’s features. Full suspension is useful on the larger jump lines but not required.
Who was Dodzy?
James “Dodzy” Dodds was a well-known member of the Rotorua mountain bike community. The skills park was built in his memory by local riders and supporters.
Dodzy Skills Park is within Whakarewarewa Forest — see the Rotorua BMX track guide for the UCI-grade racing circuit at nearby Waipa Valley, and the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop guide for the full trail network. All Rotorua cycling is listed on the Cycling Tracks hub.
