Last updated July 2026
Dodzy Skills Park is a free mountain bike skills area located in Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua. It was built by the local community as a memorial to well-known rider James “Dodzy” Dodds. The park sits at the end of Long Mile Road and provides a dedicated space for riders to develop skills through a range of features suitable for all ages and abilities. It forms part of the larger Whakarewarewa Forest trail network, one of New Zealand’s premier mountain biking destinations. Riders can use the park to warm up, practise techniques, or progress their skills before heading onto the surrounding trails.
Practical Information
| Location | End of Long Mile Road, Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua (between Nursery Road and Scion carpark boundary) |
| 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 |
About Dodzy Skills Park
The park honours James “Dodzy” Dodds, a respected member of the Rotorua mountain bike community who was known as a rider, teacher, trail builder and bike builder. Local riders and supporters developed the facility in his memory after his passing, creating an inclusive space that reflects his passion for the sport.
Construction of the skills park began around 2012 on land leased from Scion by the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club. The design emphasises progression, allowing riders to build confidence and technique across features of increasing difficulty.
Features at Dodzy Skills Park
The park is laid out to support skill development from beginner to advanced levels. The kids’ run offers gentle rollers and small berms ideal for young or new riders. A pump track provides a looping course of rollers and berms that can be ridden without pedalling, helping build core mountain bike fundamentals for all abilities.
Jump lines include tabletops, gaps and rhythm sections in graduated sizes so riders can select lines matching their current skill level. A slalom track focuses on cornering and line choice, while the Dual Speed and Style track features two parallel courses of identical layout for side-by-side riding and technique comparison.
Within the Whakarewarewa Forest Network
Dodzy Skills Park lies at the edge of Whakarewarewa Forest’s extensive trail system, which forms part of an IMBA Gold-level Ride Center. The location provides convenient access to many popular intermediate and advanced trails via Long Mile Road. Riders often use the park for warm-ups or skill practice before or after exploring the wider forest network.
What Visitors Often Say
Families appreciate the well-designed progression options, with younger riders enjoying the pump track and kids’ run for extended periods while more experienced riders use the jump lines.
Reviewers note the park offers more than a basic pump track, highlighting the Dual Speed and Style feature for technique comparison and the overall maintenance of the facilities.
Where to Learn More
Rotorua Mountain Bike Club — Titokorangi & Skills Areas: Club guide covering the Whakarewarewa and Titokorangi forest area including skills facilities.
Trailforks — Dodzy Skills Park: Facility overview, map and rider reviews for the skills park.
goRide — Dodzy Skills Park: Detailed features and visitor guide focused on families and beginner riders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Dodzy Skills Park?
At the end of Long Mile Road within Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua, 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 in 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 suit younger and beginner riders. The graduated jump lines allow children to start small and progress at their own pace.
Do I need a full suspension bike?
No, a hardtail mountain bike works well for most features. Full suspension is helpful on larger jump lines but not required.
Who was Dodzy?
James “Dodzy” Dodds was a well-known Rotorua mountain biker, teacher, trail builder and bike builder. The skills park was created in his memory by the local community.
Can I ride the park without a mountain bike?
The features are designed for mountain bikes. Other bike types are not suitable for the jumps, berms and pump track.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
