Glen Murray – Dirt Biking, Horse Riding and Māori Culture

Gently rolling hills, maintained motorcycle tracks through working farmland and hilly terrain for horse rides make the experiences in Glen Murray tangible. Thundercross Valley Dirt Bike Park offers both gentle trails and challenging hills. There are also horse riding options, nearby water access and places with local historical and cultural significance. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether dirt biking, horse riding, time by the water or the history of the area should take priority.

Motorcycling for different experience levels

Thundercross Valley Dirt Bike Park spans 750 acres of gently rolling hills. Its maintained tracks wind through working farmland. Gentle trails and challenging hills offer different riding experiences; the park caters to riders of all ages and skill levels. This allows you to choose the focus of your visit without everyone having to look for the same kind of track.

Lesson options are available for beginners and more experienced riders, including sessions on your own motorcycle. Visitors do not need prior experience or a motorcycle licence to visit the park. Coaches teach riders of any age or fitness level to ride a motorcycle independently. Advanced coaching is also available for experienced riders who want to develop their skills further. The park has 18 rental motorcycles, with engine capacities ranging from 50 to 300 cc. When planning, you can therefore decide whether to use a rental motorcycle, ride your own, or focus on lessons or coaching.

Horse rides and water access

The horse rides at Smitty’s Ridge take you through hilly terrain. Participants receive a safety briefing and are matched with a suitable horse. Bookings are required for rides, and closed-toe shoes or boots must be worn. These specific requirements make it easier to plan a horse ride as a separate activity.

Nearby, a public area at the outlet of Lake Whangape provides access to the lake via Whangape Stream, as well as foot access to several fishing spots. On Glen Murray Road, there is an area with good off-street parking that is considered the preferred place to launch boats. There is no boat ramp there. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended when water levels are low. If you are considering spending time by the water, you can factor these differences between lake access, fishing spots and boat launching into your plans.

Places with local significance

Glen Murray War Memorial Hall opened in 1952 and has since been substantially extended and renovated. Te Poho o Tanikena Marae is located at 2499 State Highway 22 in Glen Murray. Te Poho O Tanikena is associated with a Māori reservation for a pā, Hau Kāinga, marae and māra. It serves the common benefit of the registered members of Te Poho O Tanikena Incorporated and the whānau of Ngāti Taratikitiki, Ngāti Tahinga and Ngāti Pou.

Plan your stay around your interests

The hall and marae complement these active pursuits with historical and community context.

If you would like to explore more places, you can also find pages about Papakura, Pakiri, Awhitu, Ellerslie, Great Barrier Island, Karaka, Algies Bay and Waiatarua.

For the wider travel overview: Auckland.