Cooee Bike Park

Our Story – Cooee Mountain Bike Park

Back in 2019, two local lads, Connor Bond and Jak Buckingham, put pen to paper and wrote to the Clutha District Mayor with a bold idea – a mountain bike park for the district.

Fast forward to 2021, they presented their vision to the Council during the Long Term Plan submissions. Their proposal was met with enthusiasm, and soon after, they were given the green light to create a park on donated land beside the golf course and Mount Cooee landfill. And so, Cooee Mountain Bike Park was born!

What started as a spark of an idea quickly gained momentum. A group of keen mountain bikers and their families rallied together, forming the South Otago Mountain Bike Club. From there, it was all hands on deck – digging, weed-eating, and shaping trails.

We began with just one track. Then came two. Today, the park boasts eight trails, catering to all levels – from beginner-friendly rides to expert downhill challenges.

While the land area is relatively compact for a mountain bike park, we’ve made the most of it with a network of zig-zagging trails and switchbacks weaving their way down the hillside.

The park is open year-round, free for anyone to ride.

• Main access: Top of Golfers Drive (preferred entry, with signage showing track details and difficulty levels).

• Alternative access: Bottom of the hill, off Kaitangata Highway.