The Apprentice

The Apprentice is an out-and-back mountain bike trail in Waikato, New Zealand, inside Pirongia Forest Park. It is 0.6 miles each way, 1.3 miles there and back. It runs between about 1,080 ft and 1,370 ft above sea level, with roughly 30 ft of climbing one way. It is rated mtb:scale 3: technical riding over blocky ground, drops and tight turns, for skilled riders. Most of the way is dirt. The nearest town is Pirongia, about 3.9 miles west of the start. Peaks within about 3 miles include Tihitoetoe, Mahaukura and Wharauroa. For camping, Pahautea Hut Campsite and Kaniwhaniwha Campsite are within about 6 miles. There are 21 other mapped trails within about 3 miles, so you can combine or extend the outing. Distances, elevations and the trail shape here come from OpenStreetMap and the Copernicus 90 m elevation model. Trail access for bikes, closures and conditions change, so check locally before you ride.