After pedaling up the hill on the road and Frontal Lobotomy, you'll reach Tihi-o-Tawa. This trail is a 1.5 km singletrack that starts from the highest point in the forest and descends with great flow and fun features to link into the popular Billy T trail. You’ll be greeted by a stunning view of the surrounding ranges, lakes and forest before you plunge into the lush greenery of the native bush. The trail twists and turns through the trees, with some berms, drops, jumps and bridges to keep you on your toes. You’ll also encounter some steep sections that will test your brakes and skills.

The Tihi-o-Tawa trail was opened in late 2011 and was designed to be a grade 3 trail for intermediate riders who like smooth and fast trails without too many roots or rocks. However, it can also be a grade 4 trail in wet conditions, as the native bush soil can get very sticky and slippery. So be prepared for some mud and puddles if you ride this trail after rain.

After pedaling a short ways back uphill, you'll be able to drop into the fantastic descent on the Te Mounga trail. This trail is a 2.3 km singletrack that starts from Huckleberry Hound and descends through native bush and open forestry land to join Moonshine trail.

The Te Mounga trail was built in 2017 and was designed to be a grade 4 trail for advanced riders who like technical and steep trails with some jumps and drops. However, it can also be ridden by intermediate riders who are willing to take the less difficult bypasses or walk some sections if needed.

The upper section of Te Mounga is a natural trail with some off-camber sections and tight corners. You'll ride through an open area with some berms, jumps, and bridges.

The last section is the most versatile and exciting, with a variety of features and options to suit different levels of riders. You’ll find chutes, gap jumps, off-camber sections, steep switchbacks and roots galore. You’ll also get some glimpses of the stunning scenery around you, including the lakes and mountains. The trail ends with a link into Moonshine trail, another classic Rotorua trail that will take you to Reservoir Road.

If you're using a shuttle, you may be able to connect with the bus at the shuttle pickup point. Otherwise, pedal back up Hill Road and descend Black House Down to get back to the trailhead.

Sources: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/bay-of-plenty/places/whakarewarewa-state-forest-park/things-to-do/te-tihi-o-tawa-trail/ https://www.newzealand.com/us/feature/rainbow-mountain-mtb-tracks/