21 Dec 2016

Southern Hemisphere's largest mountain bike park opens

7:39 pm on 21 December 2016

The largest mountain bike park in the Southern Hemisphere opened its doors to the public in Christchurch today.

Instructors test out the new tracks at the Christchurch Adventure Park.

Mountainbikers try out the new tracks at the Christchurch Adventure Park. Photo: Facebook / Christchurch Adventure Park

The 360ha Christchurch Adventure Park, which has been both privately and publicly funded, offers 120km of mountain biking routes, zip lines, rock climbing and a high-speed chair lift.

Backers of the $24 million project expect it will generate $150m in economic benefits for the region each year.

The park's programme director, Darron Charity, said it would be a big asset to the city.

"We're already getting calls from people booking their plane flights from all over the world to come down and have a look.

"It's pretty exciting and certainly a market we knew was there, so great to provide a tourism means back into the local economy."

Mr Charity said a gravity-powered rollercoaster was also being planned for the park in 2017.

The view from the top at the Christchurch Adventure Park.

The view from the top of the park Photo: Facebook / Christchurch Adventure Park