Info/Rider Rules

Limited to 500 riders.

Waiau Trail Ride is an exciting weekend for competent riders of off-road motorcycles and ATVs (no passengers). No Side by Sides.

Rider Briefing

• Limited to 500 riders per day.
• Waiau Trail Ride is for competent riders of off road motorcycles, ATV’s (no passengers). No Side x Sides.
• Children under 15 years MUST BE ACCOMPANIED by a guardian throughout the ride.
• Please make sure fuel tanks are full before every loop. Provide own fuel – no refueling stops.
• The tracks have numerous hazards there are rivers, tree stumps, possible farm stock, rocks or obstacles hidden in grass, under runners, old fences, wire, posts and most importantly other riders.
• Courses are challenging and set over steep, scenic farmland (enduro’s included) and are very demanding on rider and machine.
• An approved safety helmet and spark arrestors are compulsory. Spark Arrestors are ESSENTIAL on our ride. No spark arrestor – no ride!
• Recommended gear – Appropriate Boots – (Gumboots or gym shoes are not acceptable footwear) Gloves, Water Bottle, Clothing appropriate for all weather conditions, Fire Extinguisher (Encouraged but not compulsory). We also strongly recommend protective safety clothing such as body armor, neck brace, goggles, knee pads, kidney belt, long sleeved tops, and long, strong trousers.
• The venues will be well signposted from the Waiau township.
• Bikes must be mechanically safe and sound, knobbly tyres essential.
• Bikes must be clean to protect our environment and the spread of disease, especially clear of all seed material and any river matter.
• Course marshals/sweeps will be wearing orange hi-vis vests and will be carrying radios and first aid kits.
• On the Sunday course there will be 2 road crossings where you will be required to give way to traffic. Traffic management will be in place with a stop-go sign. Please slow down and follow the instructions from the traffic management team, as they are there to ensure everyone’s safety.”
• Provide own fuel – no refuelling stops.
• Loop tracks up to 35km long.
• Registration opens each morning at 8am
• Track opens 9.00am. Closes at 3pm.

Rider Rules

1. ALL RIDERS MUST READ AND UNDERSTAND EVENT RULES AND BRIEFING, then sign the event ‘Disclaimer of Liability’ statement before riding.

2. RIDE TO YOUR ABILITY on the trail. You must always be able to stop with half the distance you see in front of you.

3. STAY ON THE MARKED TRACK unless your safety is at risk. If you are lost, stop your bike, take off your helmet, listen for other riders and return to the track slowly. Most accidents occur from riders being off track. The track is ONE WAY never ride back through the riders.

4. OBEY ALL SIGNS. The track is marked clearly with signage, fluro orange arrows, paint and electrical tape. Orange paint indicates the main track, Blue paint indicates enduro’s. Please leave all temporary fences up and do not drive over them.

5. FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS of event officials, traffic management and sweeps/marshals at all times.

6. ENDUROS. Enduros are for experienced riders. Please know your limits!
   Enduros are marked with blue arrows and paint. Enduros are graded from 0–10, with 10 being extreme. Please ride within your limits—these grades have been set by experienced riders.

7. IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY – Stop other bikes for help. **The next rider on the scene must stop and assist the injured rider/ The second rider on the accident scene needs to get help.** Make sure that oncoming riders cannot hit the injured person or yourself (Park your machine in a position it can be easily seen as a warning to other riders). Ring/Radio the base phone numbers if there is phone coverage. Flag down a sweep/marshal, or ride to get mobile phone coverage, or follow the track to base to get medical help. If you have mobile reception and you know your location, phone the course supervisor Hamish 022 040 9708. NEVER ride back through the riders. In the event of an emergency ring 111.

8. IF YOU BREAK DOWN, push your bike off the trail to a safe position, but stay near the trail where you can be seen. Wait for a sweep, or send another rider for help. A recovery vehicle will be despatched when possible. Once back at base, report to sign on to confirm that you & your bike are back. NEVER ride or push your machine backwards against the direction of the arrows.

9. BE DRUG and alcohol free.

10. WEAR CORRECT SAFETY GEAR when riding including helmet, boots that cover the ankle (no gumboots). Long sleeved top, strong long trousers, gloves, goggles, knee pads, kidney belt and body armor are strongly recommended. The committee reserves the right to remove any rider for any reason if deemed unsafe.

11. FIRE RISK FOR 2026. Compulsory spark arrestor fitted to bike. Strictly no smoking. Do not lie bikes down on the grass. Put out all fires. If you see a fire, ring course supervisor, alert a sweep and ring 111.

12. UNDER 15’s RIDE WITH AN ADULT. Adults should always ensure that junior riders stay in front, maintaining visibility at all times. This will keep your child and other riders safe on the trail. Stay with children throughout the day.

13. PASSING ANOTHER RIDER. It is YOUR responsibility to pass safely. Be mindful of children and beginner riders.

14. 10KMPH SPEED LIMIT IN CARPARK – If you speed in the carpark, we will ask you to go home. All safety gear to be worn while riding in car park (See #10).

15. TREAT ALL ROADS AS OPEN. Road rules apply, give way to all road traffic at road crossings. Follow traffic managements instructions.

16. NOTE TRACK OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES. Opens 9.00am. Closes at 3pm. Riders are not permitted to be on the trails outside of these times. Lead sweeps in orange will lead the first loop of the day – do not attempt to pass. The gate will close at 3pm for the final loop.