NEWS AND EVENTS
Tuesday Midweek Crew
If you're not able to join us on a Sunday, but would like to support the work that we're doing, we have a small (but extremely dedicated and awesome) group of volunteers who get stuck in each Tuesday during the digging season.
If you're interested in joining us during the week, drop us an email and we'll add you to our WhatsApp weekday work group.
Tuesday 12 May - meet at DOT HQ 0930 we'll finish off J Line
Dig Day
Sunday 17 May 09:30
This will be the second dig day for 2026 and we are planning to continue with these every other week over the winter digging season, weather permitting. As always there will be details emailed out in advance and cancellations if the weather looks horrible.
Details emailed out for this week as below:
If you've ridden around Taramea in the past week, you will have (hopefully) noticed that the double berm, aka Bruce's Berm, has been filled. This was the result of last week's session. Huge thanks to the volunteers who turned out to help us with that. It was great to welcome some new volunteers, along with a bunch of our regulars for our first dig day of the year.
The plan for the next session, at this stage, is to fill berm 6 - the last of the berms on Taramea that requires topping up with clay and some realignment. We may also look at topping up some other berms while we're in the area. Depending on numbers, we will also try and sort out some of the usual wear and tear issues that occur over the summer riding season.
If you are keen to lend a hand - (we guarantee you will be in good company and receive lots of positive riding karma), please meet at the DOT HQ container at the stock yards on the turn off to Montgomery Spur from Rapaki track for a 9.30am start. This link will take you there. https://maps.app.goo.gl/AmfvyPBbCHDdpHVH9 The container now has a nice new roof and is fenced in to keep the sheep out so it's a lot more obvious.
If you've never joined us for track work before, please make sure that you sign in and have had a look at the Health & Safety induction information attached. If you arrive a little late, just ride/walk around Taramea until you find us. Check in with one of the DOT Crew when you arrive so we can sign you in and point you in the right direction. (we'll be the ones wearing a swanky, orange branded Ground Effect Vest).
Bring a pair of gloves, hat, water, sturdy shoes/boots, a snack to keep you going and warm clothes. We'll provide tools - (but feel free to bring along your favourite tool if you wish), some biscuits and good vibes.
In the event that the weather is rubbish we will cancel so will let you all know via website/facebook/email, if that is the case.
And, as we've got lots of work to do this year, including plans to work on some other parts of the wider network, we will be holding dig days each fortnight. So, if the next date doesn't work for you, there'll be plenty of opportunities to lend a hand. We'll send out information about upcoming dig days in advance.
For those of you who are not able to help us on Sundays but you are keen to help, we have a weekday crew who work on Tuesday mornings. If you're interested in joining us, please let us know and we'll add you to our WhatsApp group.
Cheers and see you Sunday, 17th
HOW CAN I HELP?
VOLUNTEER
We are always looking for volunteers to help with building new tracks and maintaining our existing track network. When the weather is kind and the ground is soft, we will be organising dig days. We will advertise these through our Facebook page and notifying our email list.
If you would like to be added to the email list for dig days please email info@digotautahi.org or subscribe below.
DONATE
You can donate to the trust directly by internet banking to the
Dig Otautahi Trust Account 38-9025-0437867-00
If you would like a receipt for tax purposes please email
details of your donation to us at info@digotautahi.org
Whilst the physical work on the tracks is primarily carried out
by volunteers, funding is needed to purchase tools,
building materials, signage and specialist services e.g. excavators
Our first big project is to raise $10,000 to buy and locate
a container as a base and to safely store equipment
RESPECT
The soils of the Port Hill are particularly fragile and are prone to erosion.
After rain the tracks are more vulnerable to damage and many hours of volunteer work can be undone by reckless riding. Please respect the environment and the work volunteers do by following these simple rules:
Stick to the track, Don't shortcut corners!
Stay off the tracks when wet!
Don't build or alter tracks without consent!
Before riding please check the CCC site for track status
If we all show a little respect the tracks will be better for us all.
WE WORK WITH OUR
FRIENDS & SPONSORS
If you are a business and would like to consider sponsoring the work we do then please get in contact with us. Sponsors logos will be added to track signage, website and dig day newsletters.
OUR STORY
Dig Otautahi Trust (DOT) has been set up by enthusiasts who have been building and maintaining mountain bike tracks on the Port Hills for more than 20 years. We are the same team of people behind the development of the Taramea Loop, Full Monty and Elevator tracks.
DOT is committed to enhancing mountain biking experiences in the Port Hills through improved maintenance of the existing network and the development of new tracks. We’ll do this by;
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working constructively with landowners and land managers,
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getting more mountain bikers actively involved in supporting the trails,
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and raising funds to get things done.
Dig Otautahi Trust is a registered charity #CC61670
ABOUT US
Murray
My dream for Christchurch
Create flowing single track
Port Hills biking bliss
Julie
Peddling in the hills
Crunch of single track beneath
Thank you track pixies
Gray
Think, draw and dig it,
Carving paths through earth and rock,
Tracks for thrill seekers
David
Imported from Wales
To dig is my heritage
To ride is my soul
Chris
Flow line imagined
Tireless hands dig the trail
Dreaming of the ride
Graham
Hanging on the hills
With grubber or spade or bike
What's not to be liked