Vertigo Bikes owner and bike guru Tim Ceci said the operation meant riders of all abilities and ages could access one of the country's most scenic locations.
Accompanied by professional guides with a range of international experience, small groups of riders were taken into the canyon, steeped in history from the early Maori settlers through to the gold mining era, for two exhilarating downhill rides on a choice of routes.
Mr Ceci said the five professional guides - two of whom accompanied each trip - took care to fit clients with a bike customised to their abilities and riding style, plus offered them tips to improve technique, so they got the best from the experience.
New full-suspension bikes were regularly serviced, and every rider was provided with safety equipment, including helmets, pads and gloves, as part of the package.
"If the smiles and the feedback are anything to go by, everyone has an absolute blast," Mr Ceci said.
"The canyon's an absolutely stunning part of New Zealand and the fact that each rider gets to do two rides means they can suss out the track first time down, then really have some fun on the second ride.
"People really don't have to be experienced mountain bikers.
"As long as they're reasonably confident on a bike, we'll take them out.
"They come back to town raving about the track and our superb guides, smiling from ear to ear."
Mr Ceci and his staff were not strangers to the professional mountain-biking circuit, with Mr Ceci winning several rounds of the National DH series in the Masters category and a member of the 2008 winning Brake Burner men's team.
He is also a three-time national Heli Bike challenge winner.
Guide Paul Angus is a former pro downhill racer and Scottish national downhill champion, most recently winning the 2009 Brake Burner at Coronet Peak at the weekend.
