New Zealand is a land sculpted by glaciers and volcanoes, begging to be explored on two wheels. Steeped in Maori and colonial history, every rolling hill and every bend in the road whispers tales of the long-ago battles and pioneering spirits. Breathe in the fresh air, feel the earth beneath your tires, and discover a country where adventure unfolds with every pedal stroke.
Landscapes that are out of this world
Endless itinerary options
Knowledgable local guides
Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail:
This epic 312 km/ 193-mile journey traverses the Southern Alps from the snowy peaks of Aoraki / Mount Cook to the crashing waves of Ōkāri/ Okarito on the West Coast. The trail traverses glaciers, native beech forests, golden tussock grasslands, and dramatic river valleys.
Otago Central Rail Trail:
A beginner-friendly 150 km/ 93-mile rail trail that winds through Central Otago’s stunning high country scenery. You’ll follow the path of a historic railway line, passing by abandoned gold mining sites, dramatic tunnels, and turquoise blue lakes.
Hawke’s Bay Trails:
Explore Hawke’s Bay’s vineyards, orchards, and artisan food producers on this network of interlinking trails. Choose from easy to challenging rides, all amidst beautiful scenery and with plenty of opportunities to sample the region’s famous food and wine.
The Adventures team is exceptionally well organized and clearly committed to delivering the best possible experience, even down to the food they provide. Our guide, Tereza, was always available, supportive, and truly outstanding throughout the journey. I had a wonderful time riding through different places with the group and sharing life experiences along the way. One of the biggest takeaways for me was the importance of looking out for one another and always putting safety first. Weather conditions, terrain, and every detail were carefully considered, and the accommodations were, in my view, very well selected. I’m already looking forward to choosing another package in the future, and I hope my guide will be Tereza again.
Having bicycle toured in 9 other countries, the chosen routes are beautiful. The Maori dinner and the extra glow worm cave are an absolute must! The added 1km walks and brief stops all well worth the time. Our guides were delightful and capable. I highly recommend this tour.
An awesome week of biking and eating! Fantastic locations, accommodation, bikes, organisation and guides. We couldn’t have asked for better weather and loved our trip.
I have just returned from my trip with these guidesw. We cycled from Lake Dunstan to the end of the Otago Central Rail Trail. Although we were a small group, we were well looked after by Jude our trusty guide and driver. The bikes were well-maintained and easy to ride. The accommodation and food options were excellent.
Yes, New Zealand is an excellent cycling destination, and here is why:
Here are some of the most famous cycling trails in New Zealand:
New Zealand is made up of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island. Cycling across one island is a less challenging option, and the distance is roughly half of the full length of New Zealand. The North Island is approximately 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles) long, and the South Island is approximately 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) long. Cycling across one island would typically take between 15 and 25 days to complete.
Cycling across both of New Zealand’s islands is very challenging, as the route is approximately 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) long. It would typically take between 30 and 40 days to complete, depending on your fitness level and how many rest days you take.
The best bike choice for your NZ bike tour depends on several factors, including:
For the specific trails or regions you plan to explore, research the terrain and elevation gain of your chosen routes to determine the ideal bike type.
The longest continuous cycle trail in New Zealand is the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, stretching over 312 kilometers (193 miles).
It starts amidst the Southern Alps at Aoraki Mount Cook and winds its way down to the vibrant coastal town of Oamaru on the Pacific Ocean. This trail offers diverse landscapes, from dramatic mountain passes to rolling farmland and coastal vistas, making it a popular choice for cyclists seeking a challenging and rewarding experience.
The Otago Central Rail Trail is 152 kilometers (94 miles) long. The number of days it takes to complete the trail depends on your fitness, pace and how much sightseeing you want to do.
Most people who bike the entire length take 3-5 days. This allows for a comfortable pace with time to enjoy the scenery and stop at the many historic towns and villages along the way.
Experienced cyclists can complete the trail in 2 days, but this leaves less time for sightseeing. If you’re a beginner or you want to enjoy the trail at a leisurely pace, allocate 5-7 days to your Otago Central Rail Trail bike tour.
