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 Alps2Ocean was such a fantastic journey and Cycle Ventures were just the best hosts you could wish for – the food, the accommodation, the facilities, the local knowledge was all amazing. I loved that everything was taken care of and we just had to concentrate on riding and taking in the wonderful scenery. If you are thinking about riding the Alps2Ocean JUST DO IT and go with Cycle Ventures, you won’t regret it.
Loved every moment of the tour! I did the Marlborough & West Coast cycle ride and it was a blast, not only the riding but the hotels and restaurants that were part of the package were excellent. Our guide, Peter was amazing, always available, helping, and giving more then expected. He gave us lessons on the area, the animals, birds and offered extra biking and walks. Healthy snacks were provided along with tea stops in the morning. The rental bike was very nice but could have used a few more gears. Highly recommended!
My recent Alps to Ocean adventure was so much more than I had expected. The communication beforehand made everything clear, the guides went above and beyond my expectations, the accommodation was fantastic and all the little things (daily briefings, morning teas, helpful assistance for those unfamiliar with an e-bike etc) made the ride so much more enjoyable. I would encourage anyone thinking about riding the Alps to Ocean, or tackling any of the other adventures that Adventure South offer, to make contact with them and to embrace the opportunity.
Adventure South NZ (and Mike, my guide) was a great guide to the southern island. Organized, knowledgeable, kind and fun. Had a great time.
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.
