Included:

• • An experienced, local biking guide and driver with extensive knowledge of the area
  • 8-day New Zealand South Island bike tour
  • Accommodation for 7 nights in comfortable hotels and motels (double occupancy rooms)
  • Almost all meals (7 cafe breakfasts, 7 gourmet picnic or cafe lunches, 5 two-course restaurant dinners)
  • Snacks, drinks (with breakfast), and treats along the way
  • Vehicle support along the trail, including a trailer for luggage
  • Wine tasting at a Central Otago vineyard
  • Scenic Roxburgh Gorge jet boat transfer
  • Department of Conservation fees and rider fees (paid to Trail Trusts for ongoing maintenance and improvements)

Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):

• • Single occupancy room
  • Bike rentals (standard bikes and e-bikes)

Not included:

• • Flights and taxes 
  • Airport transfers
  • Bike hire (including helmet)
  • Beverages (except for breakfast)
  • Bike water bottle
  • Optional activities (Omarama Hot Tubs, activities in Dunedin and Queenstown)
  • Personal expenses
  • Visa, if required
  • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  • Guide gratuities — optional

We ride the best sections of all five of the South Island’s iconic cycle trails. This includes multiple stages of…

• • Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
  • Lake Dunstan Trail
  • Otago Central Rail Trail
  • Roxburgh Gorge Trail
  • Queenstown Trails.

Each ride is carefully chosen to highlight the most scenic and enjoyable parts of every trail, without unnecessary mileage.

This New Zealand South Island bike tour is best suited for riders with a good level of fitness. You’ll be spending several hours on the bike most days, with distances reaching up to 60 km (37 mi), so you should feel comfortable riding for extended periods on consecutive days.

The terrain is generally non-technical, but it’s varied, with a mix of gravel trails and some longer days in the saddle. You don’t need to be a hardcore cyclist, but having some prior experience and being used to regular riding will make the trip much more enjoyable.

In preparation for this adventure, we recommend dedicating 90 minutes to cycling three to five times a week for at least three months leading up to your trip. This practice will help you build the endurance and stamina required for the journey. 

We recommend training on gravel trails and completing a multi-day ride prior to your trip to get used to being in the saddle for long periods of time. The tour is fully supported and if at any stage you feel like having a rest from cycling you will be able to ride in the support vehicle.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more New Zealand bike tours here!

The riding on this trip is mostly on dedicated cycle trails with a mix of surfaces. Expect a combination of hard-packed gravel, compact dirt, and sections of sealed road, with many trails following old railways, river paths, and purpose-built bike tracks.

On routes like Alps 2 Ocean and the Otago Central Rail Trail, the surface is generally smooth and well-graded, making for easy, flowing riding. At times, you’ll also encounter looser gravel and shingle surfaces, especially in more remote or river-adjacent sections.

Trails like Lake Dunstan and Roxburgh Gorge add more variety, with narrower paths, some exposed sections, and stretches of boardwalks and bridges built into the landscape. Overall, the terrain is non-technical but varied enough to keep things interesting day after day.

The tour is fully supported so you won’t have to carry anything. If hiring one of our bikes, it will have a rear saddle bag with enough space to put an extra layer, your camera, wallet, phone etc. We recommend you pack your luggage in a soft sports bag for easy stowing in the trailer/ vehicle. We urge you to keep your luggage to a minimum. If you have extra luggage you do not require for your holiday, we can arrange to store it until the end of the trip.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• • Bike & helmet — bike rental available
  • Comfortable biking clothes
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Sneakers or sport shoes
  • Breathable outside layer or jacket
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Fleece
  • Quality thermal wear
  • Casual clothes and sneakers for when you’re not cycling
  • Sunhat
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Biking gloves
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

Yes — bike rental is available, with several high-quality options to match different riding styles, comfort needs, and experience levels.

Mountain bikes (non-e-bike):

• • Avanti Discovery – Hardtail Mountain Bike — A simple, solid, and comfortable hardtail built for mixed terrain. It features front suspension, fast-rolling tyres, a 1×10 drivetrain, and hydraulic disc brakes for reliable control. A rear rack with a rack bag (included) makes it easy to carry layers, lunch, or a camera. Available in multiple frame sizes (exact sizing subject to availability).
  • Avanti Discovery – Low-Step Hardtail Mountain Bike — The same dependable setup as the standard Avanti Discovery, with a low-step frame for easier mounting and a more accessible feel. It offers a relaxed upright riding position, front suspension, and hydraulic disc brakes—ideal for riders prioritising comfort. Available in multiple frame sizes (subject to availability).

E-bikes:

• • Sinch e-bike – front suspension (mountain bike style) — Designed in Aotearoa New Zealand, these pedal-assist eBikes smooth out hills and longer days thanks to reliable Shimano motor systems. They feature front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and a comfortable upright riding position. Available in sizes L and XL.
  • Sinch e-bikes – step-through options — These models offer the same pedal-assist support and trail-ready setup, with step-through frames and swept-back handlebars for a relaxed touring posture. Available in sizes XS, S, and M, with L and XL step-through options available on request.

If you’re unsure which bike is best for you, we’re happy to help match you with the right setup based on height, experience, and riding style.

Group sizes and pricing

• • For this New Zealand South Island bike tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:2. 
  • It takes a minimum of 8 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 14 participants.
  • Solo travelers can share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee. 

A New Zealand South Island bike tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the New Zealand South Island bike tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

The price for this New Zealand South Island bike tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

The starting point of your New Zealand South Island bike tour is Christchurch. To get there, most people fly into Christchurch International Airport (CHC). You will need to fly into Christchurch the day prior to the tour departure. From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, taxi, or rent a car to reach Christchurch.

You will meet your guide at 8 am in Christchurch on Day 1.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to arrive at least a day prior to Day 1 of the tour as you will meet your guide on the first morning of the tour in central Christchurch. More information will be provided by the guides before the tour starts.

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.