Included:

• • 2 experienced, local cycling guides with extensive knowledge of the area
  • 6-day New Zealand cycling holiday (5 days of riding)
  • Accommodation for 5 nights in hotels and motels (double occupancy rooms)
  • Most meals (5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners)
  • Snacks, fruit, and water while cycling
  • Comfortable support vehicle throughout
  • Speciality bike trailer to carry bikes and luggage
  • Department of Conservation and National Park fees
  • Pick-up and drop-off from/to Taupō central location
  • Experiences as in the itinerary:
    • Entry to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
    • Entry to Wairakei Thermal Hotpools
    • Boat excursion on Lake Rotoiti on the unique Airstream Project
    • Locally hosted traditional Maori dinner

Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):

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

Not included:

• • Flights and taxes
  • Airport transfers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • All beverages (other than breakfast and water while cycling)
  • Road/gravel bike (rentals available, helmet included)
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  • Guide gratuities — optional

For this New Zealand cycling holiday, you’ll need a good level of fitness and feel comfortable spending several hours on the bike each day. We recommend riding 2–3 hours, three times a week in the months leading up to the trip to prepare.

You can expect to cycle up to 68 km (42 mi) per day, with up to 1,218 m (3,996 ft) of elevation gain on the longest day. Standard daily distances are typically shorter, around 50–60 km (31–37 mi).

Most riding is on quiet backroads, but you should be confident cycling with low to moderate traffic. E-bikes are a great option if used properly, especially for managing climbs and conserving battery. The trip is fully supported, so if you need a break at any point, you can hop into the support vehicle.

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

The tour is fully supported so you won’t have to carry anything. If hiring one of our bikes, it will have a pannier bag. 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.

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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).

Gravel bikes (non-e-bike):

• • The Avanti Gran-Durance 3 is a drop bar gravel bike built for smooth riding on both sealed roads and light gravel. It offers a comfortable yet efficient position for long days in the saddle, with stable handling and reliable performance across varied terrain. It’s a great fit for this trip, where the riding mixes quiet backroads with occasional gravel sections.

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 cycling holiday, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 7:1.
  • It takes a minimum of 4 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 cycling holiday 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 cycling holiday 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 cycling holiday 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 cycling holiday is Taupō, a town near the center of North Island. To get there, most people fly into Auckland Airport (AKL). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Taupō.

You will meet your guide on Day 1 in Taupō.

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 day of the tour in central Taupō. At the end of the tour, please avoid booking any flights departing from Taupo on the final day before 6 pm.

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.