Von StudioZag
Von Cindy Fleming
Von Otago Central Rail Trail Trust
Von Richard Brimer
Be prepared for an amazing holiday experience when you ride one of the Great Rides along the New Zealand Cycle Trail.
Rich in breathtaking scenery and must-see attractions, Nga Haerenga (‘The Journeys’) are an unforgettable way to explore New Zealand. Mostly off-road and traversing a remarkable range of landscapes, the Great Rides offer adventures for almost every age and ability.
Renting a bike is easy in New Zealand; plenty of rental providers can be found in the main centres that surround each of the Great Rides. Choose to explore a trail for an hour, a day or a week; whichever fits in with your itinerary.
As locals will tell you, there really is something for everyone on the New Zealand Cycle Trail, even for beginners and rusty riders. Passionate tour companies offer advice, guiding, shuttles and luggage transfers while welcoming accommodation, cafes and restaurants provide home comforts along the way.
They are as diverse as they are beautiful, showcasing a satisfying blend of natural wonders, cultural sights, food and wine. Tasman’s Great Taste Trail offers a leisurely tour of cafes, wineries and galleries spread across rolling countryside and along a sparkling coast. At the other end of the scale, the Old Ghost Road is a challenging journey through the remote mountainous wilderness.
Spread throughout New Zealand from the Bay of Islands in the north to Queenstown in the south, the Great Rides are a memorable way to reach sights and attractions. Pedal between Napier’s art deco buildings on the Hawke’s Bay Trails stargaze from an alfresco hot tub on the Alps 2 Ocean and wind through Rotorua’s steamy geothermal wonderlands on Te Ara Ahi. Explore two contrasting national parks on the Mountains to Sea, and freewheel through the golden high country of the Otago Central Rail Trail.
Go to Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails' official website(opens in new window) to find all detailed information about the 23 great rides of New Zealand.
Download the Great Rides App(opens in new window) - the only app designed for the Great Rides of New Zealand – it works offline, has 1500+ pages, and it’s free too.
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Hawke's Bay
Grade 1-3
Hawke's Bay
Grade 1-3
1-4 Tage — 200 km
Easy riding, glorious scenery and sunny days make Hawke’s Bay Trails the perfect way to spend a family friendly holiday. Highlights include art deco Napier, Hawke’s Bay wineries, Te Mata Peak and Cape Kidnappers.
Christchurch - Canterbury
Grade 2-3
Christchurch - Canterbury
Grade 2-3
1-7 Tage — 315 Km
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail serves up remarkable scenery from Aoraki Mt Cook all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Amidst braided rivers, glacier-carved valleys, turquoise hydro-lakes, tussock-covered highlands you can view penguins, taste local wines and soak in hot tubs under the stars.
West Coast
Grade 2 - 3
West Coast
Grade 2 - 3
4-5 Tage — 133 km
Discover the natural beauty of New Zealand's South Island on the West Coast Wilderness Trail, a 4-day cycling journey through ancient rainforests, glacial rivers, and stunning coastline.
Waikato
Grade 2-3
Waikato
Grade 2-3
2 Tage — 85 km
A mountain biking adventure through Pureora Forest Park, the Timber Trail is a ride full of ancient trees, birds, suspension bridges and history stretching back to early Māori times.
Central Otago
Central Otago
Fahre mit dem Fahrrad oder wandere auf dem Otago Bahnweg an einem Stück neuseeländischer Geschichte entlang.
Nelson Tasman
Schwierigkeitsgrad 1 - 3
Nelson Tasman
Schwierigkeitsgrad 1 - 3
1-4 Tage — 38 - 175 km
Der Great Taste Trail bietet dir Panoramablicke auf die Tasman Bay, die Waerea Estuary und die Berge der Western Ranges. Erfahre mehr über diese tolle Fahrradroute.
Marlborough
Grade 3-5
Marlborough
Grade 3-5
1-3 Tage — 73.5 km
The Queen Charlotte Track Great Ride is a classic mountain bike ride, tracing the bays, hills and ridges of multiple Sounds. Enjoy history, views, swimming, and boating along the way.
Whanganui
Grade 3-4
Whanganui
Grade 3-4
1-6 Tage — 231 km
The Mountains to Sea journeys through Tongariro National Park and Whanganui National Park and takes in other regional highlights including Ohakune Old Coach Road, Bridge to Nowhere, and Whanganui River Road.
Waikato
Grade 1-2
Waikato
Grade 1-2
1-5 Tage — 160km
The Hauraki Rail Trail is one of the easiest Great Rides and e-bike friendly. Ride along the trail and you will find Hobbiton Movie Set, hot pools, waterfalls, gold mining history and other attractions.
Waikato
Grade 3-4
Waikato
Grade 3-4
1-4 Tage — 104 KM
The Waikato River Trails pass through fascinating hydropower dams and tranquil lakes. These cycle trails offer a range of off-road cycling adventures from family-friendly to challenging mountain biking.
Nelson Tasman
Grade 3-4
Nelson Tasman
Grade 3-4
1 Day (4-6 Hrs) — 43 Km
Starting from central Nelson - the Coppermine Trail will wow you with its amazing alpine landscape, epic views and flowing, super-fun downhill. This memorable one-day adventure is for fit mountain bikers.
Taupō
Grade 3
Taupō
Grade 3
1-3 Tage — 88 KM
The Great Lake Trails blend singletrack mountain biking with ever-changing views over Lake Taupō and Tongariro National Park. Add bonuses of an optional boat trip and some lakeside relaxation at pretty Kinloch village.
Central Otago
Grade 1 -2
Central Otago
Grade 1 -2
2 Tage — 73 Km
Soak up the Clutha Gold Trail scenery and stories of New Zealand’s biggest river on this easy, multi-day journey. Ride it in full at once or as day rides, as it is great for groups and is supported by excellent cycle tours.
Tairawhiti
Schwierigkeitsgrad 2 - 4
Tairawhiti
Schwierigkeitsgrad 2 - 4
1 - 3 Tage — 91 km
Entlang der Dünen der Pazifikküste und in den anliegenden Bergen erkunden diese Radwege eine ruhige Ecke der Regionen Bay of Plenty und Tairāwhiti Gisborne. Mehr erfahren
Wellington
Grade 1-3
Wellington
Grade 1-3
1-3 Tage — 115 Km
Explore the wild side of Wellington and Wairarapa on the Remutaka Cycle Trail. Take in an array of scenery and attractions including forested hills, rural plains, lakes, seal colony and numerous wineries.
Central Otago
Schwierigkeitsgrad 1 - 2
Central Otago
Schwierigkeitsgrad 1 - 2
1 - 2 Tage — 55 km
Lass dich auf dem Lake Dunstan Trail zwischen Clyde und Cromwell von den türkisfarbenen Wogen des Kawarau und Clutha Rivers leiten. Gehöre zu den ersten Radfahrern (oder Wanderern), die diesen spektakulären Trail erleben.
Central Otago
Grade 2-3
Central Otago
Grade 2-3
1 Tag — 21 KM
Roxbough Groge trail is a one-day ride offers a striking snapshot of Central Otago’s heritage and natural history and provides easy access to the Central Otago Touring Route through to Dunedin and Queenstown.
Christchurch - Canterbury
Grade 2-4
Christchurch - Canterbury
Grade 2-4
1-2 Tage — 60 km
The St James Cycle Trail takes you through stunning mountainous landscapes. The rewards of this remote high-country journey include golden meadows, beech forest, lake and valley – backdropped by snow-capped peaks.
West Coast
Grade 4
West Coast
Grade 4
2-4 Tage — 85 km
The Old Ghost Road is New Zealand’s longest singletrack ride and a must-do for experienced and fit mountain bikers in search of the ultimate backcountry ride.
Queenstown
Grade 2-4
Queenstown
Grade 2-4
1-4 Tage — 138 km
Indulge on the Queenstown Trails that taking in many iconic sights and attractions across Queenstown, Arrowtown and Gibbston Valley - from easy lakeside outings and wine-touring by bike, to cross-country day-long sight-seeing rides.
Queenstown
Schwierigkeitsgrad 1 - 3
Queenstown
Schwierigkeitsgrad 1 - 3
1-5 Tage — 190 km
Auf dem „Around the Mountains“ Fahrrad Trail erkundest du einige der abgelegensten, malerischsten und rustikalen ländlichen Gegenden Neuseelands. Mehr erfahren.
Northland & Bay of Islands
Grade 1-3
Northland & Bay of Islands
Grade 1-3
1-2 Tage — 87 km
Twin Coast Cycle Trail stretches between the Bay of Islands to Hokianga Harbour. It is an easy, e-bike-friendly ride and rich in Māori and European settler history, cafes and accommodation.
Rotorua
Grade 2-3
Rotorua
Grade 2-3
3-5 Hours — 33 km