By Miles Holden
By 100% Pure New Zealand
By Camilla Rutherford
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.
If you're looking at riding one of New Zealand's 22 Great Rides, the Great Rides App(opens in new window) is free to install and will help you plan your way around the trails - it even works offline!
Download for Apple(opens in new window) / Download for Android(opens in new window)
Click here(opens in new window) to discover New Zealand's Great Rides that make up the NZ Cycle Trail.
Christchurch - Canterbury
Grade 2-3
1-6 Days - 306 Km
Christchurch - Canterbury
Grade 2-3
1-6 Days - 306 Km
Starting at the base of New Zealand's highest peak, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail passes by a number of glacial lakes. Check out this stunning cycling trail.
Hawke's Bay
Grade 1-3
1-4 Days - 200 km
Hawke's Bay
Grade 1-3
1-4 Days - 200 km
The Hawke's Bay Trails stretch over the Heretaunga Plains and weave between the twin cities of Napier and Hastings. Find out more about these cycle trails.
West Coast
Grade 2
1-4 Days - 139 km
West Coast
Grade 2
1-4 Days - 139 km
An enjoyable ride on this fine cycle trail. Cycle through dense rainforest, glacial rivers and lakes, topped off with views of the Southern Alps. See signs of the former gold mining days.
Waikato
Cross Country/Enduro
2 Days - 87 km
Waikato
Cross Country/Enduro
2 Days - 87 km
Travel through ancient forests and suspension bridges on this meandering north island cycle trail. Find out more about the Timber Trail.
Christchurch - Canterbury
Grade 1
1-5 Days - 152 Km
Christchurch - Canterbury
Grade 1
1-5 Days - 152 Km
Named after the original railway line built between 1891 and 1907, the Otago Central Rail Trail is New Zealand’s original ‘Great Ride’ and one of the best cycle trails.
Nelson Tasman
Grade 1-3
1-4 Days - 38 - 175km
Nelson Tasman
Grade 1-3
1-4 Days - 38 - 175km
The Great Taste Trail take in panoramic views of Tasman Bay, Waimea Estuary, and mountains in the Western Ranges. Find out more about this great cycle trail.
Marlborough
Grade 3-4
1-3 Days - 70 km
Marlborough
Grade 3-4
1-3 Days - 70 km
Experience the best of Marlborough Sounds on this intermediate to advanced mountain biking track.Find out more about this adventurous cycle trail.
Whanganui
Cross Country/Enduro
1-6 Days - 297 km
Whanganui
Cross Country/Enduro
1-6 Days - 297 km
An action-packed cycle trail from the Central Volcanic Plateau to the ocean’s edge in Whanganui. Find out more about this great cycling trail.
Waikato
Grade 1-2
4-5 Days - 197 km
Waikato
Grade 1-2
4-5 Days - 197 km
This cycle trail rides through the scenic Waikato passing through historic mining areas and the Karangahake Gorge.
Auckland
Grade 2-5
1-5 Days - 103 KM
Auckland
Grade 2-5
1-5 Days - 103 KM
Follow this cycle trail along the mighty Waikato River as it winds through changing natural landscapes and a series of handsome old hydropower dams. Find out more about Waikato River Trails.
Nelson Tasman
Grade 3-4
1 Day - 43 Km
Nelson Tasman
Grade 3-4
1 Day - 43 Km
When you mix spectacular scenery with a pristine mountain cycle trail you get an unforgettable cycling experience. Find out more about the Dun Mountain Trail.
Taupō
Grade 3
1-2 Days - 71 KM
Taupō
Grade 3
1-2 Days - 71 KM
The stunning Great Lake Trail follows the shores of beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. Find out more about this great cycle trail.
Central Otago
Grade 1 -2
2 Days - 73 Km
Central Otago
Grade 1 -2
2 Days - 73 Km
Experience the charm of the South Island and follow the significant Clutha Mata-Au River on this memorable cycle trail.
Tairawhiti
Grade 2-4
1-3 Days - 91 Km
Tairawhiti
Grade 2-4
1-3 Days - 91 Km
Experience three contrasting journeys. Explore East Cape wilderness, take in the fresh ocean air and get in touch with nature on these excellent cycle trails.
Wellington
Grade 1-3
1-3 Days - 115 Km
Wellington
Grade 1-3
1-3 Days - 115 Km
The Remutaka Cycle Trail is a great way to explore the landscapes and history of the Wellington region.
Central Otago
Grade 2-3
1 Day - 22 KM
Central Otago
Grade 2-3
1 Day - 22 KM
Cycle beside the Clutha Mata-au River on this great cycle trail and pass by mining relics. Enjoy a scenic boat ride down the river and finish at the Roxburgh Dam.
Christchurch - Canterbury
Grade 2-4
1-2 Days - 64 km
Christchurch - Canterbury
Grade 2-4
1-2 Days - 64 km
A varied, exciting cycle trail passing through St James Station, along mountain peaks, beside crystal clear rivers and through sub-alpine forests.
Rotorua
Grade 2-3
1-2 Days - 48 Km
Rotorua
Grade 2-3
1-2 Days - 48 Km
Te Ara Ahi – Thermal by Bike, offers a 66 kilometre cycling trail adventure through a thermal wonderland of steaming vents, bubbling mud pools and spectacular geysers.
West Coast
Grade 4
2-3 Days - 85 km
West Coast
Grade 4
2-3 Days - 85 km
The most remote and challenging of New Zealand’s Great Rides, this is an epic wilderness adventure for fit, intrepid mountain bikers. Find out more about this challenging cycle trail.
Queenstown
Grade 2-4
1-3 Days - 120 km
Queenstown
Grade 2-4
1-3 Days - 120 km
Survey mountainous southern scenery while pedalling between attractions including wineries on this great cycle trail. Then bungy jump bridge and historic Arrowtown.
Queenstown
Grade 1-3
1-5 Days - 190 Km
Queenstown
Grade 1-3
1-5 Days - 190 Km
On the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail explore some of New Zealand’s most secluded and quaintly rustic rural settings.
Northland & Bay of Islands
Grade 1-3
1-2 Days - 84 km
Northland & Bay of Islands
Grade 1-3
1-2 Days - 84 km
Stretching between the Bay of Islands in the east to Hokianga Harbour in the west, the Twin Coast Cycle Trail is rich in history and local hospitality.
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