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So you are in New Zealand and you think, “It will be the perfect place to explore by bike.” You are not the only person with that feeling, which means that NZ is home to a large number of local cycle tour operators who try to show you their glorious region on a bike, spread across two main islands.
There are world-class mountain bike trails attracting expert riders from around the world. But you don’t have to be a Lycra powerhouse to enjoy riding in New Zealand.
The island has an incredible number of paths and tours and there is scope for all skills on its shores. With the growing popularity of e-bikes for new cyclists, there is the possibility to explore for longer and with greater confidence. There are no limits to choosing.
There are a selection of the best tours available, ranging from pumping the MTB to family riding, comfortable and indulgent food and wine forays on two wheels. The best tours in New Zealand range from just a few days to several weeks, so you will surely find something to fit your schedule, get your imagination into it and maximize the pleasure of this wonderful country.
Take a journey into the wild and wild nature of New Zealand.
Our Adventure leads to the Ocean Bike Trail with the most scenic parts of the 300 km Alps. Exploration is welcomed by deep blue lakes, winding rivers, winning vineyards and break-worthy geological classes. From there, you walk down steep gorge, tunnels and bridges to the ever-changing scenery on the Otago Central Rail Trail.
Every day brings a new landscape and challenges — from the most steep street in the world at 35 percent, to quaint gold rush towns set in the midst of rough peaks. And in the meantime, you can enjoy excellent wines and food, share stories and laugh with new and old friends.
The secret to relaxation during an active journey is layering. You need flexible layers mixing and matching to ensure the right amount of isolation, ventilation and weather safety for optimum comfort with minimal weight.
New Zealand E-Bike Tour – 11 days
This awesome 11-day e-Bike guided tour on some of the South Island cycling trails. While your fitness for this unique tour must be reasonable, you will always be supported by the e-bike and can always pause if necessary in the support vehicle.
This fantastic NZ cycle tour, which aims to achieve a broader range of capabilities, really gives you the chance to explore a large part of the South Island through pedal power, even when you’re not super fit. Wild wilderness path on the West Coast, A2O and other Queenstown trails. Take the tour of wineries, Fox Glacier and Wanaka with several other highlights.
The tour runs from Christchurch to Blenheim, but at the end of the tour you can get back to Christchurch with the tour operator. Christchurch International Airport (CHC) travel in / out.
MTB Summit Tasman – 7 days
The south cousin of the previous MTB tour explores the sublime South MTB hotspots on top of the island with this amazing guided mountain biking tour. Before you finish in Christchurch, you will be amazed by the strong scene, the wide range of excellent bike options and all the epic features of this aventurer ‘s playground.
This tour takes you from Nelson to Christchurch on NZ South Island. Nelson Airport (NSN) is a domestic terminal, while Christchurch International Airport (CHC) provides domestic and international flights.
Ocean Classic Alps – 6 days
Discover the famous NZ South Island bike trail, the majestic Ocean Southern Alps trail. This picturesque route winds through the vibrant landscape of the towering Mount Cook peak across valleys and past turquoise lakes to the Pacific on the eastern shore of Oamaru.
Discover the A2O ‘s fully guided tour starting and finishing at central Christchurch — flying in and out of Christchurch Airport (CHC). There are also shorter versions of this day tour and special e-bike tours.
Nelson Tour de Great Taste Trail – 6 days
This guided bike tour takes you along one of NZ ‘s main cycling routes. On the South Island tip, the Great Taste Trail leads to Nelson in the wild west to the Abel Tasman National Park. This beautiful area is explored along the mostly flat, off-road coastal cycling paths with many diversions. Throw yourself into some beautiful local wineries, a day in Abel Tasman park, fantastic cuisine and lodgings, and you will have a six day extraordinary experience.
The guided cycling tours begins and end in Nelson, where an airport is situated on the outskirts of the city (Nelson Airport – NSN) and daily flights from all major cities in NZ. Driving is another choice with a picturesque drive from Christchurch (416 km/258 km) which could be worth a stop on the way or arriving through an Inter-Icelandic ferry from Wellington on North Island to beautiful Picton in the South Island, bringing you over the Cook Strait.
Marlborough Wine Trail – 5 days
Next up is a fun, leisurely tour of the wine area of Marlborough based around Blenheim by e-bike. This 5-day self-guided tour is kilometers low and made all the more fun by the help of an electric bike. You will really enjoy a beautiful landscape, the iconic wine and outstanding 5-star lodging with light legs.
The tour begins and finishes in Marlborough, Blenheim. A 20-minute flight from Wellington International Airport (WLG) and a five-minute drive to Blenheim, Marlborough / Woodbourne Airport (BHE).
You can also fly to Picton and Blenheim’s Koromiko Airport (PCN). Interisland ferries to Picton frequently arrive from the North Island of New Zealand, 20 minutes drive from Blenheim. Busses and trains arrive in Blenheim daily.
Hawke ‘s Gastronomic Bay – 4 Days
Take this four-day, comfortable great ride into the magnificent Hawke ‘s Bay on the east coast of North Island, mixing simple scenic cycling with visits to world-renowned wineries, beautiful hotels and exquise gastronomic delicacies.
The characteristic of this tour is food and drink, a five-course tasting dinner, a three-course host dinner, wine sampling, and a Church Road Winery’s Behindthe Scenes Tour.
Moderate and fast cycling. You will receive all the details required for this self-guided tour, with full support if appropriate, and a regular private car transfer. Add e-bike rental even to the kit if you want to raise your highest comfort levels. Every day rest, relax and relax in boutique and luxurious accommodation.
The tour begins and finishes in Napier, Ahuriri. Hawke ‘s Bay Airport (NPE), the Napier Airport, is just a 10-minute drive away and has daily departures to international airports.
Hawke ‘s Bay Simple Explorer – 5 Days
Still in Hawke ‘s Bay, this lovely and gentle route will introduce you to the wonderful network of clear, off-road tracks that pass through this picturesque area on a more family friendly and package-friendly tip. Mixing coastal views with farming areas, vineyards and estuary settings, you will have a lot to see and do along the way for five days.
You may choose to explore the area’s natural delights, or enjoy winegrowing, chocolate-making, famous pubs, historic Maori sites or nature reserves, depending on your team.
Hawkes Bay / Napier Airport (NPE) is just 10 minutes away from the start and finish points of the tour in Napier.
MTB Trip North Island – 6 days
See this phenomenal ride across the greatest MTB riches of North Island for those who dream of mountain biking. This is a completely guided six-day experience, with a mixture of fields and trips on the best routes. You may need some ‘enthusiastic’ experience, but can also enjoy new challenges in it as the excellent local guides ensure that you are well educated and ready to navigate all the roads that you are being thrown at.
The tour takes you back and forth to Rotorua, the wonderland of the North Island MTB, with the additional benefit of being a thermal hotspot to soak your bones after a day’s cycling. The tour also involves some amazing rafting and heli-biking. Rotorua Airport (ROT) is a regional hub operating national flights.