So, to make planning that first foray easier, we’ve put together a selection of rides to suit different abilities, ages and passions.
All these tours are guided because we think having everything organised will make that first experience a lot less stressful. You won’t have to worry about making a wrong turn, booking accommodation or finding somewhere for lunch, because we do it all for you.
Even better, you can ride with just your daypack (we organise luggage transfer between your overnight stops) and if the pedalling gets a bit much, you can always hop aboard the support vehicle and rest your legs for a spell.
Sounding good? Let’s check out a few tours…
Want to bring the family?
We recommend: The Otago Rail Trail
This journey is perfect for the kids since much of the riding is flat and you don’t have to worry about traffic. Plus you get to explore old goldmining towns, river gorges, tunnels and viaducts! At the end of the trail, you’ll have the added excitement of boarding the famous Taieri Express into Dunedin – considered one of the world’s great train journeys.
For more details, here here >>
The 5 Day Alps to Ocean tour is also fun for families – daily distances average 50km and it’s fairly flat riding (see below for more details).
Not hugely confident of your fitness?
Maybe you’re just easing into cycling. You can handle a few hours in the saddle but you’d prefer to avoid big hills and steep slogs.
We recommend: Otago Rail Trail (see above)
5 Day North Canterbury and Marlborough Cycle Tour
This tour starts in Christchurch and takes you out into the picturesque Canterbury landscape. It’s easy riding through the Waipara Valley to Hanmer where hot pools await. From there you cycle the Molesworth Valley, flanked by mountain ranges, and stay in shearer’s quarters on Molesworth Station. The ride ends in Kaikoura, where you can hop aboard a whale watching tour.
For more details, head here >>
Love the peace and quiet?
We recommend: 7 Day Road Cycle Tour Queenstown to Christchurch
This is rural South Island life at it’s best; quiet roads, stunning scenery and firsthand encounters with the local wildlife. You’ll meander alongside the beautiful lakes of Te Anau and Manapouri, experience the tranquility of remote Stewart Island – keep an eye out for the shy kiwi bird – and ride the rugged coastline of the Catlins.
For more details, head here >>
Looking for a bit of everything – stunning scenery, interesting history, local wildlife and fine wining and dining?
We recommend: 6 Day Alps to Ocean
The longest continuous ride in New Zealand, this tour descends over 2000 ft from the lofty heights of Mount Cook to the coastal town of Oamaru. Along the way you’ll soak in the beauty (and hot pools) of Lake Tekapo, experience Mt Cook and the Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre, get up close with tiny Blue Penguins, discover the Victorian Quarter in Oamaru, pop into the award-winning Pasquale vineyard, the Whitestone Cheese factory and Riverstone Kitchen (a former NZ restaurant of the year) and dine in style at Loan & Merc, a medieval themed restaurant operated by highly regarded New Zealand chef Fleur Reville. Phew…that’s one fun-filled week.
For more details, head here >>
Want to experience both islands?
We recommend: 17 Day Cycle Tour Auckland to Christchurch
Quite possibly the ultimate New Zealand cycling tour. Experience the white sand beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula, the volcanic landscape of the Tongariro National Park, the peace and tranquility of the Marlborough Sounds and the twists and turns of the wild West Coast. You can also do this tour from Christchurch to Auckland.
For more details, head here >>
Got questions about any of these tours? Fire us an email and we’ll gladly help you out.
