This week we’re rolling out the green carpet to celebrate the best of New Zealand biking. Here are our top picks:
Best Family Trail: Central Otago Rail Trail
Gentle, flat riding through stunning South Island scenery. Experience high country sheep stations, river gorges, tunnels and viaducts.
Grade 1: One of the easiest of the Great Rides.
Two guided options available: 5 Day Otago Rail Trail – Queenstown to Christchurch or 5 Day Otago Rail Trail – Christchurch to Christchurch.
Best Multi-Day Singletrack: The Old Ghost Road
A remote, intrepid adventure featuring magnificent native forest, five ghost towns, open river valleys and stunning lakes and tarns.
Grade 4: Suitable for skilled and experienced backcountry riders only.
Best Food Trail: The Great Taste Trail
Easy-going riding through picture-postcard countryside and along the sparkling Tasman Bay coastline. Along the way, sample the many delights of the region’s craft breweries, wineries, fruit stalls and cafes.
Grade 1-3: Easy to intermediate skill level and fitness required.
Best Off the Beaten Track Trail: The West Coast Wilderness Trail
Delve deep into the spectacular scenery and fascinating history of the wild West Coast, where dense rainforests, glacial rivers and glistening lakes and wetlands await.
Grade 2-3: Easy to intermediate.
Guided option available: 5 Day West Coast Wilderness Trail.
Award for Scenic Diversity: Alps to Ocean Trail
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 drink in the stunning beauty of the Mackenzie Country, bathe in the Lake Tekapo hot pools under one of the best night skies in the world, get up close with majestic Mt Cook and wander the Victorian Quarter in Oamaru.
Grade 2-3: Easy to intermediate.
Guided option available: 6 Day Alps to Ocean Cycle Tour.
All these trails are perfect for self-guided touring and we can help you organise bike hire, accessories such as panniers and pick-up and drop-off options. Drop us a line if you’d like to talk logistics!
Have a great week,
Andrew Hunt
