Experience New Zealand By Bike
Self-guided cycle tours that let you roam at your own pace
If you’re an independent adventurer who enjoys the freedom of taking each day as it comes, a self-guided cycle tour could be just the ticket.
These tours combine the essential elements of any Natural High adventure – detailed local knowledge and high performance bike gear – with the flexibility of organising each day exactly as you please.
Stop for a coffee, to admire a view or discover the delights of a rural township. With no time pressures you’re free to fashion the experience you desire.
What’s included:
- Top quality bike hire to suit your journey and body shape, including pannier and storage options. All our bike rentals come with a lock, multi tool, tyre levers, spare tube and repair kit, and are fully serviced before hitting the road. Because it’s compulsory to wear a helmet in New Zealand we can also provide a helmet, but if you prefer a new one you can purchase one at the discounted rate from $50.
- Route maps and itinerary suggestions to make exploring as easy as possible. At Natural High we’re passionate cyclists and have a wealth of knowledge about where to go and what to see. If you need help deciding on a tour or route, please get in touch. We’d love to share our recommendations.
- Accommodation suggestions. We provide you with a list of recommended motels, backpackers, B&B’s and campsites to allow you to book your own roadside lodging.
- Bike transfer. Planning a one way tour? Not a problem. We’ll make sure your bike is waiting at your chosen start point or get it back to our Christchurch depot at the end.
What’s not included:
- Support vehicle and luggage transfer
- Train or bus tickets
- Accommodation
- Meals and food
Find a self-guided cycle tour
Whether you’re looking to explore the diverse landscape of the North Island or the stunning scenery and quiet backcountry roads of the South Island (or both!) we’re sure to have a self-guided tour for you…
The self-guided tour notes and itineraries are a general guide and you may need to consult other resources.
Natural High is not certifying or providing any advice either as to your own level of fitness or physical health to undertake the route or itinerary. You need to make your own enquiries as to the suitability of the route you intend to follow and rely entirely on your own judgement in relation to that.
For some self guided road tours you will be cycling on road with traffic. Please obey NZ road rules and do keep left and visible to motorists at all times. Please be aware some NZ roads / highways can be busy (during peak holiday season periods e.g. December – February) and some areas may be narrow with little shoulder to cycle on.
The remote nature of some self guided tours means you will need to be self-sufficient by carrying food and water as there is often significant distance between towns. You will need basic bike maintenance skills to repair your own punctures. Self guided tours are not recommended for novice / beginner cyclists.
| Tours | Grade | Cost | Options | Map |
| 1,2 or 3 Day Little River Railtrail Tour (LR007) | 1 | From $98 |  | view map |
| 1,2 or 3 Day Little River Railtrail Tour (LR007) | ||||
| 1 | ||||
| From $98 | ||||
| ||||
| view map | ||||
Cycle from Christchurch along the beautiful Little River Railtrail and back to Christchurch (or arrange a shuttle transfer). Choose from 1, 2 or 3 day tour options. | ||||
| 3 Day Self-Guided Banks Peninsula Cycle Tour (SG030) | 4 | $305.00 | | view map |
| 3 Day Self-Guided Banks Peninsula Cycle Tour (SG030) | ||||
| 4 | ||||
| $305.00 | ||||
| ||||
| view map | ||||
Ride the best of the Banks Peninsula with a good mix of both on and off road cycling. Visit historic Akaroa, ride around bays, beaches and rugged coastlines. | ||||
| 3 Day Self Guided Road Cycle Tour Canterbury and Southern Alps (SG002) | 2 | $230.00 | | view map |
| 3 Day Self Guided Road Cycle Tour Canterbury and Southern Alps (SG002) | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| $230.00 | ||||
| ||||
| view map | ||||
An easy three-day introduction to cycle touring for the inexperienced cyclist. From the high alpine passes of Arthur Pass to the fertile Canterbury Plains and the endless sandy East Coast beaches. | ||||
| 5 Day Self Guided Road Cycle Tour Christchurch to Queenstown (SG003) | 4 | $430.00 | | view map |
| 5 Day Self Guided Road Cycle Tour Christchurch to Queenstown (SG003) | ||||
| 4 | ||||
| $430.00 | ||||
| ||||
| view map | ||||
Hop aboard the TranzAlpine for a scenic journey across the Alps, before settling into the saddle and racing the twists and turns of one of the best coastal roads in the world. | ||||
| 6 Day Self Guided Catlins Coast (SG029) | 4 | $650.00 | | view map |
| 6 Day Self Guided Catlins Coast (SG029) | ||||
| 4 | ||||
| $650.00 | ||||
| ||||
| view map | ||||
The Catlins Coast tour will take you from Dunedin to Invercargill via Bluff. The Catlins is wild, stormy and remote, lesser explored regions of New Zealand. You will cycle along the edge of sandy beaches, around charming bays and between rocky peninsulas. | ||||
| 8 Day Self Guided Road Cycle Tour Christchurch to Queenstown (SG005) | 3 | $510.00 | | view map |
| 8 Day Self Guided Road Cycle Tour Christchurch to Queenstown (SG005) | ||||
| 3 | ||||
| $510.00 | ||||
| ||||
| view map | ||||
Skip the slog over Arthur’s Pass and enjoy the scenery of the Alps from the comfort of the TranzAlpine. From Greymouth, take your time riding the spectacular West Coast road before arriving in the adventure capital of Queenstown. | ||||
| 10 Day Self Guided Road Cycle Tour Queenstown to Christchurch (SG007) | 3 | $565.00 | | view map |
| 10 Day Self Guided Road Cycle Tour Queenstown to Christchurch (SG007) | ||||
| 3 | ||||
| $565.00 | ||||
| ||||
| view map | ||||
Cross the Alps twice as you tackle Haast Pass, the Glaciers, the West Coast and Arthur’s Pass. | ||||
| 18 Day Self Guided Road Cycle Tour Christchurch to Christchurch (SG008) | 3 | $825.00 | | view map |
| 18 Day Self Guided Road Cycle Tour Christchurch to Christchurch (SG008) | ||||
| 3 | ||||
| $825.00 | ||||
| ||||
| view map | ||||
From the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the wild landscape of the West Coast, this popular ride provides a unique, first-hand perspective of the diverse and spectacular scenery of New Zealand’s South Island. |
Need some help deciding where to go and what to see?
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