Biking & Great Rides
Coastal trails, alpine valleys and off road biking routes that take you deeper into New Zealand’s landscapes.
Discover itinerariesSee more from the saddle
Biking in New Zealand offers a different way to move through the landscape. Trails follow old rail lines, river valleys and coastlines, creating routes that are as much about the journey as the destination. Some rides stretch over multiple days, linking small towns and changing scenery, while others are shorter and more relaxed, with time to stop along the way. You might be biking through open countryside, along lakeside trails or between vineyards with plenty of places to pause. With a mix of guided and self guided options, it’s a flexible way to explore, whether you’re looking for a full biking journey or something to add into a wider trip.
Expert travel consultants
Talk to our local travel specialists
Contact usPopular biking tours
Biking hotspots
Queenstown
West Coast
Hawke’s Bay
Nelson
Bucket list biking routes
Classic Otago Central Rail Trail
Bike the Wineries
West Coast Wilderness Trail
Great Taste Trail
Mountain Bike Rotorua
Plan your ride with locals who know the trails
With so many biking routes across New Zealand, knowing what fits your time, ability and overall trip makes a big difference. We’ve travelled these regions ourselves and understand how different rides feel day to day. That means we can recommend the right option, whether it’s a multi day biking journey, a relaxed winery ride or a mix of both. Everything is planned around how you want to travel, your pace and how much you want to take on, so the experience feels well balanced rather than rushed.
Prefer a custom biking itinerary built around you?
Popular Biking tracks
Central Otago & Alps to Ocean
This region is home to some of New Zealand’s best known biking journeys, with trails following historic rail lines and river valleys through small towns and changing landscapes. You can ride over several days with luggage transferred ahead, including routes like the Alps to Ocean, which begins near Aoraki Mount Cook and leads to the coast.
Best time to visit
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 8 - 18 ℃ / 46 - 64 ℉
Summer
December - February
Avg Temp: 20 - 30 ℃ / 68 - 86 ℉
Autum
March - May
Avg Temp: 10 - 22 ℃ / 50 - 72 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: 0 - 10 ℃ / 32 - 50 ℉
Queenstown & Wānaka
Queenstown and Wānaka offer a mix of scenic biking and more active riding, with trails linking lakes, valleys and nearby vineyards. You can ride at a relaxed pace through the basin, stopping at wineries, or head into the hills for well known mountain bike trails. It’s a flexible region, easy to include whether you’re after something laid back or more active.
Best time to visit
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 8 - 16 ℃ / 46 - 61 ℉
Summer
December - Februrary
Avg Temp: 20 - 28 ℃ / 68 - 82 ℉
Autumn
March - May
Avg Temp: 10 - 22 ℃ / 50 - 72 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: -2 - 8 ℃ / 28 - 46 ℉
West Coast
The West Coast offers a more remote and rugged biking experience, with trails following old rail lines, river valleys and stretches of coastline. Rides feel quieter and less developed, passing through native forest, lakes and long open sections, with multi day journeys linking the region together. It’s a strong option if you’re looking for something more off the beaten track, where the focus is on the landscape and the ride itself.
Best time to visit
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 10 - 17 ℃ / 50 - 63 ℉
Summer
December - February
Avg Temp: 17 - 24 ℃ / 63 - 75 ℉
Autumn
March - May
Avg Temp: 12 - 20 ℃ / 54 - 68 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: 6 - 14 ℃ / 43 - 57 ℉
Nelson
Nelson offers a mix of coastal and inland biking, with trails linking backcountry roads, forest tracks and sections of coastline. Rides can range from a few hours to multi day journeys, with a growing network of purpose built trails adding variety. It’s a flexible option if you’re looking to combine shorter rides with longer routes.
Best time to visit
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 11 - 18 ℃ / 52 - 64 ℉
Summer
December - February
Avg Temp: 20 - 26 ℃ / 68 - 79 ℉
Autumn
March - May
Avg Temp: 13 - 22 ℃ / 55 - 72 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: 6 - 14 ℃ / 43 - 57 ℉
Akaroa
Akaroa offers a scenic coastal biking experience, best explored by e-bike, with routes winding through hills, farmland and bays overlooking the ocean. E-bikes make the climbs easier, especially on routes above the harbour, with rides that are shorter and more relaxed. It’s less about distance and more about enjoying the setting, with time to stop and take in the views.
Best time to visit
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 10 - 18 ℃ / 50 - 64 ℉
Summer
December - February
Avg Temp: 18 - 26 ℃ / 64 - 79 ℉
Autumn
March - May
Avg Temp: 12 - 22 ℃ / 54 - 72 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: 6 - 14 ℃ / 43 - 57 ℉
Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay offers some of the most accessible biking in New Zealand, with flat trails linking vineyards, coastline and small towns. Winery rides are a highlight, combining relaxed cycling with stops for food and wine. It’s a great option if you want to include biking without it being too demanding.
Best time to visit
Spring
September - November
Avg Temp: 11 - 19 ℃ / 52 - 66 ℉
Summer
December - February
Avg Temp: 22 - 28 ℃ / 72 - 82 ℉
Autumn
March - May
Avg Temp: 15 - 24 ℃ / 59 - 75 ℉
Winter
June - August
Avg Temp: 7 - 16 ℃ / 45 - 61 ℉
Biking & Great Rides FAQs
Not necessarily. There are options ranging from relaxed, flat trails to more challenging rides, and e bikes are widely available to make things easier.
Rail trails follow old railway lines and are generally easy to ride, while longer biking journeys connect multiple regions over several days.
On multi day biking trips, luggage can be transferred between stops, allowing you to ride with just a day pack.
Yes, many trips combine biking with activities like wine tasting, walking or time on the water.
Spring through autumn generally offers the best conditions, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours.
Expert travel consultants
Talk to our local travel specialists
Planning New Zealand but not sure where to start?
Download our New Zealand travel guide for practical advice on where to go, how long to spend, and how to plan a trip that feels well paced from the start.