With pristine and panoramic landscapes around every corner, New Zealand’s an awesome place for riders, with top tracks easy accessed from popular cities and towns.
There are 23 Great Rides on the official New Zealand Cycle Trail, with something for everyone from casual cyclists to dedicated mountain bikers. These off-road trails make the most of our natural environment and heritage.
From south to north, here’s a taste of some of these tracks.
Otago Central Rail Trail
The original Great Ride, the Otago Central Rail Trail is a grand journey into Central Otago heartland – big sky country serving up everything from majestic mountains to deep river gorges and sheep stations. There are more than 20 townships along the way to explore, following an old railway route. It takes 3-4 days to bike in full, and can be completed on foot or horseback as well.
Alps 2 Ocean
Allow 4-6 days for this epic ride, starting from the bottom of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook. The trail has 8 different sections – choose to ride all or just some of them – winding past glacial lakes including gorgeous Lake Pukaki, and the limestone formations known as ‘Elephant Rocks. It finishes on the east coast at Friendly Bay in Oamaru, a neat little town with a funky Victorian historic precinct.
Queen Charlotte Track
Popular with both hikers and bikers, the Queen Charlotte Track takes you on an unforgettable trip through the gleaming Marlborough Sounds. Over 2-3 days you’ll pass through lush forest, quiet inlets and along steep ridges with sweeping views across the sounds.
Great Taste Trail
The Great Taste Trail caters well to gourmet lovers, passing award-winning vineyards and excellent local cafes through the Nelson Tasman region. Along the way photographers will be spoiled with panoramic coastal views, as well as rolling hills against deep forest and ancient mountains. Look out too for interesting birdlife.
Mountains to Sea
This trail takes you from Mt Ruapehu’s volcanic plateau all the way to the ocean in Whanganui in 4-6 days. Ride through both Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks, with the bonus of a jet boat ride down the Whanganui River along the way.
The Timber Trail
An hour’s drive from Taupo and Waitomo, this track custom-built for cycling can be ridden in a couple of days. Highlights include forests, rivers, waterfalls and some neat suspension bridges.
Photo by studio tdes
