New Zealand Cycle Trails

Explore New Zealand by bike for a fun, healthy and happy holiday experience – go for an hour or ride away into the sunset for a few days. Let your wheels take you into the heart of the New Zealand countryside, along disused railway lines, old coach roads, coastal tracks, quiet back country lanes and off-road trails.

Take a break from the saddle to admire some of the best scenery in the country, enjoy local hospitality and take home some very happy memories. (Bikes and equipment are widely available to hire.)

New Zealand's network of cycle trails has been designed for cyclists of all ages and abilities – from the baby in the bike seat to the mountain biking veteran. Everyone can find a trail to suit their preferences.

North Island Cycle Trails

Great Lake Trail

Grade:Intermediate Duration:1-2 days Total Length:71km Location:Central North Island

This lakeside ride follows the shores of beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake and provides stunning views across to the majestic Tongariro National Park. Remember to pack a camera!
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Hauraki Rail Trail

Grade:Easy Duration:2 days Total Length:69km Location:Waikato

Enjoy the area's rich pioneering history as you cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail. Its highlights include the stunning Karangahake Gorge, an historic gold mining town and luxurious mineral spas.
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Hawke's Bay Trails

Grade:Easy to Intermediate Duration:1-4 days Total Length:187km Location:Hawke's Bay

This river and coastal network of pathways provides three distinctive cycling experiences named: the Landscape Ride, the Water Ride and the Wineries Ride. Highlights include the Te Mata Peak, gannet colony, Ahuriri Estuary and numerous award-winning wineries.
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Motu Trails

Grade:Easy to Advanced Duration:1-3 days Total Length:11-91km Location:East Coast

Three great track choices catering for families and experienced mountain bikers which features a beautiful trail that hugs that sand dunes, an historic coach road and a legendary Māori trail, which later became a horse track until it was abandoned. Now in use again!
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Mountains to Sea

Grade:Intermediate to Advanced Duration:4-6 days Total Length:317km Location:Whanganui/Manawatu

Experience a combination of local mountain biking trails, public roads and jet boat ride to traverse the mountains of the Central Volcanic Plateau down to the sea in Whanganui. You will bike through two national parks both rich in natural and cultural heritage.
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Remutaka Cycle Trail

Grade:Easy to Intermediate Duration:2-3 days Total Length:115km Location:Wellington/Wairarapa

Circumnavigate the bush-clad Remutaka Mountain Range by passing through old rail trail tunnels to reach scenic picnic areas and swimming spots along the River Hutt. Follow what once was the railway line between Wellington and the Wairarapa for an adventurous finish.
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Te Ara Ahi Trail

Grade:Intermediate Duration:2 days Total Length:66km Location:Bay of Plenty

Explore the unique thermal landscape of Rotorua (Whakarewarewa, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Wai-O-tapu Thermal Wonderland and Waikite Valley Thermal Springs) with its steaming vents, bubbling mud pools and spectacular geysers by bike.
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The Timber Trail

Grade:Easy to Intermediate Duration:2 days Total Length:87km Location:Central North Island

Follow old tramlines and trails through ancient forests enjoying the views from eight large suspension bridges and the sounds of birdcall. This ride rejuvenates the spirit and is a perfect weekend destination from Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Taupo or Wellington.
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Twin Coast Cycle Trail

Grade:Easy to Intermediate Duration:2 days Total Length:84km Location:Northland

Located in the historic Far North, this on and off-road route follows ancient Māori trails providing stunning views over Hokianga Harbour and Bay of Islands. A unique trail feature are the series of pou erected along the way, hand carved by local iwi, they recall local stories.
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Waikato River Trails

Grade:Easy to Advanced Duration:1-4 days Total Length:100km Location:Waikato

This bike trail follows New Zealand's longest river, the mighty Waikato. Cyclists will experience native and exotic forest, wetlands, historic landmarks, intriguing volcanic rock formations and expansive lake and river views. Highlights include towering dams, suspension bridges and long meandering boardwalks.
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South Island Cycle Trails

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

Grade:Easy to Intermediate Duration:6 days Total Length:310km Location:Canterbury

Suitable for all ages – off and on road trail - this is the longest continuous ride in New Zealand and encompasses a World Heritage Park, glacial fed lakes, lakes, golden tussock lands, limestone cliffs, Māori rock art.
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Around the Mountains

Grade:Easy to Intermediate Duration:2-3 days Total Length:175km Location:Southland

Cyclists can explore and discover some of New Zealand's most secluded and rustic settings, historic townships and pioneering relics, friendly locals offering a warm welcome, mouth-watering fare and interesting stories about the places they call home.
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Clutha Gold Trail

Grade:Easy to Intermediate Duration:2 days Total Length:73km Location:Otago

Suitable for most fitness levels and family groups, this trail links with other Great Otago cycle rides. It follows the Clutha Mata-Au River and traverses the beautiful Beaumont Gorge and includes a fascinating insight into the region's gold mining past.
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Dun Mountain Trail

Grade:Intermediate to Advanced Duration:4-6 hours Total Length:38km Location:Nelson

An exciting one day ride which climbs the flanks of Dun Mountain (1129m) on the country's first railway line. Great views across Nelson and beyond to Tasman Bay and Abel Tasman National Park. The trail includes one of New Zealand's longest mountain bike down hills.
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Otago Central Rail Trail

Grade:Easy Duration:1-5 days Total Length:150km Location:Otago

Steeped in history, the Rail Trail offers a 150 kilometre scenic and historic journey into the Central Otago heartland. This is big sky country where cyclists will traverse ever-changing mountainous, dry and rocky landscapes, high country sheep stations, spectacular river gorges, tunnels, viaducts and more.
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Queen Charlotte Track

Grade:Intermediate to Advanced Duration:2-3 days Total Length:70km Location:Marlborough

The track stretches from legendary Ship Cove Meretoto to Anakiwa, home of Outward Bound New Zealand. Ride through lush coastal forest, around historic bays and along skyline ridges for unsurpassed views of both Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.
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Roxburgh Gorge Trail

Grade:Easy Duration:1 day Total Length:34km Location:Otago

A spectacular one-day ride following the Clutha Mata-au River with bluffs rising almost 350 metres on either side of the river at its most dramatic point. A middle section must be taken by river cruise, but provides opportunity to enjoy this area of historic mining significance.
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St James Cycle Trail

Grade:Easy to Advanced Duration:1-2 days Total Length:64km Location:Canterbury

This trail offers a mix of riding grades through stunning and diverse scenery including soaring mountain peaks, crystal clear rivers, high-country lakes, alpine meadows, sub-alpine beech forest and expansive grassy river flats.
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Tasman's Great Taste Trail

Grade:Easy to Intermediate Duration:1-4 days Total Length:38 - 175km Location:Nelson

Tasman's Great Taste Trail starts from Nelson Airport and offers panoramic coastal views over Tasman Bay, Waimea Estuary and the Western Ranges, including Mt Arthur, Mt Owen and Mt Crusader.
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The Old Ghost Road

Grade:Advanced Duration:2-3 days Total Length:80km Location:West Coast

Ride past mining relics of a bygone era, ascend through picturesque native forest and break out onto alpine tops offering breath-taking views. Descend into open river valleys littered with lakes and tarns and weave through giant rainforest inhabited by abundant wildlife.
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The Queenstown Trail

Grade:Easy to Intermediate Duration:2-3 days Total Length:99km Location:Otago

The trail meanders through breath taking scenery, the Gibbston wine area, the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown and the stunning landscapes of Lake Hayes, Frankton and Queenstown. Riders can discover hidden ruins, amazing architecture and historic bridges.
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West Coast Wilderness Trail

Grade:Easy to intermediate Duration:4 days Total Length:120km Location:West Coast

In the midst of the West Coast of the Southern Alps, along the Great Alpine Fault, lie a series of tracks carved by pioneering gold rush miners. These old tracks, together with extensive water races, logging tramways and historic railway lines form this trail.
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