Cycle Trails (easy–moderate and scenic)

New Zealand's cycle trails offer an unparalleled adventure, winding through stunning landscapes from coastal paths to rugged mountains. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, there's a trail waiting to be explored. We pride ourselves on providing you with all the information needed to experience the best trails Aotearoa has to offer.

Epic New Zealand Cycling

The most epic thing about cycling in New Zealand is the sheer diversity of landscapes you'll encounter. Imagine pedalling past snow-capped mountains, through lush rainforests, alongside turquoise rivers, and along dramatic coastlines – all in a single ride! The trails here are designed to immerse you in the natural beauty of Aotearoa, offering a sensory overload that's hard to beat.

Trails for Everyone

New Zealand boasts a wide variety of cycle trails to suit all abilities and interests:

  • Great Rides: These are well-maintained, mostly off-road trails perfect for families and leisure cyclists.
  • Mountain Bike Parks: Offering thrilling downhill and cross-country trails for experienced riders.
  • Road Cycling Routes: Scenic on-road routes for those who prefer longer distances and paved surfaces.
  • Backcountry Adventures: Remote and challenging trails for experienced adventurers seeking solitude and raw nature.

Must-Do Cycle Trails

Must-Do Cycle Trails

If you only have time for a few trails, consider these absolute must-dos:

  • Otago Central Rail Trail: A gentle, scenic ride through Central Otago's stunning landscapes, ideal for all fitness levels.
  • Queen Charlotte Track: Combine cycling and hiking along this picturesque coastal trail in the Marlborough Sounds.
  • Rotorua Mountain Bike Trails: World-class mountain biking in the heart of geothermal wonderland.

Lake Dunstan Trail — Cromwell ↔ Clyde

A modern classic that feels engineered for excitement: rock-bolted boardwalks clinging to schist cliffs, the Hugo Bridge soaring over the gorge, and a floating coffee boat that makes the whole day feel cheeky. It’s scenic, a little spicy in places (exposure), and 100% rideable for anyone comfortable on gravel.

  • Ride highlights: Cantilevered boardwalks • Cairnmuir “Ladder” switchbacks • Hugo Suspension Bridge • Coffee Afloat.
  • Need-to-know: Grade 2–3; some narrow, exposed sections—confident handling helps.
  • Logistics: Most ride Cromwell → Clyde; book a shuttle back; start early if winds are forecast.

Gear tip: Low gears for short pinches; 2 bottles—refills are limited

Otago Central Rail Trail — Multi-day classic

Big-sky Central Otago at an easy pedal: golden tussock, tiny historic stations, and pub pies that taste better after 50km. The gradient is gentle (ex-rail line), the surface is predictable, and the Poolburn tunnels/viaducts deliver proper wow without technical riding.

  • Ride highlights: Poolburn Gorge tunnels & viaducts • Wedderburn, Oturehua, Ranfurly townships • Maniototo vistas.
  • Need-to-know: Grade 1–2; ideal for first-timers, families, and social groups.
  • Logistics: Clyde ↔ Middlemarch with shuttles and bag transfers; lights for tunnels.
  • Where to stay: Country inns/B&Bs along the line—book dinners with your beds.

 

Alps 2 Ocean — Mackenzie & Waitaki

A full-tilt postcard reel: Aoraki/Mt Cook at your back, hyper-blue lakes, limestone country, and a roll into the Pacific at Oamaru. Surfaces vary but the riding stays friendly; the challenge is distance, not tech.

  • Ride highlights: Mt Cook vistas • Lake Pukaki/Tekapo edges • Omarama Clay Cliffs • Elephant Rocks • Oamaru’s Victorian precinct.
  • Need-to-know: Grade 2–3; wind and sun are the real factors—start early.
  • Logistics: Start at Mt Cook Village (short heli hop across Tasman River) or Tekapo (no heli); shuttles + bag transfers common.
  • Pro tip: Break the lakefront grinds with bakery stops in Tekapo, Twizel, Omarama, Kurow.

 

Great Taste Trail — Nelson/Tasman (wineries/coast)

A gourmet cruise stitched together by coastal boardwalks, orchards, and ferry hops. It’s choose-your-own-adventure: short family spins or lazy day tours linking cellar doors, breweries, and beach swims.

  • Ride highlights: Rabbit Island beaches • Mapua Wharf (ferry, lunch, gelato) • Coastal wetlands • Tasman countryside.
  • Need-to-know: Grade 1–2; mostly flat, very family-friendly.
  • Logistics: Base in Nelson/Mapua/Richmond; ride Richmond → Rabbit Island → Mapua as a perfect half-day.
  • Timing: Mornings are calmer; afternoon sea breezes can bite.

Hawke’s Bay Trails — Flat winery network

All the pleasures of Hawke’s Bay at handlebar height: river paths, estuary birdlife, vineyard lanes, and Art Deco detours. The network is made for unrushed tasting days and stress-free mileage.

  • Ride highlights: Bridge Pa Triangle & Gimblett Gravels wineries • Ahuriri Estuary • Cape Kidnappers viewpoints.
  • Need-to-know: Grade 1–2; mostly sealed/gravel paths; minimal road mixing.
  • Logistics: Base in Napier/Hastings/Havelock North; book tastings on weekends.
  • Safety: Arrange a wine shuttle or ride sober—stash purchases for pickup.

West Coast Wilderness Trail — Greymouth ↔ Ross

Rainforest, lakes, old tramways, and the satisfying rhythm of boardwalks and water races. It feels remote without feeling risky; the scenery changes every hour and the towns deliver excellent pies and coffee.

  • Ride highlights: Lake Kaniere • Historic water races • Swing bridges • Hokitika sunsets.
  • Need-to-know: Grade 2 with a few Grade 3 moments; surfaces vary—be ready for wet.
  • Logistics: 2–4 days; ride either direction; Hokitika is the handiest base.
  • Weather: Pack a real rain shell—showers are part of the charm.

Twin Coast Cycle Trail — Northland

A coast-to-coast story ride: from the Bay of Islands’ bustle to the hush of the Hokianga. Rail trail grades, long boardwalks, and rich Māori history make it more than a workout.

  • Ride highlights: Kawakawa’s Hundertwasser loos • Long Mangungu boardwalk • Hokianga Harbour finish.
  • Need-to-know: Grade 1–2; warm up early—Northland heat is no joke.
  • Logistics: Opua ↔ Horeke with shuttles easy both ways; 1–2 days.
  • Detours: Swim in Paihia/Russell before or after; stop at Māngungu Mission.

Remutaka Rail Trail — Wellington/Wairarapa

A heritage corridor that punches above its weight: gentle climb through bush from the Hutt side, echoey tunnels up top, then a breezy descent into the Wairarapa’s open country.

  • Ride highlights: Summit Tunnel • Viaduct remnants • Beech forest gullies • Cross Creek descent.
  • Need-to-know: Grade 1–2; the Wairarapa side is looser/steeper—mind your speed.
  • Logistics: Popular day ride Hutt → Cross Creek with shuttle return; bring lights.
  • Wind watch: Northerlies funnel across the pass—keep your weight low on exposed bits.

Te Awa River Ride — Waikato

Smooth, scenic, and social: a river-hugging path through parks, farmland, and towns with cafés right where your legs want them. Ideal for mixed-ability groups and families.

  • Ride highlights: Hamilton Gardens • Velodrome buzz in Cambridge • Bridges and boardwalks along the Waikato.
  • Need-to-know: Grade 1–2; mostly sealed, easy navigation.
  • Logistics: Best day section Hamilton Gardens ↔ Cambridge (out-and-back or shuttle).
  • Pacing: Pack a picnic—there are loads of grassy river stops.

Hauraki Rail Trail — Coromandel/Thames Plains

A laid-back country spin with a blockbuster centrepiece: the Karangahake Gorge tunnel and gold-mining relics. The rest is pure cruising across dairy flats and small towns.

  • Ride highlights: 1-km rail tunnel • Windows Walk • Paeroa’s antiques and L&P kitsch.
  • Need-to-know: Grade 1–2; one of NZ’s flattest Great Rides.
  • Logistics: Base in Paeroa for loops or link Thames–Paeroa–Waihi over 1–2 days; lights for the tunnel.
  • Timing: Weekdays = quieter gorge, easier photos.

Queen Charlotte Track (bike sections) — Marlborough Sounds

Ridge-and-bay magic with lodge comforts and boat support. When MTB access windows line up, it’s one of the best lodge-to-lodge experiences in NZ—bags by boat, you by singletrack.

  • Ride highlights: Kenepuru & Queen Charlotte Sound views • Wharf finishes with cold drinks • Native bush singletrack.
  • Need-to-know: Predominantly Grade 3; roots, exposure, short steep pinches; seasonal MTB access on some sections (check dates).
  • Logistics: Water taxis for drop-offs/pickups and bag transfers; book Furneaux/Punga/Portage ahead.
  • Starter section: Anakiwa ↔ Mistletoe Bay is friendlier if you’re new to singletrack.

Extra Info

  • Rentals, e-bikes & shuttles 

    • E-bikes: Welcome on most of these; perfect for headwinds and longer days—confirm trail rules.
    • Hire easy: Every trail has local rental fleets (step-throughs, MTBs, e-bikes, kids’ gear).
    • Shuttles/bag drops: Common on one-way rides—book with your bikes.

    What to pack (day riders)

    • Water (1–2 L), snacks, sunscreen, sunnies, lip balm.
    • Wind/rain layer; small first-aid/blister kit.
    • Lights for tunnel trails (Otago, Remutaka, Hauraki).
    • Tube/plug kit, pump/CO₂, multi-tool, quick link.
    • Phone with offline maps; bell; ID/cash card.

    Trail etiquette & safety

    • Keep left; call your passes; slow for walkers and narrow boardwalks.
    • Respect private land; close gates; don’t skid corners.
    • Start early for calmer winds and cooler temps.
    • If wine tasting, sort a pickup or ride dry.
    .

Prepare for the Ride

Before hitting the cycle trails in New Zealand, keep these top three things in mind:

  1. Gear Up: Ensure you have a well-maintained bike, helmet, appropriate clothing, and essential repair tools.
  2. Check the Weather: New Zealand weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for all conditions.
  3. Plan Your Route: Research your chosen trail, assess your fitness level, and inform someone of your plans.