Bike NZ's original rail trail ride, the Otago Central Rail Trail
Get off the roads and into the countryside to discover the rural beauty
Check off another bucket list trail as you ride the full length of the Lake Dunstan Trail
Spend a day riding the excellent trails in and around Queenstown before finishing the tour in this exciting town
Enjoy exploring a varied array of the South Island's best trails on this unique tour
Get on your bike and discover some wonderful NZ cycling with new friends
Discover an iconic NZ trail as you ride part of the Alps to Ocean trail
Cycle tour NZ and enjoy the experience
Soak up the views from the back of a bike
You'll be well fed and watered on this organised guided tour

South Island by Bike

Duration
8 days
Site savings
$28
From
$2,712 USD
3 Reviews

Explore five of NZ's most scenic and diverse cycle trails whilst visiting some of the country's most treasured locations on an 8 day guided tour. This unique itinerary has been designed to showcase the very best trails the South Island has to offer. New Zealand has a vast network of cycle trails throughout the country offering a range of diverse landscapes; 23 have been awarded the Great Rides status. The operator has selected the finest sections of the best FIVE trails for this epic 8 day tour.

  • Category
    Trail Riding
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    8 days
  • Culture Level
    Familiar
  • Skill Level
    2 - Novice
  • Activity Level
    3 - Active
  • Elevation
    3 - Intermediate
  • Terrain
    Mixed
  • Distance
    256 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    32 miles
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  • Where does the tour start and end?

    The tour starts in central Christchurch at 8am on day 1. Fly into Christchurch International Airport (CHC).

    The tour ends in Queenstown in the late afternoon on the final day.  Fly out of Queenstown International Airport (ZQN).

  • How long is the tour? How many cycling days?

    The tour is 8 days long with all 8 days being cycling days.

  • What's the tour like?

    This cycle tour is graded moderate. You will need a good level of fitness and it is suggested to cycle for 90 minutes three times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. You will need to be able to cycle 50-60km each day and as much as 95km on the longest day. The trail surfaces vary from hard packed to loose gravel (see below) yet all are purpose-built for off-road cycling and are well maintained.

    It is recommended to train on gravel trails and complete a multi-day ride prior to your trip to get used to being in the saddle for long periods of time. The tour is fully supported and if at any stage you feel like having a rest from cycling you will be able to ride in the support vehicle.

    Trail surfaces are comprised of:

    Compacted Gravel - enjoy cycling on traffic free, compacted gravel trail surfaces.  Cyclists need to be confident riding on uneven surfaces and be aware that riding on these surfaces will reduce cycling speeds.

    Sealed Road - Most of these roads are quiet back roads with no shoulder.  Cyclists need to be aware of the road rules and be able to cope with small amounts of traffic.

    Gravel Road - This surface is manageable for most, however, cyclists need to be comfortable riding on rougher gravel surfaces including graded roads and deeper gravel.

    Rough Shingle - Small sections of the Alps to Ocean trail are rough shingle.  This can include rocks and rough terrain.  Some cyclists choose to walk these sections.

Overall Rating:
5.0/5
Karel Wouters
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Very good support, accommodation and trails.


Jozef Geukens
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

I wish to thank you very much for the splendid organization, the kindness of our guides, Rob and Richie who accompanied us with enthusiasm and great knowledge of nature and the history of marvelous New Zealand!!


Alain Linard
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

From the majestic mountains of the Southern Alps to the enchanting Queenstown, you made us experience the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand. Every place we visited and every landscape we crossed, filled us with wonder. You have given us the opportunity to get lost in the beauty of Mother Nature and feel her deep connection with everything around us. Through your careful planning and attention to detail, not to mention technical support, we experienced not only the natural wonders of New Zealand, but also the rich culture and warmth of your people; from the traditional haka to the friendly greetings of the locals. But most of all, you have given us the opportunity to forge friendships that will last a lifetime. Through our adventures together, our shared moments of joy and wonder, we have forged bonds stronger than the miles that separate us. You have given us not just a journey, but a traveling companion for life.