Cycle Tours in New Zealand

Enjoy the ride of your life!

Flying Kiwi offers the perfect cycling experience. With a fleet of well-maintained bikes, many less than two years old, we provide cycling options most days (weather permitting). Choose from a lazy few kilometres ahead of the bus in the morning, to an all-day marathon over alpine passes for those with the legs and desire. Bike hire is optional, with plenty of other activities on our hiking tours for those who prefer not to cycle. Around half of our passengers choose to cycle, as it's a fantastic way to experience New Zealand’s stunning scenery.

How do our cycling tours works:

When you decide on a cycling holiday with Flying Kiwi, you're in for an unforgettable adventure!

Drop-Offs and Pick-ups

We use custom coaches fitted with purpose built bicycle racks and we operate simple drop-off and pick-up routines that enable cyclists of all levels to enjoy the serene countryside. Rides of varying lengths are catered for to ensure that the tour matches all levels of fitness. What's great about our system is that if you feel tired or the weather isn't great you can simply pop your bike back on the rack and jump on the bus. You still get to take in all the best scenery and activities and can get back on the bike as soon as you're ready.

The Bikes

Our bikes are hardtail front suspension mountain bikes. The best part is that at the end of a great days riding you get to hang up your bike and your gear, and sit back and enjoy a great meal with friends, a camp fire and the stunning New Zealand landscape - you can't beat that! 

Equipment

We provide you with a cycle, helmet, repair kit, map and contact details in case you need assistance. Your Tour Leader will be able to describe the terrain so you can make an informed decision. You also can bring your own pedals if you have clip-on bike shoes. 

Cycle Distances

Cycling is a brilliant way to catch the sights and get a feel for this stunning land while enjoying a fun activity in good company. Our pick-up and drop-off system enables you to cycle sections of New Zealand while the bus is moving and we have rides to suit all levels. The ride options are evenly spread with coastal road riding to more trail options that included snaking around bends and riding over hills. Now don't expect a ‘tour de France' type experience, these friendly bikes are purely there to help you get closer to scenery and feel the fresh air instead of being on the bus the whole trip. The distances range from 5km to over 60km, it's absolutely up to you how much or how little you'd like to cycle.

The Terrain

While the majority of our rides are on-road which are great for seeing scenery, we do also offer trail rides which are all about discovery! The trails are usually smooth surfaces but might have some bumps, however we only recommend sections that suit all levels of ability. Both the North and South Islands offer some of the best cycle routes in the world, including some excellent paved back roads, while Rotorua on the North Island and Queenstown on the South Island offer some of New Zealand's best options for the those wanting to get up the mountain in the dirt.

What cycle trails can I do?

Most days on tour there will be a bike trail option for you to opt into - these aren't guided cycling tours, just you and your tour crew pedalling at your own pace. Some of the trails you can expect to do on our New Zealand cycling tours are:

North Island Trails

• Hahei Beach to Hot Water Beach - A scenic 8km road ride along the Coromandel coast, offering expansive views and the chance to experience the unique hot springs at Hot Water Beach.
• Karangahake Gorge - A stunning ride through a historic gorge with old mining tunnels, lush forests, and a beautiful river, providing both adventure and scenic beauty.
• Whakarewarewa Forest Loop - A 33km mountain bike loop in the heart of the Whakarewarewa Forest near Rotorua, known for its towering pine trees and smooth trails, ideal for all skill levels.
• Huka Falls to Spa Park - A scenic ride along the Waikato River with views of the famous Huka Falls, then descending into the tranquil Spa Park.
• Marton Sash & Door - A quirky, historic ride through farmland and scenic countryside, passing remnants of the old Marton Sash & Door factory. A peaceful and immersive ride by the Tongariro National Park.
• Ride through Waitomo - Enjoy a ride on relatively flat terrain and stunning views of the surrounding hills and lush farmland as you cycle through this iconic destination.

South Island Trails

• Lake Tekapo Lakefront - A beautiful, flat ride along the shores of Lake Tekapo with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains—can't beat it.
• Lake Tekapo Regional Park - A relaxed ride through the Regional Park, offering scenic views and a peaceful setting.
• Cowans Hill - A challenging ride that climbs to the top of Cowans Hill, providing stunning panoramic views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding region.
• Alps 2 Ocean - A section of the famous Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail, the 13km section of this iconic ride offers views of the Southern Alps and passes through scenic farmland and river valleys.
• Lake to Lake Te Anau Trail - A ride linking Lake Te Anau to Lake Manapouri, offering cyclists an easy yet picturesque journey through the lakeside terrain.
• Lakefront Upukerora Trail - A short and scenic 5km+ ride along the tranquil Upukerora Trail, perfect for a relaxed exploration of the Te Anau lakeside and surrounding landscapes.
• Lake Wakatipu Trail - A 16km scenic trail that offers beautiful views of the lake and mountains in Queenstown, an area renowned for its dramatic landscapes.
• Queenstown Trail - This 48km trail is a gem for cyclists, offering varied terrain through Queenstown's rolling hills, along rivers, and through the picturesque countryside.
• Hawea River Track - A 12km trail along the river, perfect for a leisurely ride through lush green landscapes, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
• Lake Wanaka to Lake Hawea - A 30km ride that takes you from Lake Wanaka to Lake Hawea, passing through lush forests, open farmland, and scenic lakeside views
• Gladstone Track - A scenic 13km return ride from Lake Hawea Camp, offering tranquil views of the lakes and nearby mountains.
• Fox Glacier Cycle Way - A 12km return ride from the Fox Glacier Holiday Park with views of the dramatic Fox Glacier, surrounded by rugged mountain scenery.
• Trail to Lake Matheson - A short and peaceful 4.3km ride to the iconic Lake Matheson, known for its reflective waters and panoramic views of the Southern Alps.
• Bullock Creek Trail - Another fantastic option to explore the West Coast wilderness. A 15km ride through native forests, farmland, and river valleys, including the dramatic views of Fox Glacier.
• Great Taste Trail - The Great Taste Trail shows the best of the Nelson region, going through rolling vineyards, coastal tracks and serene farmlands.
• Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park - A fantastic destination for mountain bikers, on the edge of Abel Tasman National Park, with a range of trails through native bush and forest.

As you can see, there are so many epic trails to choose from on our tours that we decided to compile a list of our favourites to help determine the Capital of New Zealand Cycling. 

Ready to experience epic cycling tours in New Zealand?

Ready for the ride of a lifetime? Our New Zealand bike tours offer something for everyone, no matter your fitness level. Experience the best of New Zealand's landscapes, from lakeside views to mountain trails, on a fantastic journey. Don’t miss out—book your adventure tour in New Zealand today!