Plan your Ride

The Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails offer cycling experiences that will appeal to a wide range of interests and abilities. No matter what type of riding ‘spins your wheels’, it is important to take some time to plan your ride BEFORE heading out on your bike!

The Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails have adopted the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council’s Outdoor Safety Code, which can be applied across all types of outdoor activities, sports and recreation:

1. Plan your trip

Seek local knowledge and plan the route you will take and the amount of time you can reasonably expect it to take.

2. Tell someone

Let them know your plans so they can raise the alarm if you haven’t returned by a certain date. The Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails recommend you don’t ride alone.

3. Be aware of the weather

New Zealand’s weather can be highly unpredictable. Always check the forecast before you head off and be prepared for weather changes.

4. Know your limits

Your responsibility is to enjoy and maximise your riding experience, while reducing and minimising the risk.

5. Take sufficient supplies

Make sure you have enough water, food, clothing, equipment and emergency rations for the worst-case scenario.

Dunedin Railway Station © Miles Holden/Tourism NZ

GREAT RIDES

Predominantly off-road trails

Showcases New Zealand’s unique landscape, environment, culture and heritage

HEARTLAND RIDES

On-road riding – mainly quiet back-country roads so there’s a mix of sealed and gravel roads

Highlights rural scenery and farming, ie New Zealand’s heartland

TRAIL GRADES

GRADE 1 (EASIEST) Off-road trail surface is either firm gravel or sealed and is wide enough for two people to cycle side by side for most of the way. On-road trails generally follow quiet roads with little traffic.

GRADE 2 (EASY) Off-road trails are predictable and mostly flat with some gentle climbs. The surface is either firm gravel or sealed. The trail is wide enough for two people to cycle side by side at times. On-road trails generally follow quiet roads.

GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) Off-road trails can be narrow and may include hill climbs, steep drop-offs and small river crossings. The trail surface is mostly firm, but may include muddy or loose sections. There may be obstacles such as rocks to tree roots to avoid.

GRADE 4 (ADVANCED) Off-road trails are narrow with steep climbs and unavoidable obstacles. Poor traction in places. Walking may be required. On-road trails have moderate vehicular traffic and possible gravel sections.

GRADE 5 (EXPERT) Off-road trails are likely to be challenging with long, steep climbs, precipitous descents and dangerous drop-offs as well as rocks, roots, ruts and potentially hazardous river crossings.

The graphs in this guide shown alongside each trail show the approximate split or proportion of each trail grade offered by that trail.

The Queenstown Trail © Ruby W