Kathryn Webster cycles the Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand

Generations of New Zealanders have owned bikes since they were riding one to school, upgrading as they’ve grown older to new, flasher models. Many have had bikes in their lives as a constant. For some, including AA Traveller editor Kathryn Webster, the combination of modern bike design and the development of Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails has brought them back to the saddle after years away.

Kathryn Webster © AATP

I’d had my share of accidents as a bike-riding kid, including a spectacular one involving significant dental treatment. But it’s true what they say: you don’t forget. After a break of 20 years or more, I trapped on a helmet, scootered up to speed, swung onto the seat and I was off. Not much wobbling at all.

What also came back in a flash was the sheer joy of biking, of the wind rushing at your face, the feeling of freedom as you fly through the world. No wonder kids love it! No wonder cycling is so popular.

A couple of years ago I was invited to tackle one of the Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand, the West Coast Wilderness Trail. Having established I was a very part-time cyclist, I wasn’t sure I could do it.It’s a long trail – 133km all up – and as I didn’t own a bike, I wasn’t in a position to prepare. But then the tour operator mentioned the possibility of riding an e-bike. That changed everything.

Riding with ease up and down bush trails, along the coast, through stunning landscapes, truly experiencing part of New Zealand I’d previously only seen from the road was very special.

Since then, I’ve ridden the Great Taste Trail, also on e-bike and plan to ride more. And while I now own a bike – not an e-bike, but a modern bike with suspension and gears – I’ll rent an electric option or those long distance adventures. No question. There are so many spectacular trails to be enjoyed in New Zealand now, I don’t want to be put off by the exertion involved. I’m grateful that technology has made them accessible to me.

Remutaka Cycle Trail © Caleb Smith

Most of the Great Rides and many of the Heartland Rides can be ridden by e-bike, either with the support of a tour company or independently.