EXPLORE: Cycling

Happy Trails

The South Island is an absolute mecca for cyclists, with trails to suit all ages and abilities.

Queenstown Trail

An extensive network of peaceful cycle paths, the 130km Queenstown Trail is a fabulous way to explore Queenstown’s renowned landscapes while taking in many of its major sights. Themed trails - linking Queenstown, Arrowtown and the winesoaked Gibbston - offer almost endless options for exploration with guided rides and shuttles easy to arrange.

Around the Mountains Cycle Trail

Set in the remote wilderness of southern New Zealand, the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail offers a truly unique experience for those seeking to venture off the beaten track. The 186km journey can be ridden in either direction, starting at Kingston or Walter Peak, and takes 3-5 days at a relaxed pace on this easy to conquer trail.

Alps 2 Ocean

THE Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail (A2O) is the longest cycle trail in New Zealand. At a total length of 301km, the trail runs from the Southern Alps all the way to the ocean, finishing up in Oamaru. The trail is an easy to intermediate grade, and suitable for everyone from grandparents to grandchildren. To cycle the full trail takes an average of four-six days.

Otago Central Rail Trail

New Zealand’s first off-road cycle trail, the Otago Central Rail Trail opened in 2000, its 152km length following the former route of the Otago Central railway. Along the way riders will discover historic goldmining villages, country pubs, and rugged scenery, and they can try some great off-trail adventures. The trail is open all year round, and is suitable for all ages.

Roxburgh Gorge Trail

THE 34km Roxburgh Gorge Trail provides a spectacular one-day ride between Alexandra and the Roxburgh dam, following the Clutha Mata-au River. The trail opens up areas of historic significance, with old schist huts built into the rock by Chinese miners, and the remains of two small mining settlements set in an imposing and inspiring landscape.

Clutha Gold Trail

THE Clutha Gold Trail offers a unique heritage experience set within diverse and stunning landscapes. Open all year round, the 73km trail takes between two to four days to complete. It is an easygrade trail that is full of variety. Cyclists can begin their journey at any point. The four main centres along the way are Roxburgh, Millers Flat, Beaumont, and Lawrence.

Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail

Some sections now open, and one scheduled to be completed this summer, the Lake Dunstan Cycle and Walking Trail spans 55km between Cromwell and Clyde. It’s an easy ride through the unique and fascinating landscapes of Central Otago, journeying along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River, and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au.

West Coast Wilderness Trail

From Greymouth to Ross, on your trusty bike you’ll wind your way through ancient rainforests, along glacial rivers, around moody lakes and across some downright cracking wetlands. You can do it all at once - across four days - or just nab the odd day-trip. Either way, it’s a fairly spectacular way to journey from the Alps to the sea.

Great Taste Trail

Looping through the Tasman Bay towns of Nelson, Wakefield, Richmond, Motueka, and Kaiteriteri, the Great Taste Trail is a terrific way to tour the attractions of this popular holiday destination. The mix of rural, urban, coastal and riverside scenery is a feast for the eyes, and this trail also serves up a tantalising array of tasty attractions.