Get off the beaten track
There are 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand. Get off the beaten track on the four Great Rides below. They offer everything from gentle flowing trails to remote backcountry stretches and skyline ridges with stunning scenery to boot.
Hauraki Rail Trail Great Ride
The Hauraki Rail Trail Great Ride is less than two hours' drive from Auckland and easily accessible from Hamilton and Tauranga.
Known as one of the easiest and most accessible Great Rides, the trail features spooky railway tunnels, gold mining sites, waterfalls and historic gold towns.
Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride
In the middle of the North Island is the Mountains to Sea Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride. To get there you can fly into Auckland, Wellington or Hamilton and self-drive to the Ruapehu region.
Graded mostly intermediate, you will discover magical forests, epic views over a volcanic plateau and two national parks.
Remutaka Cycle Trail Great Ride
At the bottom of the North Island is Remutaka Cycle Trail Great Ride. It's just a stone's throw from New Zealand's capital, Wellington, and not far from the airport.
With many entry points along this 122km-long trail that features four sections of varying riding levels, there is something for everyone. From railway tunnels, river swims, and rugged coastlines to historical sites, native bush and peaceful farmland, this trail has it all.
Queen Charlotte Track Great Ride
At the very top of the South Island in the stunning Marlborough Sounds is the Queen Charlotte Track Great Ride. It boasts spectacular views, deep blue bays, beaches, and forest.
As well as flights on regional networks, the Interislander connects the North and South Islands. Jump on in Wellington and hop off in Picton. From there you can water taxi to the start of the Queen Charlotte Track Great Ride, which is graded mostly intermediate.
Coppermine Trail Great Ride
Near the top of the South Island, the sunny Nelson region is home to one of the country's most accessible alpine mountain bike rides - the Coppermine Trail Great Ride.
To get there it's an almost two-hour drive from the South Island town of Picton where the Interislander ferry berths. Or flying directly into Nelson is another option.
Starting amid Nelson’s cafés and pubs, this stunning day ride graded intermediate level takes you into the backcountry, with amazing alpine landscapes, epic views and a super-fun descent.
