Remote wilderness
There are 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand. The four Great Rides below are a mix of mild, or truly wild, all with a degrees of remoteness and isolation.
Waikato River Trails Great Ride
Just two to three hours from Auckland Airport is the Waikato River Trails Great Ride, which traverses through the North Island's rural heartland.
Graded mostly intermediate and advanced, it follows a stretch of New Zealand's longest river, the mighty Waikato River, passing through exotic and native forest, wetlands, recreation reserves, hydropower stations and dams and riverside villages.
The Timber Trail Great Ride
In the middle of the North Island is the Timber Trail Great Ride, an 85km heritage ride through massive virgin rainforests, historic timber tramlines and some of the longest suspension bridges in the country. It is graded intermediate.
The closest towns of Taumarunui and Taupō are about three hours' drive from Auckland.
Motu Trails Great Ride
On the eastern side of the North Island, you'll find the Motu Trails Great Ride. Ōpōtoki is a good base, located almost five hours from Auckland or two hours from Rotorua.
This Great Ride consist of three different trails, graded mostly intermediate, that feature everything from spectacular coastlines and panoramic views to fern-filled forests and remote back-country bush.
Old Ghost Road Great Ride
On the west coast of the South Island, the Old Ghost Road Great Ride is a grade 4 single-track adventure known as one of New Zealand's most iconic and rewarding backcountry mountain biking experiences.
As well as flights on regional networks, the Interislander connects the North and South Islands.
Or fly to Christchurch and drive just over four hours to Westport. Alternatively, jump on the TranzAlpine train, one of the world's great train journeys.