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.
In the middle of the Central North Island is the Timber Trail Great Ride. The closest towns of Taumarunui and Taupō are about three hours' drive from Auckland.
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.
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 drive down the west coast to get to both Old Ghost Road and West Coast Wilderness Trail.
Other options are to fly to Christchurch and drive three hours to Greymouth for the West Coast Wilderness Trail or just over four hours to Westport to begin the Old Ghost Road. Alternatively jump on the TranzAlpine train, one of the world's great train journeys.
Explore North Island
The central North Island is home to the Timber Trail Great Ride, a heritage ride through massive virgin rainforests, historic timber tramlines and some of the longest suspension bridges in the country. Check out off-trail activities.
On the eastern side of the North Island, the Motu Trails Great Ride consists of three different trails that feature everything from spectacular coastlines and panoramic views to fern-filled forests and remote back-country bush. There's lots to see and do off-trail too.
Explore South Island
On the west coast of the South Island are two very different Great Rides.
One of the country's smoothest and most accessible trails is the West Coast Wilderness Trail Great Ride. It's a spectacular journey from mountains to the sea, through ancient rainforests, along glacial rivers, around moody lakes and across wetlands. Check out what to do off-trail.
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. It traverses an old gold miners' route through majestic native forest, mountain tops, river flats and remote valleys. Enjoy things to do off-trail.