See the best of NZ by bike this spring
Enjoy the brighter, warmer days and reconnect with people, places and passions on a Great Ride this spring.
From grand landscapes and natural wonders, to must-visit cultural and heritage attractions, we've got 23 epic Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand for you to explore by bike.
Collect one every year or keep up the momentum with more – which means more fun, more fitness, and more time with people you love to ride with.
Mostly off-road with adventures to suit everyone, stop, explore and soak up world-class scenery, must-see sights, exciting activities, as well as delicious food and wine at your pace. The Great Rides blend culture and heritage too and cross a number of Tohu Whenua sites.
Complete an entire Great Ride over several days, take a short break or long weekend, enjoy a day’s outing or even a few hours on a section of trail.
To get to your destinations, you can self-drive, experience a Great Journeys train trip, or even jump on the Interislander ferry that travels between the North and South Islands.
Whatever your timeframe, discover the gateways to our Great Rides. See the best of New Zealand by bike, one amazing Great Ride at a time.
Auckland - from city lights to trails
Within a short drive or quick connection from Auckland International Airport are two of the country's 23 world-class Great Rides.
Head north of Auckland and you'll find the Pou Herenga Tai - Twin Coast Cycle Trail Great Ride steeped in Māori and European heritage.
Or drive two hours in the other direction to the Hauraki Rail Trail Great Ride, which boasts historic gold mining gorges, towns and railway lines.
Hamilton - the inland launchpad
Unlock the perfect Great Rides loop from Hamilton, where you're just a short distance away from mist-shrouded native forests, coastal rail trails, and thermal wonderland paths.
Within a few hours' drive you can experience a number of central North Island Great Rides.
Wellington - culture, coastlines and trails
At the bottom of the North Island you’ll find New Zealand’s capital, Wellington.
Hit the trails on the nearby Remutaka Cycle Trail Great Ride. Or take the Interislander ferry to the South Island and tackle the Queen Charlotte Track Great Ride in the stunning Marlborough Sounds.
Epic journeys begin in Christchurch
The South Island's biggest city, Christchurch, is the gateway to the South Island.
Nearby is the world-famous Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail Great Ride, New Zealand’s longest ride.
Across on the wild west coast there's the West Coast Wilderness Trail Great Ride.
Queenstown - the adventure capital
In the adventure capital of Queenstown is the Queenstown Trail Great Ride. It has a network of more than 150km of trails to explore.
But wait there's more - the Central Otago region also boasts several other Great Rides, including New Zealand's original Great Ride, the Otago Central Rail Trail Great Ride.
Useful information
Before you head into the outdoors, we've got some top tips for spring riding, though it's advice you can take heed of whatever the season.
Before you shape your itinerary and lock in your stays, find out what type of rider you are here, and know your limits by checking out our trail grades. For accessible riding, take a look at our adaptive hub.