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Cycling Tours & Bike Trips in New Zealand

Renowned for its incredible natural beauty, the Land of the Long White Cloud offers many cycling trips just waiting to be explored. Whether you're setting off on a mountain bike adventure from Queenstown , riding the scenic Otago Rail Trail or meandering through the fjords and lakes of the South Island, so few words can describe the landscapes that pass you by on a New Zealand cycling trip.

31 New Zealand bicycle tours with 302 reviews

Alps to Ocean Classic

The guides where very enthusiastic and informative. No rush, good accomodations

• Christmas & New Year

Cycle New Zealand: Otago Rail Trail

West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail

Exelent tour! Excelent guides!

• Sightseeing

New Zealand E-Bike Adventure

Great guides, great tour;)

• Wine tasting

Tour de Hawkes Bay Estates - Self guided

• Hiking & Trekking

New Zealand Biking Adventure

It was an awesome trip. We had wonderful guides. The itineraries represented all the top places in the South Island.

Lake Dunstan and Otago Central Rail Trail

Fantastic cycling holiday - blessed with great cycling weather. The tour guides were wonderful and very understanding of my communication needs as a hearing-impaired person. Thank you!

Otago Rail Trail Classic

Southern Coast Cycle

Southern Lakes Cycle

Chris, our one guide was exceptional. The tour group was very good. Weather was good. What more could you ask for?

Great West Coast Cycle

Marlborough and West Coast Cycle

Ultimate North Island Adventure

This was a great tour! The guides (Lauren and Jonathan) were very accommodating with the different fitness levels of the guests and weather conditions. I loved that the guides cooked some of the meals which allowed us the freedom to relax and share wine and experiences. The hikes were excellent and liked the other activities. Sandboarding, cave tubing and mountain biking were a must do. This tour hit all the great places on the North Island. Highly recommend!

• Kayak & Canoe

Milford and Fiordland Hike Bike and Kayak

amazing week of physical challenges and magnificent natural beauty

• Bike and Barge

Great Taste Trail & Beyond, Bike, Hike & Sail

This was an excellent and well organised tour. We really enjoyed the balance of cycling and hiking and also the less strenuous activities. This was a great way to explore the north coast of the South Island. Our guide, Rob, was excellent. He was enthusiastic at the same time as being relaxed, and we loved learning all about New Zealand from him. Many thanks Rob and Adventure South

New Zealand Bike Tour Reviews

Regions in new zealand.

• New Zealand South Island (23)
• Southern Alps (9)
• New Zealand North Island (7)
• New Zealand West Coast (7)

Travel Styles

• 10 Best Cycling Tour Companies 2024/2025
• 10 Amazing Private Bicycle Tours 2024/2025
• 10 Best Cycling Tours 2024/2025
• New Zealand Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 2 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 3 Week New Zealand Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

International Versions

• Deutsch: Neuseeland Fahrradreise
• Français: Nouvelle-Zélande : Circuits vélo 2024/2025
• Español: Bicicleta Circuitos en Nueva Zelanda
• Nederlands: Fiets Rondreizen in Nieuw-Zeeland

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New Zealand South Island Multi-Adventure Tour

Couples, Friends & Solos

Small Group Adventures for:

Couples, Friends & Solos Adults 18+ Women's Adventures Women 18+ Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond Best for ages 20+ (min. age 18) Families with Older Teens & 20s Best for ages 17-23 (min. age 14) Families with Teens & Kids Best for ages 9-17 (min. age 4)

From $5,899 - $6,649 /person

Activity Levels 1-3

We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.

Casual Hotels*

Premiere Hotels - From lavish luxury to on-trend boutique, offering experiences as unique as the regions we explore.

Casual Plus Hotels - A step above Casual but not quite Premiere.

Casual Hotels - Known for their character, charm and proximity to outdoor adventures and Backroads activities.

Small Luxury Ships - Unpack once and cover more distance on an intimate ship with spacious staterooms and superb amenities.

2024 : Nov-Dec 2025 : Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec 2026 : Jan, Mar

Mountains & Rugged Coast from Christchurch to Queenstown

Scenery doesn't get any more incredible than in New Zealand. On a bike and on foot, you're in the middle of it all. Ever-changing natural beauty through your sunglasses. Ocean mist in your face. Island-fresh air in your lungs to complement that bit of sweat on your brow. The sheep have it made here. This week, they aren't the only ones.

• Marvel at verdant rain forests, wild rivers, crashing waves and rugged coastline on the beautiful Tasman Sea
• Raft the mystical Kawarau River, cross an iconic swing bridge and trek beneath the Rob Roy hanging glacier
• Bike and hike through dramatic varied scenery and mountain ranges, finishing in a Pinot grape-growing wine region
• Discover the many charms and secrets of Arrowtown, rich in gold mining history, and Hokitika, renowned for its jade

New Zealand

Start Christchurch

End Queenstown

Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

We recommend flying into Christchurch (CHC) and out of Queenstown (ZQN).

Please note that trip start and end locations are subject to change and can vary by departure. A Travel Planner, comnplete with trip details specific to your chosen date, will be sent to you at time of booking or soon after and will be viewable in your Backroads account.

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Gear up for awe-inspiring activities in one of the world's greatest outdoor playgrounds • Travel to Arthur's Pass, soaking up views of the diverse landscapes • Lush native flora lines our trail in this famed hiking area • Hike to the epic peaks of Bealey Spur and look out over the milky-blue Waimakariri River • Settle in at our charming wilderness lodge.

A welcoming mountain retreat and high-country sheep station surrounded by a beech forest and frosted peaks.

Take in glaciers, rain forests and the dramatic Tasman Sea • Bike along tranquil roads to historic Hokitika, famous for its crafts and jade carvings • Dine on fresh local cuisine at our peaceful forest retreat.

A serene hotel that provides for every comfort—even offering a pillow menu. (spa)

Venture through old-growth forests to Westland National Park, with the receding face of the Franz Josef Glacier, one of New Zealand's natural wonders, off in the distance • Cycle to the quaint coastal village of Okarito, once a gold-mining boom town • Opt for a scenic helicopter ride over the glacial terrain • Sip a post-hike cocktail by the river at our cozy rain forest hideaway • Kayak the crystal-clear waters of Lake Moeraki or go exploring with a lodge naturalist.

This riverside lodge offers cozy guest rooms and excellent cuisine in a remote rain forest setting.

Bike along a pristine rugged coastline to the sleepy fishing village of Jackson Bay • Discover the waterfall-laced Haast World Heritage area, home to some of New Zealand's highest mountains, longest glaciers and wildest rivers unmatched anywhere in the world, according to UNESCO • In Mount Aspiring National Park, hike to a spectacular viewpoint below the iconic Rob Roy hanging glacier.

On the shore of Lake Wanaka with views of the magnificent Southern Alps. (spa)

World-class bike routes and foot trails in the mountain playground surrounding Lake Wanaka are yours to explore • Opt for an excursion to scenic Milford Sound • Admire the spectacularly varied scenery and savor lunch in Pinot Noir country • Stay in picturesque Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital • Raft down the Kawarau River with expert guides who provide a unique perspective on the flora and fauna along the way • Experience the historic charm of Arrowtown, a quaint gold mining town nestled in the mountains • Extend your stay in picturesque Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital.

Set on a sprawling estate, this luxurious retreat offers style, tranquility and mountain views. (pool, spa)

Our trips range in activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between. Several routes are offered each day so you can choose your perfect amount of activity. Learn more

*Includes shuttle

• Activity Level

What's Included

• All breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
• Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
• Snacks and beverages between meals
• Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
• Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
• Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
• Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
• All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
• Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
• On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
• Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
• Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
• Park and other entry fees
• Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
• Select coach transfers
• Baggage transfers and porterage

Not Included: Leader gratuities, transportation to and from your Backroads trip start & end locations, and on-your-own meals & activities.

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

In order to access the most scenic routes and significant points of interest on this trip, strategic shuttles are incorporated into several days of our itinerary. Most will be limited to an hour or so at a time, but on some days you can expect to spend a bit more time in the shuttle—though always to reach a worthwhile destination!

Due to a significant rise in tourism in New Zealand, the South Island has seen an increase in car traffic along its western coast.  While our shuttles are often along these busier roads, we ride on scenic bike routes off the main highway to ensure your safety while still delivering as much of New Zealand's grandeur and stunning scenery. Keep in mind that even on quieter roads, vehicles may move at faster speeds than you might expect.

While our hotels are some of the finest in New Zealand, the relaxed Kiwi approach to service is reflected in the hotels on this trip—they are down-to-earth, without a lot of bells and whistles, and may not offer the level of customer service that you might be used to.

Want to learn more about this trip?

Request a Detailed Itinerary! Complete with descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights and more, it’s the perfect tool to help you choose. You can easily share it with friends too!

Adventure-Ready Hotels

Ideally located with ready access to trip activities, our Casual hotels are also known for their character and charm.

Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.

Casual Hotel

* Premiere Hotel

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Choose Your Perfect Bike

Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Included in your trip price

• Ideal for avid cyclists
• Responsive, efficient and comfortable
• Drop handlebars only

Performance Road Bike Sizing & Geometry

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• Suited for a wide range of cyclists
• Comfortable ergonomic seat
• Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
• Upright handlebars only

Backroads Touring Bike Sizing & Geometry

• One of the lightest e-bikes available
• Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
• Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting

Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

Backroads Electric-Assist Bike Sizing & Geometry

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Dates & Prices

Select Guests & Rooms

If you require more than 4 rooms or more than 2 beds per room please contact us.

If you require more than 4 rooms or more than 2 beds per room please contact us .

Your guest & room selections

You may only reserve one Stateroom Category at this time. Please call 800-462-2848 if you would like to make other arrangements.

Available Stateroom Categories

Each room must contain at least 1 guest.

Reservations must contain at least 1 adult (18+)

Please select your single room preference(s).

Enter the first & last name of your preferred roommate.

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Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.

1 room, 1 bed

Looks like you’re traveling with a smaller group

Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.

Still want to go private? Contact us

Please Select a Group Size

Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.

Book with Confidence

Backroads provides flexible booking policies so that you can plan your vacation with complete peace of mind.

Select from our scheduled departure dates

Trip details may vary based on departure date.

• 11/9-17 2024
• 11/23-12/1 2024
• 12/7-15 2024
• 12/21-29 2024
• 12/26-1/3 2024
• 11/9-17 2025
• 11/22-30 2025
• 11/27-12/5 2025
• 12/6-14 2025
• 12/21-29 2025
• 12/26-1/3 2025
• 1/2-10 2026
• 1/16-24 2026
• 1/30-2/7 2026
• 3/13-21 2026

Tell Us About Your Trip

Request a Sample Itinerary

Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on pre- and post-trip travel arrangements, regional highlights and more. It's the perfect tool to help you choose!

Not sure of your travel date? Select any departure to view a sample itinerary. We'll also email it to you so you can access it at your leisure.

We're always seeking opportunities to enhance our itineraries; published trip details including routes and activities, as well as trips start and end locations, are subject to change and can vary by departure. Please do not use this itinerary to schedule your flights or any other travel. A Travel Planner, complete with the trip details specific to your chosen date, will be sent to you at the time of booking or soon after.

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Activities Cycling

Cycling tours new zealand, new zealand cycle trail.

Cycling on tour with Flying Kiwi A guide to cycling with Flying Kiwi

Cycle tours in New Zealand

Combine nz's best bike rides with optional hikes & adventure activities, new zealand is an ideal biking holiday destination with spectacular scenery, a low crime rate, friendly locals and minimal traffic (though roads are busier in the peak summer months of december and january). with flying kiwi you can enjoy optional cycle rides with our bikes or even bring your own..

Bike hire is completely optional, with plenty of walks and other activities for those not choosing to cycle. Usually around half the passengers hire cycles, as it is a great way to see more and get closer to the scenery.  

This trip is designed as a multi-activity tour holiday.  Cycle options vary each day with rides into camp, along the route and some off road trails but please be aware that some activity/hike options will restrict your ability to do all rides.  In the North Island, in particular, the daily activities do restrict the volume of longer bike rides available.

If you are wanting to explore New Zealand and include some cycling along the way then Flying Kiwi has plenty to offer. We carry a number of bicycles on board, many of which are less than two years old. The great advantage of travelling with us is that we carry everything but you get to enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty of New Zealand.

Cycling available on most tour options

Using custom coaches fitted with purpose built bicycle racks, Flying Kiwi tours explore the parts of New Zealand that most tours miss. We operate simple drop-off and pick-up routines that enable cyclists of all levels to enjoy the serene countryside. Rides of varying lengths are catered for to ensure that the tour matches all levels of fitness.

Check out some of the highlights you can enjoy with our Pick Up/Drop Off  bicycle tours of New Zealand  .

Our bikes are Avanti entry level front single fork suspension bikes, they are not high performance mountain bikes as most riding is by road. The best part is that on tour at the end of a great days riding you get to hang up your bike, hang up your gear, sit back and enjoy a great meal with friends, a camp fire and the stunning New Zealand landscape - you can't beat that!

The key differences to a Flying Kiwi tour compared to other operators are:

• The only  tour that offers cycling options with adventure activities included  - as we travel New Zealand there's the chance to experience some of the best adventure activities in the world. Each tour is carefully planned so you can take a break from the bike and enjoy dolphin swimming, glacier hiking and much more
• A unique pick up and drop off system - on  most tours you get to bike the distances you want . Enjoy great rides around the campsite and on the longer stretches the tour bus will take a similar route so it can pick you and your bike up when you are finished - no doubling back and no carrying around heavy gear
• Fancy a break - let the bus take the strain - the structure of the tour is as close as you can get to having your own support crew. The great advantage is if you feel tired or the weather isn't great you just pop your bike on the trailor and jump on the tour bus. You still get to take in all the best scenery and activities and can jump back on the bike as soon as your ready. :)

Flying Kiwi specialise in adventure tours of the New Zealand backcountry, beyond the tourist traps that attract the masses. With its natural beauty and undulating landscape, New Zealand is the dream destination to enjoy some great cycling.

There are cycling options most days (weather dependent, of course). Choose from a lazy few kilometres ahead of the bus in the morning, to an all-day marathon over alpine passes for those with the legs and desire.

How it works

EQUIPMENT - We provide you with a cycle, helmet, repair kit, map and 0800 number in case you need assistance. Your Tour Leader will be able to describe the terrain so you can make an informed decision. The majority of our bikes are designed by leading NZ bike company Avanti. Their local expertise ensures the bikes are ideally suited to the hills and the odd off road track that we may find. You also can bring your own pedals if you have clip-on bike shoes.

CYCLE DISTANCES - Cycling is a brilliant way to catch the sights and get a feel for this stunning land while enjoying a fun activity in good company. Our pick-up and drop-off system enables you to cycle sections of New Zealand while the bus is moving and we have rides to suit all levels. It is important to book your bike before starting your trip. The ride options are evenly spread with coastal road riding to more trail options that included snaking around bends and riding over hills. Now don’t expect a ‘tour de France’ type experience, these friendly bikes are purely there to help you get closer to scenery and feel the fresh air instead of being on the bus for all of the trip section. What you should expect is the views!  The distances literally range from 5km to over 60km - look through the bike maps on the bus and choose rides that interest you, we have loads of different options to suit all abilities! In general most passengers will ride anything between 12 or 20km of riding – although if you are game, our guides always have crazy long rides for those up for the challenge.

On days we have timings to be somewhere, instead of the drop off/pick up system, we also provide bike options when we arrive at destinations, we’ll provide you with maps so you can head off and explore without being pushed for time, return back to camp when your guides have given you a time for dinner! When we are in areas for two days if you’re not doing activities, we’ve provided maps and cycle experiences that include points of interest, cafes, mind blowing scenery so you can really make the most of your day on the bike, seeing as much as possible!

TERRAIN - While the majority of our rides have been on road which provide great scenery and easy access, we are also now linking with New Zealand Cycle Trail for even more options. With huge varieties of terrain and some of the most spectacular backdrops you could imagine this is an excellent option to fully experience the natural beauty of New Zealand. For the trail rides you can expect a leisurely pace and these rides are all about discovery, we have included only the trail sections that provide the most points of interest. The trails are usually smooth surfaces but might be shingle, dirt, boardwalks as opposed to road surfaces but we have only selected sections that suits any level of ability. These trail rides usually include sections that are on open road shared with vehicles before getting to another trail section.

All of our rides are considered grade 1 and 2 (Either road or trail riding achievable for a beginner), you do have opportunity in some places to go to mountain bike parks where you can challenge yourself in more technical rides if this is what you prefer. On rides that are advanced, we will always let you know and provide you with an alternative bike ride that’s more relaxed.

Both the North and South Islands offer some of the best cycle routes in the world, including some excellent paved back roads, while Rotorua on the North Island and Queenstown on the South Island offer some of New Zealand’s best options for the those wanting to get up the mountain in the dirt. As one would expect, the main highways are the busiest roads to cycle on and traffic does get busier through the summer months, however with the population of the North Island at around 3 million and the population of the South around 1 million, you can expect much less traffic in the South. With the continued development of the New Zealand Cycle Trails, we can now offer more rides off road and on a trail that is not shared with motor vehicles.

COST - Bike hire works out from about NZ$17 per day (total average and includes transportation, helmet and high visibility vests) depending on the length of the tour. We don’t hire cycles by the day, but you can hire a bike for a shorter section of your trip (for example if you were doing the  Ultimate Explorer tour you could just get a bike for the  Summer Blast section). Please feel free to ask us about options so we can better tailor your trip to you.Alternatively you can bring your own bike, for which we charge a Private Cycle Handling Fee - the cost of which is detailed on each tour.

This trip offers enjoyable options for cyclists with road rides of varying distances and some exciting off sections for those that are keen.  Most days you have the chance to cycle sections of our tour and you will also get to take the bikes out and about from camp (no rides in Wellington or Auckland) - as we stay in stunning spots this usually gives access to some cracking rides.  We also offer rides in destinations which means if you want to save money and not do any optional activities, you can always grab a map off our guides and they’ll point you in the right direction!

On days when we arrive in cities or you have a free day and meals aren’t provided, we have selected the best areas to go explore by bike! With these ride options, we also include on our maps great places to eat, lock the bike and walk or good photo opportunities.

Tours without the hassle

Cruising by coach into the wicked New Zealand wilderness, our cycle options combine the social buzz of a group tour with the chance to be one-on-one with the awesome natural world down under. Because the bus carries the gear you don't need to worry about how you're going to fit a canoe on your carrier or a boogie board in your backpack. Its a great feeling at the end of the day, hanging up your bike then sitting around a camp fire with the group sharing a yarn, a few drinks and a meal you didn't even have to prepare!

There's a whole range of places you can visit on your tour so check out some of the choices with our  bike tours of New Zealand  .

Want to bring your bike on tour?

If you'd like to bring your own bike let us know and that can be arranged as well, whatever your needs when you tour New Zealand we will go out of our way to make sure its the adventure of a lifetime.

There are a great range of different trips you can try, so check out options for your Flying Kiwi  New Zealand bike tour   .

On a Flying Kiwi tour of New Zealand you get to see so much more of the country than you could riding your bike solo because we bus you past the boring bits, letting you tour through some of the most awesome landscapes in New Zealand at the pace that suits you. If you are tired one day, or the weather doesn't look too hot then rack up your bike sit back and take in the view from the comfort of the bus.

National Geographic 2009 - Flying Kiwi rated as leading budget bike tour operator in New Zealand

This was my first bike tour but a perfect introduction. I built up the distances i rode everyday and loved the option to take a break when i fancied it - especially after completing amazing activities like the Tongariro Crossing. I'd highly recommend the trip to riders of all levels and i have now kitted myself with a new bike and cant wait to join another tour soon.    Fiona, UK

A great man once said "I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride it where I like!" Well with Flying Kiwi you can, we have tours to suit all levels of fitness and all degrees of two wheel experience.

That's because you decide which bits of New Zealand you see by bicycle, and which bits you see by bus. Our tours let you pedal through the pristine NZ environment, or take it easy aboard the comfy Flying Kiwi coach. If you need help or advice with choosing which routes to take on tour or specific highlights you are keen to see just let us know and we can help make the arrangement.

Tours with cycling flexibility

Theres a superb selection of tours you can take with your own bicycle or hire one of ours. Our trips cover the north and south islands seperately, together or even in parts so check out our  New Zealand bicycle tours  .

A Selection of Rides

New Zealand Cycle Trail

A2O: a world untouched

Discover the magic that is North Otago...

view our tours learn about us

the night sky unveiled

Your day begins in the saddle and ends in luxurious hot tubs...

view our A2O tours learn about us

abundance so simple

A tranquility that comes from a hard days riding...

history unfolds

Explore the limestone outcrops that tell the mysteries of our past...

Small tour groups

Riding with new friends

Cycling Tours in NZ: Enjoy the Scenic Beauty

Adventure lovers adore our accessible cycling tours along the NZ South Island. You can look forward to enjoying breathtaking views whether you ride for leisure or the challenge of diverse terrains for performance.

Enjoy a Sense of Freedom With Our Bike Tours in NZ

We operate from Twizel, in the heart of the Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), to the Alps to Ocean (A2O -) Cycle Trail. We’ve conducted excursions from here since the day the trail opened and have extensive local knowledge and experience about our region to share with you. We have established strong relationships with suppliers along the path to provide our guests with an immersive experience.

New Zealand Cycling Tours

Our A2O tours range from express to fully supported. You also have the option of day trips and self-guided itineraries. Don’t hesitate - to contact us to discuss our fun cycling tours in NZ.

• Express Tour

"This trip and the tour guides exceeded all expectations! First, we never realized that "Alps 2 Ocean" is an actual designated trail with signs and directional markings at every turn. No need to worry about getting lost on this trail. The scenery is absolutely stunning, starting from the very beginning at the base of Mt. Cook, New Zealand's tallest mountain. Our tour guide Lewis picked up our group in Christchurch and made the five-hour drive to the start of the ride. The only communication issue was Tripsite said we had to be picked up in Christchurch. During the drive, our guide said they could have picked us up in Queenstown, which would have left only a two-hour drive to the start. We had flown the previous day from Queenstown to Christchurch just to be picked up. Mark, the new owner of the tour company, will remedy this with Tripsite. " - Edwin (Wynn) W. (Part 1)

"Mark was with us the first two days and drove us back to the Christchurch airport after the completion of the trip. Super nice guy. This was only the second group since he purchased the Cycle Adventures company and it is obvious he is focused on making it an amazing customer experience for all. Lewis, was with us all week. Cannot praise him enough. First, he is just a wonderful and personable human being. Very funny and supportive and made everyone feel at ease with his description of each section of the route. Second, each afternoon he checked the bike to make sure they were tuned up and ready for the next day. Third, he is a gourmet chef. Every day, he would prepare the most amazing salads and lunches for us along the route. He always found breathtaking lunch and coffee stops that just continued the feeling that we were on vacation in a magical location. Lewis is a rockstar. Accommodations were very special. The first night at Braemer Station had the most amazing views of the entire trip. It felt like we were in the Sound of Music. Every location was super clean, and the owners were so delightful and customer service-focused. I never realized how good the food is in New Zealand. Thank goodness we were riding each day because we certainly ate well. Bottom-line, it was the trip of a lifetime and it exceeded every expection. Highly recommend." - Edwin (Wynn) W. (Part 2)

"The Alps2Ocean was such a fantastic journey and Cycle Ventures were just the best hosts you could wish for - the food, the accommodation, the facilities, the local knowledge was all amazing. I loved that everything was taken care of and we just had to concentrate on riding and taking in the wonderful scenery. If you are thinking about riding the Alps2Ocean JUST DO IT and go with Cycle Ventures, you won’t regret it." - Kerrie Jarman

"This turned out to be the highlight of our entire NZ trip! Mark and Lewis were great - equipment was in great shape and they took super good care of us along the way. The food and lodging was perfect for the trip and lots of fun. The trail is phenomenal - the best way to get to know New Zealand. Well done Cycle Ventures!!!!" - Tom Walsh

"Kerrie and I rode the Alps to Ocean with Mark and a great group of fellow riders. The ride was challenging as we rode non e-bikes but we thoroughly enjoyed it. We had great support and were rewarded each evening with great accommodation and food. The ride offered a combination of different riding surfaces adding to the challenge but gave us a sense of achievement at the end of the day. Fantastic scenery at every turn kept us going throughout the ride. We would definitely recommend this ride and we will definitely be coming back for more. - Kevin and Kerrie Jarman" - Kevin Jarman

"Cycle Ventures were fantastic. Lewis, our guide arrived right on time at my Christchurch hotel and off we went to Mt Cook collecting our crew as we went. Everything went to plan and was well organised. Accommodation and food exceeded expectations and our guide was a great communicator and all round good chap! The Norco bikes provided were comfortable and well serviced and Lewis was an expert at tuning them up for the day ahead. Highly recommend Mark and his team at Cycle Ventures" - Phillip Baker

"We had the best time with Mark and Lewis. Fantastic trip. It wasn't until we got back and compared our trip with the neighbours (who had done A2O with another tour company) that we realized how lucky we were to be with Cycle Ventures -small group, roll-in, roll-out venues with awesome comfortable accommodation, fantastic meals, personal service, and friendly people. So many little touches that just made the trip an all-time highlight. Trip of a lifetime." - LeAnne Blakelock

"There is a saying out there, underpromise and overdeliver. This company did just that. We didn't do much research about them before we signed up but the trip was fantastic. Lewis was a chef, in addition to being an all around great guy and cyclist. Every meal was amazing. The bikes were fitted to us, and tinkered with if they didn't work the way we wanted. Every accommodation was one of a kind and glorious. We rode the Alps 2 Ocean. This is not an easy ride, but it eBikes make it possible for any level of rider. It ended up being a life memory. Every day held another adventure. We spent a month in NZ and this was the capstone at the end. I cannot recommend Mark and Lewis and Cycle Ventures enough." - Peter Parnegg

"I had an absolutely fantastic week on the Alps2Ocean with Mark at Cycling Ventures. Great food, great company, great accommodation and stunning scenery. Mark was the perfect host/guide and really looked after us. Highly recommended." - Stuart Paterson

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• New Zealand

Storm the South Island

• Level Intermediate +
• Duration 10 days / 9 nights
• Riders (max) 10
• Region Oceania
• Price (per person) £3,750 / €4,500 / $5,063

LUSH RAINFOREST, SNOW-CAPPED PEAKS, ARID PLAINS, ENDLESS COASTLINE. WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND

It’s not hard to see why New Zealand is often used as the backdrop to blockbuster films. With some of the planet’s most diverse microclimates jam-packed into one little country, every day of your north-to-south adventure through the South Island will bring something new to take your breath away.

From the rainforest of the Old Ghost Road, to the arid landscapes of Alexandra, and the spectacular drive along the west coast with its glaciers, you’ll be blown away by the endless natural beauty of New Zealand.

To find out if this intermediate+ MTB tour on New Zealand’s South Island is right for you, read more on the skill and fitness levels required .

Tour Flavour

2024/ 25 tour dates.

• 19 February 2024 - 28 February 2024 Trip full
• 8 December 2024 - 17 December 2024 10 spaces left Book Now
• 10 February 2025 - 19 February 2025 10 spaces left Book Now

• Waking up in a mountain hut overlooking the rainforest canopy
• Driving the beautiful West Coast road
• Staying in quirky accommodation steeped in history
• Riding in multiple different eco-systems
• Savouring delicious local food and craft beers
• Sipping world-famous New Zealand wines

Tour itinerary

The itinerary for our incredible mountain bike tour New Zealand has been designed to flow perfectly, maximising your time on the best trails in the most spectacular spots in the South Island, whilst minimising time in the van.

You should arrive in Christchurch the day before your tour start date, to allow for any travel or baggage delays, and to give yourself time to relax after your long journey and before your adventure begins.

We will recommend pre-trip accommodation and your guide will meet you there on the morning of day 1.

Your guides will meet you at the designated pre-trip hotel in the morning. We’ll transfer to our local base so you can build your bike or get kitted out with a rental.

Once everyone’s geared up, your guide will go through the all-important pre-trip briefing before hitting the road.

Your warm-up ride in New Zealand will be a traverse of the volcanic crater rim that separates Christchurch from the impressive Lyttelton harbour. You’ll have the chance to shake-down your bikes and legs before we drop into the fantastic Christchurch Adventure Park.

Eat well and muster up all your strength over breakfast, because today we hit Craigieburn – world-renowned for its flowing singletrack trails that weave and wind through the area’s beautiful beech forests.

The mountainous terrain of the Craigieburn Range has spectacular views that rival the grand majesty of the American Rockies, so we’ll spend most of the day riding through and enjoying the varied trails Craigieburn has to offer.

After revelling in the fabulous singletrack of Craigieburn, today you’ll need to have your climbing legs with you for the first stage of your two-day adventure through the rainforest.

You’ll step out of the van right into the jungle at the foot of New Zealand’s longest singletrack – the Old Ghost Road. At a fairly easygoing incline of 2%, you’ll winch your way up the bench cut forest track to the ridge peak at 1400m.

As morning light breaks over the treetops, the Bell Birds will raise you from your slumber as their distinctive songs echo from the forest canopy.

We’ll leave the hut on a singletrack leading down the opposite side of the mountain and back towards civilisation. The track leads through a diverse range of scenery as we make our way towards the valley floor.

After a couple of big days on the bike, we have a day off to rest our legs and cover some miles in the van to our next destination.

This is no ordinary transfer, however, as we’ll be driving down the spectacular west coast of the South Island, alongside Franz Josef Glacier and the Southern Alps.

We’ll leave Franz Josef Glacier in our wake and drive south to the stunning small town of Wanaka – the unofficial capital of the great outdoors. The town is nestled at the head of Lake Wanaka and pinned in by the Crown Range mountains.

Our ride today is a locals’ version of the Wanaka Trails. Along the way we’ll enjoy the mountain backdrop, flow trails, and potential for a swim before enjoying a beer in the evening sunshine.

Hope you’re still hungry for more riding, because today we’re tackling the newest ‘bike park’ in the area, the tremendous Glendhu Bay MTB Park.

This is a bike park with a difference and, although you’ll have the benefit of shuttles, you’ll still be riding in magnificent landscapes and doing plenty of pedalling.

After breakfast this morning we’ll drive from Wanaka to our next stop at Alexandra, passing Kawarau Gorge on the way. The Otago landscape is peppered with gold mines and early explorer history, and today you’ll be riding into the thick of it!

We’ll climb up a dry riverbed that will lead us to a rabbit warren of valleys, all dropping off a high plateau that is pock-marked by massive rock formations that look like they’ve rained down from outer space.

For the last day of your adventure we’re going to enjoy the incredible trails around Rude Rock to the absolute max!

Having already ridden some pretty big days, today we’re minimising the climbing and maximising the descending, riding laps of Rude Rock and Zoots, which will blow your mind.

Sadly, it’s time to say farewell to New Zealand and your local team. We will return you to Queenstown airport in time for your onward flight, which you should book no earlier than 10am.

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£3,750 GBP/ $5,063 USD/ €4,500 EUR per person (ex. flights, based on two sharing a room)

• Services of fully-qualified, expert mountain bike guide(s) for the duration of the trip
• 9 nights’ accommodation
• All breakfasts, including double coffees, 1 lunch and 5 dinners
• Van snacks and energy drinks
• Kit transfer to mountain hut on day 3
• All transport and luggage transfer required as part of the itinerary
• Airport/ H+I recommended hotel pick-up on day 1 (Christchurch) and drop-off on day 10 (Queenstown) of tour (specified times apply)
• Global Rescue medical and evacuation services
• International/ domestic flights
• Lunches and evening meals not mentioned above
• Bike rental –  £950/ $1283/ €1140
• Travel and activity insurance
• Tourist visas
• Single supplement:* £620 / $837 / €744
• Tips in restaurants and hotels
• Alcoholic/ non-alcoholic beverages
• Personal safety and cycling equipment
• Any other items not mentioned as included

*Single supplement is only applicable if you are travelling solo and do not wish to share a room with another rider of the same sex. If you’re happy to do that, you need not add the supplement.

Please note: single rooms are not available at Ghost Lake Hut and are limited in two other accommodations on the tour

We want you to have the best experience of mountain biking in New Zealand, so it’s important to be sure that this is the perfect mountain bike adventure, with the right level of challenge, for you.

You’re an experienced mountain biker, riding at least twice a week through the season and comfortable on: long climbs on double and singletrack; technical singletrack descents; rough, rocky trails, some with exposure; and muddy forest trails. Read more on our intermediate+ skill level .

Does this sound like you? Your vacation time is precious and we want to be absolutely sure that you’re making the most of it. Be honest with yourself, if this adventure isn’t right for you, we have other MTB tours that may be a better fit for your mountain biking ability.

Please note: The skill level required reflects an overall rating for the trails on the trip but you should expect to find sections and obstacles that push your ability levels.

Skill level: Intermediate+

• You are generally comfortable riding most types of terrain in different conditions: singletrack, double track, muddy, dry, loose, bedrock…
• You can brake, use gears and corner instinctively
• You’ll have a go on moderate technical features, such as small rock gardens, small drops and steeper sections, but may get off and walk certain technical features
• You mountain bike two or three times a week throughout your biking season
• And the ‘+’ part of ‘Intermediate+’ means that you will be aiming to tackle more of those moderate technical features

Fitness level: 6/7

• You have an excellent level of bike fitness, exercising four or five times every week throughout the year, for at least an hour at a time
• You are comfortable mountain biking up to six hours a day at a moderate pace, with snack and photo stops, for four or more consecutive days
• You can tackle several serious climbs a day, up to 600 metres each

Typical trails you’ll be riding

• Double track: undulating and sometimes steep forest roads made up of hard-packed dirt, and loose tracks with golf ball- to fist-sized rocks
• Singletrack: purpose-built and natural singletrack, at times with golf ball- to head-sized (fixed) rocks, roots, and sand sections. Some trails may be very steep
• Forest trails: dirt tracks crossed with roots and sometimes very narrow through the trees
• Trail surfaces may be dry and sandy or muddy, depending on the weather, and you will encounter river crossings
• You will also encounter a degree of exposure on certain trails

The ideal bike for the trails on the South Island of New Zealand is a good quality full-suspension mountain bike with 29” or 27.5” wheels, dropper seat post, and 130mm -150mm of travel front and rear. Ideal tyres for New Zealand are…

We recommend travelling with your own bike, and we have some handy tips on how to do this.  When travelling with your own bike, you must ensure that it has been properly serviced before the trip.

If you are taking your own bike to New Zealand please ensure it is spotlessly clean, like new. The New Zealand border authorities are extremely vigilant about foreign organisms entering the country and will stop kit entering if it poses any risk to their natural eco-system.

We only run small group mountain bike tours to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible, and there will be a maximum of 10 people in each group.

The minimum number of people we require to run this mountain bike tour in New Zealand is six.

Our mountain bike tour in New Zealand caters for a wide age range; typically between 30- and 55-years-old. Regardless of age, you must have the appropriate level of physical fitness and mountain biking skills to participate in this adventure. Please refer to clause 14 of our terms and conditions of booking to find more information on rider age.

This mountain bike tour in New Zealand is a guided mountain bike vacation, ideal for intermediate+ mountain bikers. Riding here, in the wild, dramatic landscapes of New Zealand you’ll experience some tough climbs and descents, as well as some lovely flowing singletrack.

You’ll ride through a huge diversity of ecosystems, including rainforest, high alpine ridges, and glacial valleys, and you’ll experience some big backcountry wilderness riding too.

The distances we cover each day range from 18km to 54km. The flow of the itinerary has been designed to give you the ideal mix of long, epic backcountry days, and shorter New Zealand classic trails to ensure that you get the most from every single riding experience.

Each evening your guides will chat with you about the following day’s mountain biking and give you an idea of the sorts of trails you can look forward to. If there’s anything you feel anxious about, your guides will be happy to discuss it with you.

No, you only need to carry a 20 litre back pack with you whilst riding. We have a support vehicle and driver who will transfer your luggage to your next accommodation each day, and have it ready and waiting for your arrival.

On our big wilderness days where we ride into a mountain hut you need to carry a change of clothes for the evening/ next day’s biking, but other provisions will be dropped at the hut, ready for your arrival.

Your guide will be very happy to give you some bike skills help during your trip to help improve your confidence and your enjoyment of your mountain bike tour in New Zealand.

If there is a section that you would prefer not to ride, then you can simply hop off your bike and walk. You won’t be the only one to walk certain sections and it’s not a competition in biking ability; it’s a mountain bike holiday!

Your mountain bike guides are local to New Zealand and experienced professionals who have a real passion for mountain biking and for the culture and landscape of the South Island.

Your safety is their number one priority, closely followed by your enjoyment of your mountain bike tour in New Zealand. They will always be on-hand to answer any questions or requests you may have throughout your trip.

On this mountain bike tour New Zealand on the South Island, you will be staying in a variety of different accommodations, from local small motels, to traditional hikers’ lodges, and a wilderness mountain hut.

Breakfasts are included each day, as well as one lunch and five dinners. Lunches will mostly be eaten on the trail from provisions we’ve bought in advance, or occasionally, in a café.

The ideal bike for the New Zealand trails is a good quality full-suspension mountain bike with 29” or 27.5” wheels, dropper seat post, and 130mm -150mm of travel front and rear.

Read the full kit list to find out what you need to pack for your mountain bike tour on New Zealand’s South Island.

Yes, you will have the chance to do laundry on three days during the tour.

Unfortunately not. We are working hard to provide each and every customer who rides with us an unparalleled mountain bike experience in every destination we ride. This takes years of experience, riding and planning to get right, and a drone adds a very real danger to the group’s riding experience and health & safety.

Most travellers will come to the South Island of New Zealand via Christchurch or Queenstown. Major airlines travelling to Christchurch and Queenstown include:

• British Airways
• Air New Zealand

Here’s a video showing you how to pack your bike for travel .

For advice on entry visa entry requirements to New Zealand please visit the Tourism New Zealand website immigration.govt.nz

Arrival and departure details

Your mountain bike tour New Zealand will start in Christchurch and finish in Queenstown, in the South Island. As such, you should book your flights to arrive in Christchurch and depart from Queenstown.

We strongly advise that you arrive in Christchurch two days (or more) prior to the tour start date in order to overcome jet lag and travel weariness. We have a handy guide to spending 24 hours in Christchurch , which includes accommodation recommendations and things to do.

On the first day of your adventure, your guides will collect you from the designated pre-trip accommodation at 8:30am and transfer the whole group to our base 30 minutes from the city centre, where we’ll build and test bikes, ready for your antipodean adventure!

On the last day of your trip we will return you to Queenstown airport in time for your onward flight, which you should book no earlier than 10am.

If you plan to spend more time in Queenstown post-trip we also have a guide to spending 24 hours in Queenstown .

Our local mountain bike guides in New Zealand are of the very highest standard. They are qualified in first-aid, and have the knowledge and experience to lead a group safely through the diverse eco-systems and unpredictable weather of New Zealand.

Our guides have years of experience in the saddle on the South Island trails and will be able to enhance your holiday with facts and fables on local history, flora and fauna. They’re also genuinely nice people and will do their best to make sure that everyone in the group has a great time.

The majority of accommodation that we use on this mountain bike tour in New Zealand is family-owned and operated hotels, guest lodges and B&Bs.

You will have three nights in shared lodge accommodation, including a remote mountain hut in the middle of a beautiful rainforest to give you that real wilderness experience. Ghost Lake Hut is a basic accommodation where you’ll be in dorm-style rooms, sleeping in sleeping bags, and bathroom facilities are outside the main building.

You’ll enjoy fabulous food in New Zealand, made from fresh, locally-sourced produce, accompanied by delicious local wines and craft ales – all perfect reward for hard days on the bike!

Most of your meals will be in local cafés which, in New Zealand, serve the most delicious, home-cooked meals, from the best local ingredients. This includes freshly-baked bread, pastries and cakes, perfect for replenishing your energy!

All breakfasts, one lunch and five dinners are included in the tour price, and you should budget around 1,000 NZD for meals and drinks during your trip.

Whilst not all meals are included in the tour price, we will eat as a group at each mealtime.

No specific vaccinations are needed to enter New Zealand, but you should always consult your own doctor or physician before travelling to new countries to seek their advice on matters concerning your health abroad.

You can drink the water from the taps in New Zealand, and also from streams on the advice of your guides.

Your health and safety is on tour our top priority so when you travel with us you also have the peace of mind knowing that you will be covered by Global Rescue emergency medical and evacuation services.

The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar (NZD), and this is the only currency accepted in the country.

There will be plenty of ATMs along the way, but we recommend you have a reserve of around $300 with you on arrival, just in case.

It is not compulsory to tip your guide team in New Zealand, although it will be very much appreciated.

We suggest a tip of 2% to 6% of the cost of your tour should be paid to your mountain bike guide at the end of the trip, which will then be divided between drivers, support staff and fixers, if you feel you have had a great experience on your mountain bike tour New Zealand.

You are required as a condition of booking to be insured against medical and personal accident risks. In this policy you must include cover for mountain biking and we recommend that you take out a policy which covers cancellation and baggage, including your bike.

We work with Global Rescue whose policies are specially designed for adventure travel and you can arrange your insurance cover directly with them.

Meet your guides

Your guide to the South Island of New Zealand is Damian. A mountain biker through-and through, Damian will guide you through the beautifully diverse landscapes and trails of his southern homeland.

Create your own review

There are no words to describe the rugged beauty of New Zealand and this tour. The people of the South Island are true treasures as much as their beautiful, natural landscape. Both come together to make this a genuine life experience, not just a mountain bike ride. Be warned - the Old Ghost Road is no joke and will push your physical limits and riding abilities, but in the best way possible. And its beauty is worth every pedal stroke. Damian and Morgs are fantastic guides! Instilling confidence with coaching tips as well as humor on every turn, they are worth the price alone. If you are considering this trip, book it - today!

The diversity of environments and trails we experienced was amazing. From tropical to alpine settings, flowy, technical, rocky, smooth, bike park, remote natural tracks, this trip has it all. I can’t imagine a better guide than Erin. She knows every meter of every trail and expertly matched each day’s plan perfectly to our group. All the logistical matters were handled flawlessly, the accommodations were good, the food was great, and the riding was superlative. We all had grins plastered on our faces almost all the time. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who meets the physical and skill requirements. Between the rides, bus transfers, the meals, and keeping your gear and yourself sorted out, you won’t have much free time to explore on your own. For that reason, if you’d like to experience some of the non-riding activities New Zealand has to offer (and there are many) I’d recommend tacking on a few extra days to your trip.

• Intermediate +
• 8 days / 7 nights

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We want you to have the best experience, so it’s important to be sure that this is the perfect mountain bike tour, with the right level of challenge, for you.

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We know that our most precious memories are with real people. We’ve been going to the same villages for many years. You’ll meet locals on their terms, and make friends that will seem like family when you leave.

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New Zealand South Island E-Bike Trail Tour

Daily distance, 20-40 miles, included activities, cycling (e-bikes included), "waka" paddle, jet boat ride, tranzalpine train, included meals, all breakfasts included. one lunch and two dinners on your own..

Breathtaking scenery and pristine coastline are just a couple of reasons why New Zealand is a cyclist’s Trip of a Lifetime. But did you know that they also have an incredible network of traffic-free gravel trails? Explore some of the best bike trails in New Zealand from the comfort of an E-Bike. Blast up hills with ease and let the scenery take your breath away instead! Our 10-day tour gives the perfect taste of the best trails in the South Island (~75% of the miles are unpaved). From the world famous Alps 2 Ocean with views of New Zealand’s highest mountains and the region’s full symphony of color, to the stark beauty of The Roxburgh Gorge and its incredible river riding steeped in gold mining history, the newly opened and most spectacular Greatest Ride in New Zealand – the Lake Dunstan Trail (an engineering feat that needs to be seen to be believed), the serene beauty of the Queenstown trails and finally over to the Wild West – 2 days on the West Coast Wilderness trail riding through incredible rain forests and showcasing some of the area’s best scenery. We finish the tour with a spectacular train journey over Arthur’s Pass via the TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch. Sightseeing on 2 wheels has never looked so good, nor been so easy!

COMPARE! A SPECIAL LODGING NOTE: Our 10-day tour includes lodging for all 10 days of the itinerary!

Arrive in Christchurch, go for a test ride, and paddle a "waka" while you learn about the cultural traditions and history of New Zealand.

Quest Cathedral Junction (in Christchurch)

After settling in at the hotel, we meet for the first time in the afternoon for a bike fitting and short test ride before jumping right into the history of New Zealand. Paddle a “waka” – a large traditional hand-built canoe – on the Ōtākaro Avon River while you learn about the culture of the Maori and their interactions with early European settlers (included in tour cost). Lodging tonight is at Quest Cathedral Junction .

Cycle from Lake Pukaiki to Lake Ohau with views of the Ben Ohau Range and New Zealand's highest peak.

– Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Lake Ohau Lodge or Lakes Motel

35 miles (56km)

+1171 ft / -1208 ft

We leave Christchurch early and drive south (3.5-4hrs) through the Canterbury Plains heading Lake Pukaiki and Twizel for our first ride. Cycle along Lake Pukaiki with stunning views of Mt. Cook / Aoraki. Pass through the township of Twizel and continue along the Alps2Ocean trail to Lake Ohau. The Ben Ohau Range dwarfs all and sundry as we follow the lakeshore towards Lake Ohau Village – perfectly positioned for post-ride refreshments, and our accommodation for the night at Lake Ohau Lodge , or Lakes Motel .

Ride the "Alps2Ocean" trail along Lake Benmore and Lake Aviemore.

Marsden Lake Resort

32 miles (52km)

+1,498 ft / -2,010 ft

After breakfast at the lodge, we take a short drive (~1/2hr) to Omarama, where we will continue along another (and newest) section of the A2O. Cycling along Lake Benmore and then taking in the newly opened section from Sailors Cutting to Benmore Dam is an incredible experience with amazing scenery. Continue riding to Aviemore Dam, where the van will be waiting to transport the group (~2hrs) to Cromwell for the night. Lodging is at Marsden Lake Resort .

Experience the Lake Dunstan trail, one of the most unique bike routes in the world!

Olivers Central Otago

31 miles (50km)

+1974 ft / -2082 ft

Ride the Lake Dunstan Trail today, one of the newest trails in New Zealand. Follow the waterside most of the day as you pedal along the lake to the historic town of Cromwell and onward through Cromwell Gorge. The spectacular trail engineering and incredible views truly make this a one-of-a-kind route. The trail ends in Clyde, where we spend the night. Lodging is at Olivers Central Otago .

Navigate Roxburgh Gorge by bicycle and boat before heading to Queenstown.

Garden Court

+1,400 ft / -1,621 ft

After another beautiful breakfast, we head out on our bikes first thing to ride the stunning Roxburgh Gorge. The trail also incorporates a 45-minute boat ride up the river (included in tour cost). At the end of the ride, the group will be transported to Queenstown (~2hrs), our destination for the next 2 nights. Lodging is at the Garden Court .

Enjoy a relaxing layover day in Queenstown, or take an excursion to one the nearby wonders.

– Breakfast

Today we’ll put our bikes aside to give you a chance to break free from the group and explore one or more of the many activities the Queenstown area has to offer. (All activities are optional and not included in the tour package). Maybe you’d like to take an excursion to Milford or Doubtful Sound, or a steamboat ride over to Walter Peak for a Farm Tour and afternoon tea or bbq dinner … the options are many and diverse! Or you may just wish to relax and spend some time wandering the town exploring the cafes and shops along the waterfront. Enjoy another night at the Garden Court. Lunch and dinner are on your own today in Queenstown.

Take the Queenstown Trail through legendary Arrowtown to the equally renowned Kawarau Suspension Bridge.

Wanaka Hotel

25 miles (40km)

+1,368 ft / -1,261 ft

In the morning we’ll bike the incredible Queenstown Trail to the legendary gold mining town of Arrowtown. Then from Arrowtown, follow a cycle path to Kawarau Bridge. Home of AJ Hackett’s bungy center, we will stop and watch a few brave souls fling themselves from the bridge. Afterwards, we will be driven (~1hr) over the Crown Range, with a photo and refreshment stop at the famous Cardrona Hotel and then on to Wanaka where we will spend the night. Lodging is at the Wanaka Hotel .

Pedal from Wanaka to Lake Hawea and enjoy a scenic drive through Mt Aspiring National Park to Fox Glacier.

Lake Matheson Motel or Heartland Hotel

16 miles (26km)

+728 ft / -495 ft

We jump on the bikes first thing this morning from the hotel and ride out to Lake Hawea for a spot of lunch. The van will then take us through the Mt Aspiring National Park to Fox Glacier for the evening (~4hrs). Time permitting, a short walk at Ship Creek is a great way to stretch the legs on the way. Lodging is at Lake Matheson Motel , or Heartland Hotel .

Enjoy Lake Matheson in the morning. Then cycle along the ocean on the West Coast Wilderness Trail to Hokitika in the afternoon.

– Breakfast – Lunch

Beachfront Hotel

21 miles (34km)

+697 ft / -812 ft

This morning presents a great opportunity to take a sunrise hike around Lake Matheson with its reflective water views, or just relax in the beautiful surroundings. Mid-morning, we head north to Ross where we hop on our bikes to start our first ride on the West Coast Wilderness Trail. We ride from Ross to Hokitika today. Lodging is at the Beachfront Hotel , and dinner is on your own tonight.

Last Day! After pedaling more of the West Coast Wilderness trail in the morning we board the TranzAlpine train for a spectacular journey over the mountains back to Christchurch.

18 miles (29km)

+340 ft / -593 ft

Spend your final morning in the “Land of the Long White Cloud” cycling another stretch of the West Coast Wilderness trail – this time from Kumara to Greymouth. We arrive in time to board the TranzAlpine for your spectacular train journey over Arthur’s Pass and back to Christchurch for a farewell dinner. Lodging at Quest Cathedral Junction .

The following day (Day 11) is a departure day only. No meals or services are included.

Availability

Tour guides.

Michelle L. Anderson

Shantel Thilman

Bikes (bike models will differ.) e-bike recommended..

Pedal Assist E-Bike $200 surcharge applies

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Electric Bike

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Electric bikes (or eBikes) are designed to make cycling easier. Electric bikes are becoming a very popular way to ride the trails in New Zealand and many of the cycling trips in our offering now have an electric bike option.

The pedalling ‘boost’ provided by an eBike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together on their holiday or to allow less confident or fit cyclists to take on greater distances or routes that they may otherwise consider too tough for their current capability. In that way, an electric bike makes your tour appealing to everyone in your group.

Being battery-powered, there is absolutely no motor noise, and a nightly top-up using just the power outlet at our accommodation will have you fully charged for the next stage on your eBike holiday.

So, perhaps you can do that New Zealand cycling trip your friends want to do? If you are a little nervous about your fitness, an electric bike might be a good solution for you. Talk to us if you would like to learn more about riding an electric bike on your next NZ Cycle Trails trip.

Please note that we currently only have a limited supply of electric bikes. They are available on request at time of booking. Cost of hiring an eBike is advertised on the trip page.

Find your Electric Bike trip

West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail

Activities:, introductory to moderate.

Otago Rail Trail Classic

Introductory.

Alps to Ocean End to End

Lake Dunstan and Otago Central Rail Trail

Winter Alps to Ocean Cycle

Premium West Coast Wilderness and Kawatiri Cycle

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Exceptional Guides

Our dedicated team of guides are passionate about showing you the natural areas of New Zealand and introducing you to the limitless adventure opportunities. Our guides play a huge part in the overall experience of our trips, which is why we provide two experienced guides on any trip with over 7 people.

Small Groups

We think small is good. Travelling in a group between 4 and 14 people limits the environmental impact, allows you to make life-long friendships, and ensures your travels are fully immersive. Travel like a local, at a relaxed pace and away from the crowds. We couldn't think of a better way to see NZ.

Your Comfort

We stay in carefully selected accommodations that are not only comfortable, but provide local charm and opportunities for genuine cultural interactions. Daily breakfasts are included on all of our tours as well as most lunches and dinners, and a support vehicle is always nearby.

Electric Bikes - Sizes XS, S, M

Our fleet of new Sinch eBikes, made and designed in New Zealand for New Zealand trails, are perfect for cyclists looking to enjoy a little assistance on their travels. Pedalling our eBikes takes away the strain of a traditional bike, particularly on the hills. The powerful Shimano batteries provide up to 100kms of pedal assistance before requiring recharging. The bikes are very simple to operate and they provide people with varying levels of fitness or cycling experience the opportunity to really enjoy our cycling holidays. The extra small, small and medium sized bikes all have a low step frame making it very easy to get on and off, hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable braking and 80mm of air suspension travel is designed to make every ride comfortable.

Electric Bike - Size L & XL

Our fleet of new Sinch eBikes, made and designed in New Zealand for New Zealand trails, are perfect for cyclists looking to enjoy a little assistance on their travels. For our taller guests, large and extra large eBikes have a high cross bar, 120mm of front suspension travel and hydraulic disc brakes to ensure effective braking and a comfortable ride.

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Challenging.

*Our support vehicle will always be nearby on our Cycle Trail and Road Cycling trips if you need a rest.

The exact inclusions and equipment for each of our adventures is listed once you've found the trip you want. Our trips are generally more inclusive than others in the market place in line with our philosophy of minimising 'extra payments' displayed outside of the main trip price as well as out of pocket expenses once you reach your destination.

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Passing Thru Travel

Ready for Adventure? Here’s the Ultimate Guide to Traveling in New Zealand

Posted: March 10, 2024 | Last updated: March 10, 2024

New Zealand, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes, is a playground for adventure seekers. From majestic mountains to serene beaches, it offers a plethora of activities for those who yearn for excitement with a touch of luxury. Combining adventure with luxury isn’t just about comfort; it’s about experiencing the thrill of adventure with an added layer of exclusivity and personalized service.

Whether you’re heli-skiing over the Southern Alps, wine tasting in Hawke’s Bay, or exploring the fjords of Milford Sound, New Zealand provides an unparalleled backdrop for luxury adventure travel. In this listicle, we’ll explore 15 ways to indulge in adventure travel in New Zealand, ensuring that your experiences are as luxurious as they are thrilling.

Opt for Private Guided Tours

Experience New Zealand’s wonders with private guided tours that offer personalized experiences and insider knowledge.

Stay in Luxury Lodges

Choose from New Zealand’s array of luxury lodges that provide exceptional accommodation in stunning locations.

Indulge in Heli-Adventures

Take to the skies with helicopter adventures that give you access to remote locations like private beaches or mountaintops.

Try Luxury Cruising in Fiordland

Explore the fjords in style with a luxury cruise, offering an intimate view of the spectacular landscapes of Fiordland.

Experience Private Vineyard Tours

Visit renowned vineyards for private wine tastings and gourmet dining experiences in regions like Marlborough and Central Otago.

Enjoy High-End Spa Retreats

After a day of adventure, unwind in one of New Zealand’s high-end spa retreats, offering traditional Maori therapies and more.

Engage in Exclusive Golfing Experiences

Play on some of the world’s most picturesque and exclusive golf courses, such as Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers.

Embark on Luxury Fishing Expeditions

Fish in style in some of New Zealand’s pristine rivers and lakes, known for excellent trout and salmon fishing.

Explore the Wilderness with Private Guides

Hike, bike, or kayak with private guides who can take you to hidden gems away from the tourist trails.

Experience Maori Culture Privately

Engage with New Zealand’s rich Maori culture through private tours and exclusive experiences.

Savor Gourmet Outdoor Dining

Enjoy gourmet meals in breathtaking outdoor settings, from mountaintop picnics to beachfront feasts.

Take Scenic Flights Over Iconic Landscapes

See New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes from above with scenic flights over places like Mount Cook, the Bay of Islands, or the West Coast glaciers.

Try Luxury Eco-Tours

Participate in eco-friendly tours that offer luxury experiences while respecting the environment, like sustainable dolphin watching or conservation projects.

Go on Bespoke Adventure Excursions

Tailor your adventure activities to suit your preferences, whether it’s adrenaline-fueled bungee jumping, skydiving, or a more relaxed pace like horse trekking.

Utilize Concierge Services for Seamless Travel

Make use of concierge services to handle all your travel arrangements, bookings, and special requests for a hassle-free experience.

Known as the adventure capital, it offers everything from jet boating and bungee jumping to luxury wine tours.

Bay of Islands

Ideal for sailing, fishing, and exploring pristine beaches.

Offers unique geothermal landscapes, luxury spas, and Maori cultural experiences.

Abel Tasman National Park

Perfect for kayaking, hiking, and enjoying secluded beaches.

Provides a more relaxed alternative to Queenstown, with stunning scenery and luxury lodges.

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Ideal for scenic flights, glacier explorations, and stargazing.

Waiheke Island

Offers luxury vineyard experiences, art galleries, and beautiful beaches.

Hawke’s Bay

Known for its Art Deco architecture, vineyards, and gourmet food scene.

Fiordland National Park

Offers breathtaking fjord cruises and luxury wilderness retreats.

The Coromandel

Perfect for private beach escapes and nature walks.

Adventure travel in New Zealand doesn’t have to mean roughing it. With the country’s wealth of natural beauty and luxury offerings, you can easily immerse yourself in thrilling activities while enjoying the pinnacle of comfort and exclusivity.

Each experience and destination in New Zealand presents an opportunity to create unforgettable memories, blending the adrenaline of adventure with the serenity of luxury. So pack your bags and prepare to embark on a journey that will take you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth, all in the lap of luxury.

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The post Ready for Adventure? Here’s the Ultimate Guide to Traveling in New Zealand republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nok Lek Travel Lifestyle.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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New Suzuki V-Strom 800RE Tour adventure bike revealed

Suzuki has announced the launch of the V-Strom 800RE Tour, a new version of the road-focused adventure bike that comes equipped with a full set of aluminium luggage for long-distance journeys (or trips to the shops).

And according to the manufacturer, the £11,199 on-the-road price represents a saving of £706.94 compared to buying that luggage separately.

It’s a great deal that comes as no surprise because the various V-Strom models have always offered great value over the years. In fact, we reckon the new 800RE Tour could be the best value for money adventure bike on the market right now.

Stiff competition

Sure, there’s stiff competition from the likes of the Honda Transalp (£9,699) and BMW F 800 GS (£9,995) which cost less in standard form, but once you add extras like luggage to those bikes, the price points become a lot closer.

And of course, there is the CFMoto 800MT Touring which, at £9,199, comes with luggage and a top box for free. But while it proved a capable and well put together motorcycle when we reviewed the bike earlier this year, there will be those who hesitate at buying a bike from a Chinese manufacturer, and one without a dealer network to rival the likes of Suzuki’s in the UK.

But the main reason the V-Strom 800RE Tour offers such great value for money is the fact that, when we tested the standard model in France last year, it proved to be a superb motorcycle (you can read the full review in issue 79 of ABR magazine. Get yours today for just £4.99 with free UK postage).

Joyous to ride

In fact we went as far as saying it was, ‘a truly joyous bike to ride on great roads, inspiring trust with its handling and providing thrills with every twist of the throttle’.

“The fact that it’s also fantastic to ride around town, comfortable for long stints in the saddle, and offers plenty of space for a pillion and luggage doesn’t somehow make it boring. Yes, it is undeniably practical, but it’s also a brilliant machine.”

So, there you have it, a superb mid-size adventure bike that comes equipped with a full set of luggage for a couple of hundred pounds over 11k.

While that’s certainly not pocket change, when you consider the excellent reliability V-Strom’s are known for, and the superb performance of the 800RE, it starts to look a bit of a bargain.

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Mount Cook scenic drive

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The special edition 10th issue of The Bikepacking Journal is one you won’t want to miss! It features 25% more pages with extra stories, bonus art and maps, and much more...

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2024 April Foolery in the Bike Industry

Previous Dispatch From Mon Apr 1, 2024

Weekend Snapshot

From brake butter to nigiri-flavored saddles and oval jockey wheels to Lael Wilcox’s new cooking show, here’s our April Fools’ Day roundup to kick off your week. Check out some of our favorite bike-related April foolery from around the web here…

Last year, April Fools’ Day landed on a Saturday and fell a little short, so we’re glad to see brands back in full force this year, especially because it’s the bicycle industry’s favorite holiday. Once again, we’ve gathered a few April Fools’ announcements from around the web, including some exciting new products from Road Runner Bags, 5DEV, Enlightened Equipment, and more. We’ll update this list if we see more pop up throughout the day. If you stumble upon a good one, please let us know in the conversation below!

Revelate Designs Whatever Handlebar Bag

The new Revelate Designs Whatever Handlebar Bag is almost entirely made out of all bikepackers’ favorite accessory: urethane straps. It features four mounting straps for a super secure setup and five straps for quick access to your front load. There are more daisy chains and attachment points for dangling other gear on both sides. Total volume: unlimited!

Old Man Mountain x North St. Bags Hike-a-Bike™

Old Man Mountain and North St. Bags have teamed up on what looks like the most capable hike-a-bike-specific bag/bike hauling pack we’ve seen. Aptly known as the Hike-a-Bike™, it’s part backpack, part rack carrier, part pannier carrier, and also has an axle mount to tow your bike behind you when the trail gets rough. “Why put the entire bike on your back and carry all that weight when you can tow it behind you? Sure there are rules about the wheels not being allowed to touch the ground, but if those rules didn’t exist this would work great!” – Erik Fenner, Old Man Mountain Marketing Director

Widefoot Hot Dog Holder

Designed to efficiently and effectively transport cylindrical snacks while cycling, the new Widefoot Hot Dog Holder is a minimal cargo cage described as the “most significant breakthrough in cycling equipment since 2003.” It has a full stainless steel construction, it is made in the USA, and it’s optimized for hot dog carrying duties.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Widefoot (@widefootusa)

Ratio Ovalsized Jockey Wheels

Ratio Tech, makers of the popular 1×12 Upgrade Kit , released their new Ovalsized™ Jockey Wheels. Using the latest biomimicry techniques, Ratio took inspiration from dinosaur eggs to optimize the local curvature at a continuum of points around the circumference of each of the Ovalsized™ jockeys. Maximum efficiency is achieved twice in each jockey’s rotation cycle, when the reduced articulation angle of each engaged chain link decreases fatigue and induces psych by up to 37%.

Each 20 tooth jockey wheel is designed specifically for use with a 40-tooth chainring; not only does peak efficiency occur four times per cycle, but the variable chain take-up preloads the derailleur’s cage spring, increasing chain tension to propel you forwards.

Neutron Components Brake Butter

Neutron Components is addressing over-powerful brakes with the world’s first MTB-specific rotor lubricant: Brake Butter. From Neutron: “So how does it work? Well the secret is in our Faux Crashima Coating; by suspending nano-particles of Oxygenated Tert-Butylamine in a matrix of low-shear scoparium we’ve been able to strike the perfect balance between not-quite- and just-enough braking power. Our engineers have packaged that all up in a specially-developed polymer shell with integrated helical butter delivery device to allow riders to adjust their brake modulation with pinpoint accuracy.”

Cedaero Pizza Oven

The new Cedaero Pizza Oven is a one-of-a-kind front rack bag that’s perfectly sized for two large pizzas. It’s made from 1000-denier Cordura, 210-denier nylon liner, has foam stiffeners in all panels, and is made in the USA. And yes, the Piza Oven bag is actually for sale! Check it out here .

Lael Wilcox: The Bikepacker’s Pantry

If there’s someone who knows about meal prepping and eating healthy as an ultra-endurance athlete, it’s Lael Wilcox. We couldn’t be more excited to share the first episode of her new mini-series with Condé Nast Traveler, The Bikepacker’s Pantry . Watch the first episode below, and stay tuned for more.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lael Wilcox (@laelwilcox)

Take a Trip x Louis Vuitton Monogram Ziploc

Take a Trip Bags in Oregon has teamed up with Louis Vuitton in Paris, France, on what might just be the the pinnacle of practical luxury. Each bag is handmade in their atelier, from start to finish, by a single craftsman. Featuring an effortless magnetic closure, it’s the perfect bag for the discerning individual who wants a side of style with their sandwiches. Each bag will set you back $50, and they ship within 3-5 weeks. Learn more here .

Hudski Follow-Cam Kite “FCK it”

Having friends to shoot your weekly follow-cam shots is totally overrated, and Hudski Bikes in California decided to address this with their new Follow-Cam Kite, or “FCK it” for short. “No batteries needed, no fancy drone piloting necessary, just traditional Japanese kit making and an iPhone. Huck it and FCK it!”

Appleman WILD Paint

Appleman’s new WILD finish option for their lineup of US-made cranks includes splatter, fades, and infill, and for the first time, it’s also available in a limited edition “KIDS” version. The “KIDS” cranks include weather-resistant, permanent adhesive stickers that will never lift, rub, or wear off your cranks. Rainbows, unicorns, and especially rainbow unicorn stickers are seasonal, elusive, fleeting, and have limited availability. Cupcake stickers are available by request.

Velo Orange Drillium Water Bottle

Igor at Velo Orange just released a fantastic bike hack that’s guaranteed to reduce weight on your rig while still allowing you to use that beloved stainless steel bottle you can’t leave home without. The Drillium Water Bottle hack is simple, effective, and free as long (as you have access to a drill). Saving unnecessary weight has never been easier.

Prologo Nago R4 Nigiri

Italian saddle manufacturer Prologo is pushing saddle innovation to a new level with their Nago R4 Nigiri saddle. The cover of the NAGO R4 Nigiri is made of a 100% natural material never used before in cycling: salmon, with its vibrant colors and refined texture. Paired with a rice padding layer, the Nago R4 Nigiri combines the best of performance and taste into one comfortable saddle.

Starling Cycles: April Fools Comes Every Day In The Bike Industry!

April Fools’ Day is all about fooling people. Starling Cycles’ Joe McEwan reckons the industry spends every day fooling people that more bikes mean more speed, more performance, and more fun—if we chase the latest and the greatest, then we’ll be better riders. For this year’s April Fools’, Joe went on a bit of a rant, talking all about what he says is the joke that gets played on everyone every day of the year by the bike industry.

Road Runner Barrel Burrito Bag

Road Runner Bags’ new Barrel Burrito Bag is as wide as a barrel and as long as moose antlers. It looks perfect for carrying tubes, tools, tires, and an entire grocery run. In fact, there’s even room for a floor pump, so you’ll never have to use a pesky tiny hand pump ever again. Total capacity: 42.069L.

Durston x Zpacks Du-X-Plex-Mid-Zip-Pro-Offset-2 tent

We love a good collaboration, so it’s exciting to see Durston Gear and Zpacks team up on a brand new tent. The Durston x Zpacks Du-X-Plex-Mid-Zip-Pro-Offset-2 tent is ultralight and best-in-class, and that’s pretty much all we know. Oh, and it’s likely made from Dyneema.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zpacks (@zpacks)

Hope Smart Freehub and smartHub App

Hope Technology’s app easily allows riders to tune and customize their hub, providing the opportunity to bring back hub sounds from the past. Using the app, you can now select your hub and freehub model of your choice, and dial in the sound with the Hope Sound Selector. “We’ve seen the revival of vinyl and analog film, so why not use tech to bring back the Hope sounds of old? Customers tell us all the time how they miss the noise of Pro 2 or the buzz of an older hub, so we thought why not give them the option.”

Ortlieb X-Tremer QR

The new Ortlieb X-Tremer QR is the first bag in Ortlieb’s new X-Tremepacking lineup. Gone are the days of not having enough packing space with massive capacity and backpack straps, allowing you to carry everything and anything you want at camp, including potted plants and full-sized sleeping cots.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ORTLIEB (@ortlieb_waterproof)

Musguard Fussguards

Best known for their lineup of foldable, lightweight fenders, Musguard is back with what looks like a totally functional fender option for both on and off the bike. The Fussguards attach directly to your ankles, use the same lightweight design as their rear fender, and are guarenteed to keep splashback from walking around on wet surfaces off your premium denim jeans.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by MUSGUARD (@musguard)

5DEV Billet Pedals

They haven’t shared many details yet, but Californian component manufacturer 5DEV teased some interesting new pedals that look like the epitome of raw . Unfinished, un-machined, and no grip to speak of. Keep an eye out for them at Sea Otter 2024.

DT Swiss x Cocuma Caffe Hub Grinder

The wheel experts at DT Swiss have teamed up with Cocuma Caffè in Switzerland on what might be the world’s first hub designed specfically to grind fresh beans. Simply pack your hub full of your bean of choice, ride around for an unspecified amount of time, and then dump the freshly ground coffee out for your next coffee outside meetup.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by DT Swiss official (@dtswiss)

Bike Flights Galactic Service

Selling a bike out of your solar system? That’s no problem with Bike Flights’ new service option, Galactic Service. Whether you’re selling a bike or purchasing a rare frame from another planet, Bike Flights Galactic Service will ensure the goods are delivered safely and swiftly, anywhere in the galaxy.

Sawyer Filter Fashion

Sawyer’s new lineup of cozy, insulated filter outfits is guaranteed to keep your filter looking fresh while also ensuring it doesn’t freeze at night and clean was tossed around at camp. As an added bonus, your filter will feel confident and comfortable, which is often overlooked when using water filters.

Enlightened Equipment Torrid Shorts

The new Enlightened Equipment Torrid Shorts, or “Torts” for short, feature all the same specs as their insulated Torrid Pants, but with a 5″ inseam and scalloped sides for unwavering style points. They have 2oz/yd² CLIMASHIELD™ APEX insulation, an ultralight 10D nylon construction, and a 3/32” shock cord at the waist for easy adjustment.

Rene Herse Floating Chain

Rene Herse is taking analog shifting to the next level with the Floating Chain. This system is lighter, has less resistance, and costs far less than all derailleur systems available today. The Floating Chain system uses a triple crank and just a single-speed freewheel on the rear, allowing the chain to float freely when riding in the smaller two rings. Jan Heine, head of R&D at Rene Herse Cycles, explained: “One-by drivetrains have simplified bicycle gearing, but it’s time to go a step further. Most cyclists need only three gears: one for uphills, one for flat roads, and one for downhills. The steps between these gears tend to be relatively large. Large steps between three gears are easiest to accommodate on the front, with a triple crank. So we’ve effectively turned the one-by around and put all the gears on the front.” Read more here .

Did we miss any? If you’ve seen any more good April fools’ stunts from bike or outdoor companies, please leave us a note in the conversation below…

Further Reading

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info...

2023 April Foolery in the Bike Industry

2022 April Fools’ Day Roundup

2021 April Fools’ Day Roundup

Introducing the CIRTOMGB? Mobile App

Introducing the new BIKEPACKING.com x Voile Micro-Nano Strap

New Ultralight Waterproof Bags and a Hub Volume Adjustment Knob

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