10 Biking Trails in New Zealand That You Shouldn't Miss

March 29, 2022 Jacquiline Delozier

New Zealand (/njuːˈziːlənd/ ( listen); Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and around 600 smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country's varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.
Restaurants in New Zealand

1. Otago Central Rail Trail

Alexandra, 9340 New Zealand +64 3-447 3271 [email protected] https://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 1,149 reviews

Otago Central Rail Trail

The Otago Central Rail Trail - New Zealand's Original Great Ride. Open all year round this cycleway takes you through 152kms of remarkable Central Otago landscape away from roads and vehicles, yet never far from the next town. Whether you start from Clyde or Middlemarch, the wide easy gradient is suitable for riders, walkers and cyclists of all ages. You may choose to go solo, or share the experience with friends, either way it's a trail of discovery best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Discover historic villages, enjoy local food and drink and the famous southern hospitality. As you travel through this untamed natural environment there is plenty to explore on and off the trail. Don't miss this 'must do' experience.

Reviewed By talloaks1

We completed the Otago rail trail at the beginning of this week starting in Clyde and ending in Middlemarch. We had an awesome tour operator Nick, who went above and beyond and organised awesome accommodation including his own home, a well appointed home near St Bathans. We loved the whole experience including curling in Naseby. Highly recommend, especially on an E - bike for this 58 year old!

2. North Western Cycleway

Auckland New Zealand
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

North Western Cycleway

3. Timber Trail NZ

Barryville Road Pureora Village, Pureora Forest Park 3987 New Zealand +64 21 403 036 [email protected] http://timbertrail.nz
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
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5.0 based on 204 reviews

Timber Trail NZ

The Timber Trail with it’s accessibility to stunning forest, steeped in history and packed with flowing trails, has cemented itself as one of NZ’s favourite offroad adventure cycle trails. In the heart of the Pureora Forest, and easily accessed from Taumaranui, Ongarue, Te Kuiti or via Benneydael as gateways. Generally ridden over two days , the trail features stunning podocarp forest, spectacular gorges traversed by incredible suspension bridges (35 bridges to be crossed en route) and historic tramways. Discover ancient Maori stories and history, learn about the pioneering foresters and those those more modern pioneers that fought to keep this forest for all of us (and the flora and fauna) somewhere to enjoy for the future. Travelling from Pureora in the east to Ongarue in the west, most cyclists choose to stay mid trail in one of the comfortable lodges, or camp at the Department of Conservation campsite. Shuttle services and pacakges are available - see website.

Reviewed By Jamjarz - Auckland, New Zealand

This is a great ride and challenging enough to provide the satisfaction of completing the 83Zkm trail. The trail is in great condition and even with torrential rain we experienced on day 2, it held up well.

4. Clutha Gold Trail

120 Scotland Street, Roxburgh 9500 New Zealand +64 3-446 8920 [email protected] http://www.cluthagold.co.nz
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
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5.0 based on 100 reviews

Clutha Gold Trail

The Clutha Gold Trail is one of the ‘Great Rides’ of Nga Haerenga The New Zealand Cycle Trail. Open year-round, this smooth, wide, well-formed trail over undulating, flat and meandering terrain requires moderate fitness. Whether you walk or ride, the trail offers a unique heritage experience in a diverse and stunning landscape - a journey of discovery around every corner.

Reviewed By Kiwibird248 - Christchurch, New Zealand

This trail has a different character to the Roxburgh Gorge Trail and the Otago Rail Trail. The first section from the Roxburgh Dam is beside the river. Millers Flat is a lovely place to stop for refreshments. In the following section from Millers Flat to Beaumont it is worth taking the time to visit the bridge at Horseshoe Bend. And, prior to Lawrence the Big Hill Tunnel is fun to ride through. It is a pleasant and peaceful trail on a well-maintained track.

5. Te Awa The Great New Zealand River Ride

Ngaruawahia 3200 New Zealand
Excellent
84%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
5%
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5.0 based on 37 reviews

Te Awa The Great New Zealand River Ride

Te Awa is a free, accessible walk/cycleway that has an overarching positioning of lushness, water, rural green landscape & pockets of native bush. When complete, the Great NZ River Ride will travel 70 kms along the shoreline of New Zealand’s largest & longest river – the mighty Waikato

Reviewed By JulietR760

We loved our ride along the mighty Waikato. The bike trail is really well serviced and signposted. Rent your bikes from Electrify River Riders - they’re awesome!!

6. The Old Ghost Road

Lyell Upper Buller Gorge, Westport 7825 New Zealand +64 3-280 8920 [email protected] http://www.oldghostroad.org.nz/adventures/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 297 reviews

The Old Ghost Road

Experience an unforgettable adventure on The Old Ghost Road via our range of exciting new packages. Choose from one of our options and then sit back and let us help connect you with the magic of The Old Ghost Road.

Reviewed By 66kiwitraveller - Dunedin, New Zealand

4 of us walked TOGR over 4 nights, 5 days. It was awesome. We walked south to north, and the first two days it rained, so on Day 3 when we awoke to beautiful blue skies we walked back 2.5klms without our packs first thing in the morning from Ghost Lake hut, so that we could see the views from Heavens Door and the Tombstone. So glad we did, the views were absolutely worth it. The terrain and scenery on this track is ever changing, and always spectacular. Great huts, well equipped and plenty of hand sanitiser available. Thanks to the people who built this track and to those who maintain it. Loved it!

7. Waitangi Mountain Bike Park

33 Bayly Road Bring a packed luch from the cafe, Waitangi 0230 New Zealand +64 21 187 8192 [email protected] http://www.wmbp.nz/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 62 reviews

Waitangi Mountain Bike Park

A family-friendly mountain bike park located in Waitangi. Currently up to 50km of professionally built trails with many more planned for development. Trail grades range from Grade 2 (Beginners) to Grade 5 (Advanced) so something for all. Riders are encouraged to Register to Ride for either $10 a day, $40 (adults annual donation), $25 (kids annual donation). This registration donation goes straight back into trail building and track maintenance to keep the tracks awesome for you all. Many businesses in the Bay of Islands have volunteered incentives to encourage bike riders to donate in this way. Onsite, Paihia Mountain Bikes run the hire out high-quality Mountain Bikes (kids bikes, front suspension, full suspension and E-bikes) that are perfect for exploring the tracks, along with Uplift Shuttles within the park (shuttles run weekends and school holidays). There is also the Waitangi MTB Café that runs during the weekends serving smoothies, snacks and coffees.

Reviewed By tmrnz

Super helpful and relaxed staff. Amazing value. Extensive, enjoyable well maintained tracks for kids and novices. Beautiful location. Loved the coffee at the cafe, super friendly, and sure will see wider range and some healthy options on offer as this amazing community built park grows in popularity. Highly recommend. We’ll be back.

8. Woodhill Mountain Bike Park

Restall Road, Woodhill, Auckland New Zealand +64 27 278 0949 [email protected] http://www.bikeparks.co.nz
Excellent
65%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.5 based on 89 reviews

Woodhill Mountain Bike Park

Reviewed By _moniquedk2008 - Auckland Central, New Zealand

Visited Woodhill Bike Park as first time riders, we were pleasantly surprised to find the challenging yet fun beginners course. We were able to go around several times until we were too exhausted to continue. Found fellow riders very patient and friendly. Big shout out to the wonderful guys at Woodhill Bike Park. Great customer service (with a smile) from the initial phone call to book the bikes to the last goodbye. Thank you very much!

9. West Coast Wilderness Trail

80 Tainui Street, Hokitika 7805 New Zealand +64 3-755 6166 [email protected] http://www.westcoastwildernesstrail.co.nz.
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4.5 based on 220 reviews

West Coast Wilderness Trail

The West Coast Wilderness Trail is a 132 km Grade 2 easy cycle trail that takes the rider through some of the most stunning and diverse scenery the West Coast of the South Island has to offer. The Trail is part of the Great Rides Nga Haerenga network and can be ridden in entirety over 4 days or there are many options available for one day rides and shorter multi day rides.

10. Orewa – Te Ara Tahuna Estuary Cycleway

214A Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa, Auckland New Zealand https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/get-outdoors/aklpaths/Pages/path-detail.aspx?ItemId=27
Excellent
68%
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4.5 based on 94 reviews

Orewa – Te Ara Tahuna Estuary Cycleway

Reviewed By Lindyloo1948

So many things to do. There is a great walk/cycle track around the estuary. There is a wharf to jump off when the tide is in. Very safe place to use a paddle board or kayak.

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