NZ Cycle Trail Guide eBook
Welcome to Nga Haerenga - the New Zealand Cycle Trail
The NZ Cycle Trail is a nationwide network of cycle tracks, each offering something distinct. Beginners and families will enjoy meandering along a wide, flat trail and admiring the views, expert riders will revel in the steep tracks and adrenalin-pumping twists and turns that other bike trails offer, while nature lovers will appreciate the isolation of the more remote trails.
It's not just the cycle rides themselves that provide the appeal. Along every route there are opportunities to stop and explore - you'll find breath-taking scenery not accessible by any other means, mingle with locals in remote townships and discover intriguing examples of New Zealand culture and heritage. The townships along the trails are guaranteed to give you a warm welcome and offer a chance to jump off the bike and relax for a while.
Many of the trails are well serviced by tourism operators with bike hire, accommodation and connecting transport available.
For more information please see nzcycletrail.com
Learn more about the NZ Cycle Trail
Introduction |
Plan Your Ride |
Rules of the Road |
North Island Map |
South Island Map |
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Twin Coast Cycle Trail (Easiest to Easy) |
Hauraki Rail Trail (Easiest) |
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Bay of Islands to Hokianga Harbour You will pass through some of New Zealand's earliest settlements on this relaxing Far North journey. Hand-carved pou along the trail tell the history of the area. 2 days - 87km |
Thames to Waihi / Te Aroha This trail's many highlights include great views across the Hauraki Plains, the magnificent Karangahake Gorge, a historic gold-mining town, quirky townships and mineral spas. 2 days - 126km |
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Waikato River Trails (Easy to Expert) |
Motu Trails (Easy to Advanced) |
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Karapiro to Atiamuri This trail follows New Zealand's longest river, bringing your senses to life as you connect with nature at its best. Experience the rich history and hospitality of heartland New Zealand. 1-4 days - 103km |
3 trails from Opotiki / Matawai
You have three trails to choose from with the option of combining them all. Enjoy awesome riding along fabulous beaches and through gorgeous native forest. 1-3 days - 10-91km |
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Hawke's Bay Trails (Easiest to Intermediate) |
Te Ara Ahi Thermal by Bike (Easy to Intermediate) |
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3 trails from Napier / Hastings Mostly flat, this network of river and coastal trails stretches over the Heretaunga Plains. The three distinct trails are the Landscapes Ride, Water Ride and Wineries Ride. 1-4 days - 185km |
Rotorua to Waikite Valley This thermal by bike trail offers a remarkable adventure through a thermal wonderland of steaming vents, bubbling mud pools and spectacular geysers. 2 days - 48km |
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Great Lake Trail (Intermediate) |
The Timber Trail (Easy to Intermediate) |
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Waihaha to Whakaipo Bay Great all-weather riding along the western shores of beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. Ride through native forest with views across the lake to Tongariro National Park. 2-3 days - 71km |
Pureora to Ongarue Rejuvenate your spirit with a ride through ancient forests. You will be wowed by the splendour of the forest and the views from eight large suspension bridges. 2 days - 85km |
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Mountains to Sea Trail (Easy to Advanced) |
Remutaka Cycle Trail (Easy to Intermediate) |
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Ohakune / National Park Village to Whanganui From the fringes of the majestic Mt Ruapehu to Whanganui and the sea, this cycle trail traverses two national parks that are rich in natural attractions and cultural heritage. 3-5 days - 233km (32km river) |
Petone to Orongorongo From the head of Wellington Harbour, this trail circumnavigates the bush-clad Remutaka mountain range, passing through old rail tunnels and skirting around the wild southern coast. 2-3 days - 115km |
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Queen Charlotte Track (Intermediate to Advanced) |
Dun Mountain Trail (Intermediate to Advanced) |
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Ship Cove to Anakiwa This trail's scenery is epic. Ride through lush coastal forest, around gorgeous bays and along skyline ridges, which afford sublime views of both Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru sounds. 2-3 days - 70km |
Round trip from Nelson
You will climb to a height of 878m along New Zealand's first railway line on this alpine trail from Nelson. Allow a whole day to fully appreciate the views from this distinctive mountain. 4-6 hours - 38km |
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Tasman's Great Taste Trail (Easy to Intermediate) |
The Old Ghost Road Trail (Advanced) |
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Nelson Round Trip This trail offers panoramic views over Tasman Bay and the western ranges, taking in boardwalks along the edge of the Waimea Estuary, home to significant bird species. 3-5 days - 159km |
Lyell to Seddonville A remote wilderness experience for advanced riders, the trail passes mining relics of a bygone era and ascends through swathes of native forest to reach breathtaking views. 2-4 days - 85km |
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West Coast Wilderness Trail (Easy) |
St James Cycle Trail (Easy to Advanced) |
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Greymouth to Ross In the midst of the Southern Alps are tracks carved by pioneering gold miners and these, along with water races, logging tramways and historic railway lines, form this trail. 4 days - 132km |
Maling Pass Car Park to St James Homestead An enthralling and challenging journey that passes through the iconic St James Station and includes diverse landscapes such as mountain peaks, beech forest and grassy river flats. 1-2 days - 64km |
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Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail (Easy to Intermediate) |
Otago Central Rail Trail (Easiest) |
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Aoraki Mt Cook Village to Oamaru Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is the longest continuous ride in New Zealand. The trail descends 3754m from our highest mountain, taking in some of the country's best scenery. 6 days - 306km |
Clyde to Middlemarch Journey to the heart of Central Otago on New Zealand's original 'Great Ride'. This is big-sky country with dry and rocky landscapes, sheep stations, river gorges, tunnels and viaducts. 1-5 days - 152km |
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Roxburgh Gorge Trail (Easy to Intermediate) |
Clutha Gold Trail (Easy) |
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Alexandra to Roxburgh Dam The bluffs rising almost 350m at their most dramatic point along the river and gold-mining history play a big part in the attraction of this trail. 1 day - 34km |
Lake Roxburgh Dam to Lawrence This trail follows the mighty Clutha Mata-au River as it weaves through trees and traverses the beautiful Beaumont Gorge. It branches into farming valleys and a historic railway line. 2 days - 73km |
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The Queenstown Trail (Easy to Intermediate) |
Around the Mountains Trail (Easiest to Intermediate) |
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Round trip from Queenstown Taking in the Gibbston wine area, historic Arrowtown and breathtaking Lake Hayes, Frankton and Queenstown, this route includes hidden ruins and historic bridges. 2-3 days - 120km |
Kingston to Walter Peak Follow the route of the Kingston Flyer railway from Kingston, at the southern tip of Lake Wakatipu, and then around the Eyre Mountains, through secluded and rustic settings. 4-5 days - 180km |