Rich in breathtaking scenery and must-see attractions, Nga Haerenga (‘The Journeys’) is an unforgettable way to explore New Zealand. Mostly off-road and traversing a remarkable range of landscapes, the Great Rides offer adventures for almost every age and ability.

Renting a bike is easy in New Zealand; plenty of rental providers can be found in the main centres that surround each of the Great Rides. Choose to explore a trail for an hour, a day or a week; whichever fits in with your itinerary.

New Zealand’s longest cycle trail serves up epic vistas on its way from the foot of the Southern Alps all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

The trail starts at Aoraki/Mt Cook, offering riders the opportunity to soak up the stunning mountain scenery and explore the national park village before pedalling off down a glacier-carved valley. The trail skirts Lake Pukaki towards Twizel. An equally enjoyable alternative start follows canal paths and single track across the golden highlands between Lake Tekapo and Twizel. 

The trail ranges across grades 2–3 (easy to intermediate), with each section detailed on the A2O website.

This excellent cycle trail is New Zealand’s original Great Ride follows an old railway line through beautiful, big-sky country with the bonus of legendary hospitality.

Following the path of the former railway route between Clyde and Middlemarch, the Otago Central Rail Trail offers easy riding through ever-changing scenery. There are plenty of diverting sights both on and near the trail, including eerie tunnels, unusual bridges, abandoned gold diggings and stacks of historic buildings in styles from agrarian to art deco.

This is one of the easiest New Zealand Cycle Trails, a grade 1 cruise with a smooth, wide surface and almost entirely flat gradient with the occasional long incline.

Survey mountainous southern scenery while pedalling between attractions including wineries on this great cycle trail. Then bungy jump bridge and historic Arrowtown.

Starting in Queenstown’s colourful municipal gardens and hugging the lakeshore through to Frankton and beyond, back-dropped by the Remarkables and passing cafes along the way. Terrain mostly ranges across grades 2–3 (easy to intermediate).

Enjoy a leisurely cycle trail tour along a sparkling coast and through picturesque countryside dotted with local art galleries, vineyards and restaurants.

Tasman’s Great Taste Trail is a network of cycleways threaded inland and along the coast, linking Nelson, Wakefield, Richmond, Motueka and Kaiteriteri. The full circuit is 174km, but this trail lends itself to tailored day-rides allowing plenty of time for enjoying the sights. 

Most of the trail is grade 1–2 (easiest to easy), being flat, smooth and suitable for riders of all abilities.

Get to know the wild West Coast on a heritage cycle trail amidst the rainforest, tumbling rivers, unspoiled lakes, raw beaches, and the Southern Alps.

The West Coast Wilderness Trail is divided up into four roughly equal sections between Greymouth, Kumara, Cowboy Paradise, Hokitika and Ross. This trail is grade 2 (easy) and therefore suitable for riders from beginners upwards, being wide and smooth most of the way.