With its dramatic landscapes, off-the-beaten-path charm, and ever-growing network of trails, New Zealand is a dream destination for cycling enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned road cyclist, a gravel grinder, or a casual rider looking to soak in the scenery, Aotearoa offers a trail for every pace and pedal stroke. Learn about New Zealand’s Best Bike Trails.
From the mountains of the South Island to the geothermal valleys of the North, this guide explores the best bike trails in New Zealand for unforgettable scenic rides — ranging from leisurely rail trails to multi-day adventures through national parks and wine country.
Otago Central Rail Trail – South Island
📍 Clyde to Middlemarch | 152 km | 2–4 days | Easy–Moderate
New Zealand’s original Great Ride, the Otago Central Rail Trail follows an old railway line through the heart of Otago. It winds through historic gold mining towns, rugged hills, and scenic viaducts, offering a gentle, car-free ride perfect for all levels.
🚴 Highlights:
- Tunnel rides and dramatic bridges
- Stops in charming towns like Ophir and Ranfurly
- Wine tasting and local food along the way
📝 Best for: Multi-day scenic adventure with heritage vibes
Timber Trail – North Island
📍 Pureora Forest Park | 85 km | 1–2 days | Moderate–Challenging
Winding through ancient native forest, the Timber Trail is one of the most immersive wilderness rides in the country. With suspension bridges, towering podocarps, and fascinating logging history, it offers both natural beauty and a sense of remote adventure.
🚴 Highlights:
- 35m-high suspension bridges
- Rich Māori and logging heritage
- Option to stay in trail lodges or huts
📝 Best for: Nature lovers and intermediate riders wanting backcountry beauty
Rotorua Trails – North Island
📍 Rotorua, Bay of Plenty | 100+ km of trails | Easy to Advanced
Rotorua isn’t just known for its geothermal wonders — it’s also a mountain biking and cycling hotspot, with a mix of urban cycleways, forest trails, and volcanic terrain. The trail network is incredibly diverse, making Rotorua a must-ride destination for everyone from families to downhill pros.
🚴 Highlights:
- Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods): Home to over 130 km of world-class mountain bike trails, winding through towering Californian redwoods and geothermal landscapes.
- Sulphur Point Trail: An easy, family-friendly ride along the lakefront with views of steaming vents and bubbling mud.
- Te Ara Ahi – Thermal by Bike: A 48 km Great Ride linking four major geothermal areas, with options to soak in hot pools after your ride.
📝 Best for:
- Mountain bikers, recreational riders, and families
- Pairing cycling with Rotorua’s Māori cultural experiences and hot pools
- Year-round riding thanks to a mild climate and well-maintained tracks
🧠 Insider Tip: Check out Skyline Rotorua Gravity Park if you’re into downhill biking — it’s New Zealand’s first year-round gondola-accessed MTB park!
Hawke’s Bay Trails – North Island
📍 Napier, Havelock North, and surrounds | 200+ km | Easy
This expansive trail network crisscrosses wine country, coastal boardwalks, and riverside paths, offering a relaxed cycling experience with lots of sunshine and winery stops.
🚴 Highlights:
- Cape Kidnappers and seaside riding
- Flat trails ideal for e-bikes and families
- Dozens of cellar doors and gourmet stops
📝 Best for: Wine lovers, foodies, and laid-back cruisers
Alps 2 Ocean Trail – South Island
📍 Aoraki/Mt Cook to Oamaru | 315 km | 5–7 days | Moderate
This iconic ride starts beneath New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and finishes on the Pacific Coast. It features glaciers, braided rivers, turquoise lakes, and friendly towns.
🚴 Highlights:
- Lake Pukaki and Lake Ōhau views
- Clay cliffs and Mackenzie Basin scenery
- Star-gazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve
📝 Best for: Scenic photographers and riders wanting a rewarding, epic journey
Great Taste Trail – Nelson/Tasman, South Island
📍 Nelson to Kaiteriteri | 174 km | Easy–Moderate
The Tasman’s Great Taste Trail lives up to its name. This coastal route combines seaside views, craft breweries, orchards, and artisan food stops, with an easy gradient that’s ideal for all ages.
🚴 Highlights:
- Riding past golden beaches and vineyards
- Gateway to Abel Tasman National Park
- Perfect for day trips or overnight escapes
📝 Best for: Food-focused adventurers and family rides
Remutaka Cycle Trail – North Island
📍 Wellington to Wairarapa | 115 km | Moderate
This four-section trail links the capital city to wine country, passing through forested ranges, an old railway tunnel, and the windswept South Coast. A scenic journey through changing landscapes and local history.
🚴 Highlights:
- Ride through the Remutaka Rail Tunnel
- Spot seals along the South Coast section
- End in Martinborough for wine and relaxation
📝 Best for: Riders seeking variety in scenery and terrain
West Coast Wilderness Trail – South Island
📍 Greymouth to Ross | 135 km | 2–4 days | Easy–Moderate
Lush rainforests, wild rivers, and snow-capped mountains form the backdrop of the West Coast Wilderness Trail. It’s one of the most diverse trails in NZ, offering a rich natural experience with low elevation changes.
🚴 Highlights:
- Glacial valleys and swing bridges
- Historic gold-mining sites
- Wildlife encounters (watch for kea and weka!)
📝 Best for: Nature lovers and those wanting to unplug
🧭 Planning Tips for Cycling in New Zealand
🚲 When to Go
- Best months: November to April (warmer, drier)
- Some trails like Alps 2 Ocean and Timber Trail can be icy or closed in winter
🧢 What to Pack
- Helmet (required by law), repair kit, sunscreen, and layers
- Plenty of water and snacks on longer rides
- Camera — you’ll want to stop often!
🛌 Accommodation
- Many trails are supported by cycle-friendly B&Bs, lodges, and campgrounds
- Multi-day routes often offer luggage transfers and e-bike hire
🚴 E-Bikes Welcome!
- Most Great Rides are e-bike friendly, making longer distances and hills more accessible for casual riders
💭 Final Thoughts: Pedal Through Paradise
Whether you’re cycling through volcanic forests, alongside alpine lakes, or between sun-soaked vineyards, New Zealand offers some of the most scenic and diverse bike trails in the world. These rides aren’t just about fitness — they’re about immersion in the land, connection with local culture, and the joy of slow travel.
So saddle up, follow the trail markers, and prepare for some of the most memorable cycling moments of your life.
👉 Need Help Planning Your Trip?
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