About Us
We started running cycle tours over 10 years ago. We were the original company to operate cycle tours on the Alps 2 Ocean trail, under the name “A2O Cycle Tours”. The business grew and evolved with the development of New Zealand’s Great Rides – a network of world-class cycle trails that explore our most beautiful landscapes. As these trails were developed the business developed more tours to include the Around the Mountains, West Coast Wilderness, Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold trails. These were purpose-built cycle trails, not built on old disused railway lines and so the business changed its name to “Not A Rail Trail”.
In 2019 the business changed hands and commenced the next stage of its journey. We deliberately held a prolonged handover period during the 2019/20 season to ensure we carried over the most important attributes of the business. Our principles of quality and value remain fundamental and our core cycle trail tours have not changed to any significant extent. They have been carefully developed over many years and we will continue to make small improvements. Our returning customers continue to enjoy the same high quality and attention to detail as they have always experienced.
This coming season, we are launching a new style of tour that combines cycling with other activities. These tours are aimed at people looking for an active holiday with a range of balanced activities as opposed to riding every kilometer of a particular cycle trail. We have cherry-picked the best sections of riding from our cycle tours to provide a truly unique way to experience New Zealand’s great outdoors.
As the business entered this next phase, we felt it needed a new name that encapsulates the new spirit and direction.
Escape by Cycle.