Cycling is a beautiful way for everyone to stay active and healthy. It’s a low-impact exercise that can improve cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, and increase flexibility. Additionally, cycling is a fun activity that can be enjoyed solo or with a group of friends and can be done outdoors or indoors.
New Zealand is a beautiful country with breathtaking landscapes, making it an excellent destination for cycling enthusiasts. People who love cycling will be happy to know there are several cycling tours in New Zealand suitable for everyone – whether you are an expert rider or you haven’t ridden a bike in 30 years!.
The Top 3 Cycle TOUrs Suitable for Everyone
New Zealand offers a range of cycling tours suitable for everyone. Alps 2 Ocean, West Coast Wilderness Trail, and Clutha Canyons are three of the best cycling tours providing stunning scenery, leisurely cycling, and plenty of accommodation options. Everyone who loves cycling should consider one of these tours as their next adventure!
Pick #1: Alps 2 Ocean
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is a fantastic option for everyone who loves to bike with their friends and want to explore the stunning scenery of New Zealand’s South Island. This 316 km trail takes cyclists through various landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and rolling hills.
The trail is well-marked and relatively flat, perfect even for people without a lot of riding experience who want to enjoy the scenery leisurely. There are also plenty of rest stops and accommodation options along the way, so our guests can take their time and enjoy the trail at their own pace, without feeling rushed.
One of the trail’s highlights is the ability to explore the beautiful Mackenzie Basin by bike, home to some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery. The trail crosses golden tussock high country, past stunning lakes and braided rivers on it’s way to the Pacific Ocean. You will ride past some incredible glacial lakes – Pukaki and Ohau, famous for their bright turquoise colour and stunning mountain backdrop. Then follow a series of huge hydro lakes – Benmore, Aviemore and Waitaki on one of the most spectactular days of the tour.
The trail also takes cyclists through Waitaki Valley, home to several historic buildings and beautiful scenery. Our guests will enjoy exploring the area’s history and geography as you journey towards the ocean.
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail offers various options for accommodation, ranging from camping to comfortable lodges, ensuring all cyclists can choose an option that suits their preferences and budget. However our tours stay at only the best accommodation. We carry all luggage so our guests can ride light and enjoy the ride without worrying about carrying their belongings.
We provide a fully supported tour, with all the benefits of being self-guided but without the hassle. This means we provide a dedicated tour guide providing vehicle support throughout the tour while our guests can choose their own pace and enjoy the trail with their friends. The course suits all fitness levels, and levels of riding experience.
Pick #2: West Coast Wilderness Trail
The West Coast is one of the hidden gems of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery. And the West Coast Wilderness Trail is a must-do for people who love biking and want to experience New Zealand’s breathtaking scenery up close. The trail includes 132 km of riding and takes cyclists through lush native forests, into the foothills of the Southern Alps, past stunning coastline, making it the perfect adventure for nature lovers.
The trail is relatively flat, with a fairly gentle gradient, which makes it perfect for those who want to enjoy the stunning scenery at a relaxed pace. The route is well-marked, making it easy to navigate, and there are plenty of rest stops and accommodation options along the way. The trail takes cyclists through a range of landscapes, from beautiful native forests to the rugged coastlines of the West Coast.
The West Coast Wilderness Trail offers various options for accommodation, ranging from camping to comfortable lodges, ensuring that everyone can choose the option that suits their preferences and budget.
Escpae by Cycle’s West Coast Wilderness tour is a 6 day tour starting from Christchurch and finishing in Queenstown. We ride the full length of the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail. But the tour includes so much more than just cycling. We include a full range of sights and activities to give you an amazing overall experience of the West Coast.
The tour begins an incredible journey through the mountains on the TransAlpine – one of the greatest train rides in the world. You’ll get to see the beautiful Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. The rocks are an unusual geological formation carved by the sea over millions of years, and the blowholes are natural vents that spout water and air, creating a beautiful display of nature’s power. We also include a visit to Shantytown Heritage Park – providing a fascinating glimpse what life was like for the early pioneers, miners and settlers on the West Coast during the Gold Rush. You’ll have the chance to see the beautiful Lake Kaniere and the stunning Hokitika Gorge, as well as experience the beautiful West Coast sunset from Ross Beach. We also visit Franz Josef glacier, learn about New Zealand’s most endangered kiwis and enjoy a thrilling jet boat ride on the Haast river into the heart of the Southern Alps.
The West Coast Wilderness Trail is one of New Zealand’s best guided cycle tours. Our guests learn about the area’s history and culture while cycling through the spectacular rugged scenery. Our guides are knowledgeable and experienced, ensuring everyone feels safe, supported and comfortable throughout the journey.
Pick #3: The Clutha Canyons
Escape by Cycle’s “Clutha Canyons” is a fantastic option for those wanted a supported adventure in New Zealand’s great outdoors. The tour follows New Zealand’s biggest river by volume, the Clutha or Mata-Au river in Central Otago, New Zealand, and includes 3 of New Zealand’s best cycle trails – the Lake Dunstan Trail, the Clutha Gold and the Roxburgh Gorge. We offer an all inclusive, fully-supported experience that allows everyone to enjoy the trail, regardless of cycling experience or fitness level.
The tour explores the Clutha River from it’s headwaters in the giant glacial lakes of Hawea and Wanaka, then follows it as it carves its way through a series of 3 huge river canyons on it’s journey to the sea. The river is famous for its crystal-clear blue waters, which are perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day. The Lake Dunstan Trail opened
The Clutha Canyons is a guided 6 day tour, which means that participants can learn about the area’s history and culture while enjoying the stunning rides. You’ll stay at beautiful accommodation, and eat at the best restaurants and cafes in the area. Our ebikes are well-maintained and in excellent condition. The guides are knowledgeable and experienced, providing full-vehicle support, ensuring participants feel safe and comfortable throughout the journey.
The tour includes a range of terrains, from easy and flat to hilly and challenging. Some people find the steep gorge walls and drop-offs can be a bit scary. But our high level of service and support ensures everyone will enjoy the tour. On the more challenging sections with no vehicle access, we provide a dedicated support rider to ride at the back of the group and provide support and guidance where necessary. We regularly help guests through the more challenging sections which they might not be comfortable riding by themselves.
One of the most exciting parts of the tour is the chance to explore the Clutha Canyons, a series of dramatic gorges and canyons carved by the Clutha River over millions of years. The canyons offer a unique and stunning landscape that will take your breath away.
This is an excellent option for people looking for an adventure in New Zealand’s great outdoors. With stunning scenery, superb accommodation and experienced guides providing top class support, this tour will surely be an unforgettable experience.
Experience the Adventure of a Lifetime
Escape by Cycle is New Zealand’s premier cycle tour company for those wanting to explore the South Island on two wheels. Our team of experienced guides will take you on unforgettable journeys where you can experience the beauty of nature, meet new people, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Thanks to our high level of support, our tours are suitable for a wide range of fitness and skill levels. Everyone can have a great time without feeling pressured to ride as a group or worry about slowing people down. We provide everything you need for your trip, including accommodation, meals, bikes and transportation. We provide support throughout the tour and we’re well equipped to deal with any problems that may arise so that all you have to do is show up and enjoy the ride!
Our guides are passionate about cycling and have extensive knowledge of the areas we visit. They will provide insider tips and recommendations to get the most out of your trip. Plus, we limit our group size to ensure a personalised experience and give you plenty of one-on-one attention.
Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to explore the world on two wheels. Book your trip with today and get ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime!
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