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South Island Bike tours

Our most recommended South Island Bike tours

Arrowtown: An Adventure Bike Ride To Queenstown

1. Arrowtown: An Adventure Bike Ride To Queenstown

Head out on a scenic 25-minute drive to Arrowtown. Get set up with your bike or E-bike, receive trail tips, a map, and a safety briefing, before departing on your self-guided adventure ride. Explore Arrowtown, and grab a coffee or brunch, before setting off to ride along the Arrow River Bridges Trail toward the Morven Ferry Intersection. From here, either take a diversion to the Kawarau Bungy Bridge or follow the Twin Rivers Trail along the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers to the shores of Lake Whakatipu. The trail then follows the lake's edge into Queenstown Bay, where you can return your bike to our shop (9 Duke Street). The minimum riding distance is 35 kms with a few decent hills. If you are unsure if you can handle the distance, or concerned about the hilly terrain, it's worth upgrading to an electric bike (for only $50 extra) to keep the good-times rolling.

From Arrowtown: Scenic Valley of the Vines Bike & Wine Tour

2. From Arrowtown: Scenic Valley of the Vines Bike & Wine Tour

Try local wine and enjoy a bike ride experience on the beautiful Twin Rivers Trail. Ride with ease with wide and easy-to-navigate bike trails. Add some excitement to your trip with a bungee jumping experience. Learn about the history of the area and become immersed in its wine culture. Start your tour with a 20-minute scenic shuttle into Arrowtown. Your guide will give you a brief lesson on the history of gold mining in the area and will share some intriguing facts about the town. Even try gold mining yourself. Arrive near the trail and, after a briefing, set off for 2-3 hours of riding time over 7 bridges, 2 rivers, and into the Valley of the Vines on your own time. Try any one of the dining options below for breakfast, lunch, or brunch. Brunch options: AB Bakeries - Arguably the best bakery in Otago. Fork and Tap - Great little pub with fantastic garden dining Provisions - Healthy breakfast, brunch, and lunch Slow Cuts - Hidden gem, casual dining – try the chicken burger Lunch options: Gibbston Tavern - Wood-fired oven Gibbston Valley - Grazing platters (book in advance) Enjoy pickup from the wineries and then return to Queenstown and partake in some optional karaoke.

Arrowtown To Gibbston Valley: Self-Guided Bike Ride

3. Arrowtown To Gibbston Valley: Self-Guided Bike Ride

Embark on a self-guided bike ride of Arrowtown and the Gibbston Wine Valley. After a scenic 25-minute shuttle from Queenstown, arrive in historic Arrowtown where our driver will provide you with an extensive briefing covering trail navigation and bike safety. Benefit from a detailed trail map to assist you on your journey before heading off on your cycling adventure. Enjoy passing through this historic gold-mining town before biking your way down the beautiful Arrow River Bridges Trail. Ride over the historic Kawarau Bungy Bridge and admire charming countryside views before finishing off at Gibbston Valley Winery. Relax and refresh briefly at the winery before being shuttled back to Queenstown.

Wanaka: Self Guided Bike Tour from Lake Hawea to Lake Wanaka

4. Wanaka: Self Guided Bike Tour from Lake Hawea to Lake Wanaka

Get the most bang for your buck as you experience the most popular of any bike trip in Wanaka. Start your journey in Wanaka Town center where you will meet the experienced team to get you fitted for your equipment and receive a comprehensive safety briefing. Then, enjoy a leisurely shuttle from downtown Wanaka to the neighboring lakeside town of Hawea. Feel free to grab a coffee from a local cafe before setting out on the Hawea River Track, an easy riverside amble set in mountainous surroundings. Pass by Albert Town, where there are a few places to grab a refreshment, before continuing along the mighty Clutha River towards its source at Lake Wanaka. A picturesque lakeside trail will lead you back to Wanaka township, where ice cream and the famous Wanaka Tree await. After arriving back to Wanaka, extend your ride with a visit to Rippon Vineyard at your leisure. This is an exceptional ride offering great value for money. Upgrade your trip to an e-bike for an easier ride.

Nelson to Mapua: Full-Day Cycling Self-Guided Adventure

5. Nelson to Mapua: Full-Day Cycling Self-Guided Adventure

Begin your adventure in Nelson where you’ll be fitted for your bikes and briefed on your tour. From there, cycle to Mapua on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. Explore Nelson City before following the blue Great Taste Trail markers which lead south to the seaside village of Mapua. Stop along the way at Nelson's Classic Car Museum. Visit the Honest Lawyer and enjoy the atmosphere of a country-style pub. Take a break from cycling and check out some of the many craft breweries and wineries along the way. Enjoy the trail’s coastal route. Take in phenomenal views from the Waimea Estuary and Farmland’s coastal boardwalks. Cross the spectacular Waimea Swing Bridge and then continue on to Rabbit Island. Take a swim in a freshwater swimming hole, or take a dip in the warm sea waters of Rabbit Island. Journey across the channel on the iconic Mapua Ferry. Land at Mapua Wharf and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, shops and the Golden Bear Boutique Brewery. After a day of exploring, sit down for dinner on the Mapua Wharf. Afterward, jump on the kiwi Journeys shuttle and return to Nelson.

Bike The Wineries: Self-Guided Bike Rides

6. Bike The Wineries: Self-Guided Bike Rides

This self-guided ride of the Gibbston Wine Valley begins with a scenic shuttle from Queenstown to either Arrowtown or Arrow Junction*. We'll get you fitted to a bike (or E-bike!) and briefed on the navigation by our experienced team. The bike trail follow the beautiful Arrow and Kawarau rivers, crossing over suspension bridges, to the Kawarau Bridge, home to the world-famous bungy jump. From there spend the afternoon biking at your leisure along the Gibbston River Trail, using our informative map to visit as many of the wineries linked throughout this gentle gravel trail. Enjoy a relaxed lunch en-route at one of the many venues on offer. We will pick you up from the winery of your choice and shuttle you back to Queenstown. **Please note: The Full Day option starts in Arrowtown. Both the 3/4 Day and Half-Day options start at one of our bike-hubs (Arrow Junction), approx. 5 kms from the Kawarau Suspension Bridge (from here it's around 30 mins easy ride to the nearest winery).

Queenstown: Guided E-Bike Tour with Winery Visits & Tastings

7. Queenstown: Guided E-Bike Tour with Winery Visits & Tastings

On this "Ride to the Vines" tour, you will cycle on a powerful e-bike that gives you an opportunity to ride faster and further. Thanks to the help of the bike, you will be able to spend most of your energy spotting interesting places and enjoying the local scenery along the way.  First, you will visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, and ride along the Arrow and Kawarau rivers. Crossing suspension bridges you will also visit the oldest bungy jumping bridge. Then the Gibbston Valley will welcome you with views of extensive vineyards as far as the eye can see.  At the boutique wineries, you will learn about the secrets of vine growing. Personalized wine tastings with your knowledgeable guide will make your trip exclusive and memorable.

Scenic Bike Adventure: Arrowtown to Queenstown with Shuttle

8. Scenic Bike Adventure: Arrowtown to Queenstown with Shuttle

What to Expect? "The scenery is out of this world, 10/10 would do this again.!" Alex L Trip Advisor "This trip was a highlight of our holiday in Queenstown!." Phillip G, Trip Advisor "This is definitely one of the best things to do in Queenstown, I have done it twice now." Dave Bain, Trip Advisor Starting with a 20 min scenic shuttle into Arrowtown. Let our guide give you a brief lesson into the history of Gold Mining and some intriguing facts about our exquisite town. Here, feel free to ask us anything about Queenstown or Arrowtown. Upon arrival next to the trail, it will take us 10-15 mins to show you how to ride the bikes and how to get back in one piece. We promise! Try any one of the dining options below for breakfast, lunch or brunch. In your own time make your way along the Twin River trail across 7 bridges and 3 outstanding rivers. You will not find anywhere in the world like this! The rivers are great for directions and our detailed maps and great signage mean you rarely get lost. If you do find yourself stuck, we are always on hand to call or text. A fantastic choice for a family or an incredible date. The ride is recommended for 12 years* and above but nothing stops the younger and older from giving this one a shot as Arrowtown is 400M higher than Queenstown so a fairly steady downhill gradient with minimal uphill climbs. Again, if you get stuck we can do a recovery shuttle for the same price as Uber. *A Small E-bike is suitable for 145-150cm + Want to do this but not sure about fitness? Here's where our wonderful E-bike option is a God-send! Barely breaking a sweat and cruise along the river on a $3,990 2022 Giant E-bike. Probably the best rental fleet in Otago. Less exercise and more sightseeing. This option is only a $50 upgrade and 90% of customers choose this choice. ⚡ Dine options: AB Bakeries - Arguably the best bakery in Otago. ‍ Fork and Tap - Great little pub with fantastic garden dining Provisions - Delicious and healthy breakfast, brunch and lunch. Slow Cuts - Hidden gem, casual dining. Try the Chicken burger. Millhouse (Millbrook Golf Course) - Charming lakeside dining. ️ 11th Avenue by Frank's (Lake Hayes)- A hidden local cafe with great food ☕ Frankton Arm Tavern (Frankton) - Our favourite local pub with chargers ⚽ Note: 4 hours and 30 mins on average of riding at an average pace. About the bikes The Talon or Talon E + An Iconic standard in the Giant family bike industry. Simply, does its job. Rugged and grippy with hydraulic sensitive brakes which make you feel totally in control. Even in the Winter. ❄️ Not a step-through The Going Blue Team Our highly knowledgeable guides will have your back all the way with text check-ins and support throughout the day. We know these trails like the backs of our hands so we know how to find you if you get lost. Each guide takes pride in commentary and bike expertise. You couldn't be in better hands! +64277462583

Akaroa: Guided Electric Mountain Bike Tour

9. Akaroa: Guided Electric Mountain Bike Tour

This is a must do for those who like to get active while exploring new places! If you have a spare 2.5 hours up your sleeve and are confident riding a ‘normal’ mountain bike then why not join us on a premium guided electric mountain bike tour, it may just be one of the highlights of your trip! Our popular Lava Loop is perfect for those who desire a bit of a challenge. If have conventional mountain bike experience and have a moderate level of fitness this trip is for you. You will be amazed as you cruise up terrain you wouldn’t dream of on a conventional bike, with our powerful pedal assist Scott Bosch systems Ebiking is making the impossible… now possible!. Great for couples, families and friends. This tour includes mixed terrain, some steep ascents and descents, sealed and gravel roads throughout. Warning- Electric Mountain biking is very addictive, we ride FURTHER, FASTER HIGHER without the sweat! Once is never enough! Free shuttle available for cruise ship passengers into Akaroa Port. If you wish to join us a cruise ship passenger from Lyttleton Port please book using this link to ensure you have return transport included. https://www.leisuretours.co.nz/day_tour/akaroa-bike-tour/

Queenstown: Guided Scenic E-bike Tour

10. Queenstown: Guided Scenic E-bike Tour

Ride by a powerful full suspension e-bike through a hidden trail to the lake. This tour is a beautiful way to see and learn about the amazing countryside of Queenstown area. It is also perfect for a beginner starting out on their e-bike adventures. Explore the hidden in nature sculptures made by local artists. Discover the beautiful natural surroundings and meet its habitats. Listen to interesting stories about Queenstown area, learn about the local European history and gold mining time along with Maori legends about the Wakatipu basin and the Pounamu (Greenstone).

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Frequently asked questions about South Island Bike tours

What are other things to do than Bike tours that are worth visiting in South Island?

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Other Sightseeing Options in South Island

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What people are saying about South Island

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 1 reviews

Great day out! The route was really easy to follow once out of Nelson and the guides at the shop gave some good advice on how to navigate out of town. We decided to do the wine route once in Mapua, which was great fun, although relatively challenging on a hilly route on a heavy bike. Would perhaps recommend an e-bike unless you have good cycling fitness for the wine route.

A really enjoyable ride from Lake Hawea to Wanaka with the family. We didn’t use ebikes and some parts were a bit tricky, would definitely recommend ebikes if not fit or experienced riders. The stop at the patisserie was really nice.

Gorgeous scenery. Super convenient with the hotel pick up and drop off. Operator was so nice and friendly. Definitely enjoyed it. Highly recommend it to other travellers.

Such a fun way to explore Arrowtown and Queenstown! Stunning views! I booked a normal bike and found the ride quite easy.

Great bikes, and guides, easy to use and the tracks well maintained..... from a first time e-bike user, I loved it!