Biking in New Zealand
New Zealand is arguably the world's best cycling destination with rides to suit the most leisurely through to the most adventurous rider. This status is likely to grow even further with the opening of more cycle trails in the Government sponsored Nga Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trails network. These multi-day rides are aimed at both young and old and cover some of the most scenic spots in the country.
We encourage you to rent mountain bikes at the popular mountain biking destinations or hook up with a guided tour for a day or two rather than transport them on your campervan. That way you can use the campervan as it was designed (swing open the back doors to take in the view any time you like) without having to worry about taking bikes and racks off or having to trip over bikes all the time if they are stored inside the vehicle.
Biking destinations
If you'd like to do your own thing, you can drive to one of New Zealand's great biking destinations and hire a bike on site then do a self-guided tour. If you'd rather let a local show you around, why not take a guided bike tour. Guided tours range from a few hours to five days. They tend to be located in the best mountain biking destinations and are usually run by local mountain biking junkies eager to show off their favourite spots. Most good operators can supply a good bike with your tour package. For an in-depth guide to cycling in New Zealand, check out NZByBike. In the mean time, here are our suggestions to get you started:
North Island
Auckland
Located about 50km north east of Auckland in a pine forest, this bike park is Auckland's premiere mountain biking destination. With hundreds of kilometres of trails of different levels of difficulty, bike hire, coaching clinics, and a pro shop, Woodhill Mountain Bike Park is a must for serious and not-so-serious riders.
Rotorua
Rotorua is the self-acclaimed spiritual home of mountain biking in New Zealand. The Whakarewarewa Forest, only 10 minutes from the city, is one of the oldest trail systems in the country. Bike hire is available at the park entrance.
South Island
Christchurch
There are a number of great mountain biking options near Christchurch. Check out the Gondola Mountain Bike Ride, a spectacular and relaxing gondola ride up the mountain then an adrenaline pumping bike ride down.
Hanmer Springs
About 100km north west of Christchurch is Hanmer Forest Park, a mountain biker's haven. There are trails suitable for kids as well as the thrill seekers routes and explorer trails. Hanmer Adventure will kit you out with a bike and safety gear and as well as arrange a tour if you're interested.
Abel Tasman National Park
In the middle of one of the South Island's best outdoor adventure destinations is the newly developed Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park, a great network of trails for riders of every level with stunning scenery in all directions. If you're an experienced rider looking for an adventure, check out the newly developed Kaiteriteri Forest trails.
Queenstown
The birth place of the bungy jump also has some of the best mountain bike adventures in New Zealand. Vertigo Bikes offer Heli-bike tours, Gondola downhill bike tours, as well as self-guided tours. Why not splurge out on a life changing bike ride when you're in Queenstown!
Central Otago
If you're after something a bit more sedate, head southwest of Christchurch to Central Otago. This wonderfully setup rail trail follows a disused railway line through some of the South Island's most scenic countryside. Since trains don't climb steep hills, the trail is flat or undulating so there's no need to get up a sweat. Stop at an old gold mining town for drink at the pub or amble through a vineyard trail. There's bike hire, transportation, accommodation, and guided tours.