New Zealand’s best cycling trails

When it comes to the great outdoors, New Zealand’s spectacular scenery delivers in spades - and exploring by bike is one of the best ways to experience it. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, expert mountain biker or a casual rider, you’ll find family-friendly pathways and challenging mountain biking tracks. Renting a bike is easy too with plenty of rental providers in the main centres. Here we take a look at the best cycle trails New Zealand has to offer. 

Winding for 75 kms around magnificent Lake Taupō against the backdrop of the Tongariro Mountains, the Great Lake Trails are a bucket-list item for any cycling enthusiast. Divided into three sections—Waihaha, Orakau, and W2K—these trails cover diverse supervolcanic landscapes, from lush native bush and wetlands to panoramic lake and mountain views.

You can tackle all three trails over two to three days with shuttles in between or choose one for a scenic day ride. The picturesque lakeside village of Kinloch is the most popular Great Lake Trail start point, while the spectacular Waihaha trail can be finished off with a scenic boat ride from Waihora Bay back to Kinloch.

Another of the top Taupō cycle trails, and a highlight of riding on the North Island, the Craters Mountain Bike Park is heaven for mountain bikers. With over 50 kms of purpose-built trails weaving through pine forests and geothermal terrain, the park offers challenges for all levels of riders with jumps, technical cross-country descents, and flowy downhill trails. You’ll also find family-friendly and children’s entry-level tracks for those new to mountain biking. 

The park’s unique volcanic pumice soils drain quickly even after a rainstorm, meaning the well-crafted trails stay firm and ready to ride all year round. To ride the trails, you’ll need a visitor’s pass from Bike Taupō or you can become a member. Be rewarded with scenic views of beautiful Lake Taupō, a vast lake formed in the caldera of an ancient volcano.

Where to stay

The family-run Quality Inn Acapulco Taupō is centrally located close to cycle trails so you can make the most of mountain biking, in New Zealand.

For something a little slower-paced, the Hawke’s Bay Cycle Trails are a 200km network of cycling paths that combine easy, flat terrain with views of vineyards and tranquil riverbanks. An hour from Auckland, between the cities of Napier and Hasting, the trails are ideal for leisurely rides and wine-tasting stops, with plenty of cafes and picnic spots along the way. 

There are three different types of riding experiences: the Water Ride that weaves alongside the ocean, estuaries and rivers; the Landscapes Ride with expansive mountain views, and the Wineries Ride which takes in wine country with vineyards and cellar doors. Enjoy a relaxed, short ride of an hour or two or spend a few days exploring with friends.

For adrenaline-pumping mountain biking, Pan Pac Mountain Bike Park just outside Napier is a local favourite. Home of the Hawke’s Bay Mountain Bike Club on 1200 hectares of private land, it’s a 78 km network of mountain bike trails, featuring technical tracks, downhill runs, and cross-country, freeride tracks connected by forest roads. 

Surrounded by native bush and offering stunning vistas, most of the year, the clay trails are covered in pine needles. You’ll need a permit to access the park, meaning uncrowded trails. You can also get these from local bike shops. Check the club’s website for updates on trail closures and enjoy views of the Bay from the top of the park.

Where to stay

Enjoy a unique and comfortable stay in historic Napier on the North Island east coast. Comfort Inn Westshore Beach offers heritage art deco accommodation by the beach, while Quality Inn Napier is a short walk to the town centre and in easy reach of Napier cycle trails and attractions.

True to its name, the Great Taste Trail combines the fun of cycling with breathtaking scenery and sampling the region’s tasty culinary delights. This 200 km South Island cycling route can be completed year-round in sections, on either relaxing or adventurous day rides. Flat, smooth and mostly off-road, the trail is well-signposted and accessible for all levels, including families.

Following along the coast and inland through forested foothills, the Great Taste Trail winds between Nelson, Motueka, and Wakefield, past rolling vineyards, orchards and picturesque hill valleys. Enjoy coastal views of Tasman Bay and stop at award-winning local wineries, craft breweries, cafes and artisan producers. 

Nestled in the hills above Nelson, Codgers Trails is another of the favoured Nelson cycle trails among local mountain bikers. With a range of well-marked trails rising to 400m, this park caters to beginners and advanced riders alike. Enjoy tackling technical climbs and fast descents across three hills, with stunning views of Nelson and Tasman Bay.

Just minutes from Nelson’s city centre, the park is free to access but Nelson Mountain Bike Club membership is encouraged to help support trail maintenance. The trails all start from Codgers Recreation Hub and are suitable for all kinds of mountain bikes and abilities. The Firball trail in particular is a great warm-up to get you started.

Where to stay

You’ll find charming, boutique accommodation at The Honest Lawyer, an English-style country pub and hotel with picturesque views of Tasman Bay and the mountains beyond.

This vast 800-hectare pine plantation, a short drive north of Christchurch, is a great option for recreational riders, with a mix of cycling and walking trails. The mostly flat, easy terrain is perfect for families and casual riders and best of all it’s free to access. Scenic trails wind through pine forests to the beach and are easy to navigate with plenty of picnic spots. 

Bottle Lake Forest Park is a working plantation so trails are known to change as trees are planted or logged, but you’ll find plenty of loop tracks to ride from 30 minutes to over 2 hours. Popular tracks are the 7 km family loop ride and the bike pump track and balance beams near the entrance.

The largest mountain bike track in the Southern Hemisphere, Christchurch Adventure Park is one for the thrillseekers. Set in the Port Hills of Christchurch, it’s home to some of New Zealand’s best mountain biking tracks, from flowy trails for beginners to world-class jump tracks and hand-built technical trails for the experts. 

You’ll find over 40 unique bike trails across 358 hectares of private land, as well as New Zealand's longest chairlift at 1.8 km, designed to carry riders and their bikes. The park also features New Zealand’s longest and highest zipline course for that extra rush of adrenaline, and stunning views of the city.

Where to stay

After a big day out on the Christchurch cycle trails, you’ll find plenty of quality accommodation options in Christchurch, centrally-located and close to attractions.