Top South Island Mountain Bike Tours

Instead of rushing to keep up with a group, this self-guided e-bike adventure is a peaceful way to explore the cycle paths between Arrowtown and Queenstown at your own pace. Begin with a pickup at a time that suits your schedule—with e-bike rental included—then, get taken to the start point in Arrowtown. After that, independently explore the local area’s bridges, mountains, and stunning trails with breaks whenever you like.

Skip the minivans, the strangers, and the set list of cellar doors on this self-guided tour around the Marlborough wine region. Spend the day cycling around the vineyards and countryside outside Blenheim with your group, dropping in at the wineries and restaurants that you want to visit. If you’re having trouble building an itinerary of your own, get customized recommendations based on your tastes and interests.

On this self-guided wineries cycling tour you are given exclusive access to an informative winery map. Your guide will collect you from central Queenstown and drive you out to the starting point, narrating information along the way. The off-road trail is 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) long and classified as easy, so suitable for varying abilities. Stop when and where you want along the way, including at wineries, a dairy, and a micro-brewery.

Travel from Queenstown to Arrowtown for a self-guided bike tour on the Queenstown Trail. The bike rental staff provides tips for your ride and directions for the basic route, which covers about 18 miles (30km) of varied terrain and hills. Mountain bike, helmet, and detailed trail map are provided, along with options for additional stops. Suitable for active people who enjoy a challenging bike ride.

Take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River during an extreme ride, and make use of transport from Queenstown. Experience adrenaline-fueled fun as the jet boat skims the water’s surface at high speed and fishtails into 360-degree spins. Hold on tight as the captain maneuvers the jet boat over rapids and through narrow canyons during one heart-pounding adventure you won’t soon forget.

Board the TSS "Earnslaw," a vintage steamship, for an evening cruise on Queenstown’s scenic Lake Wakatipu. Arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you’re treated to a sumptuous barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. Sink your teeth into roasted meats and seafood, homemade desserts, and a New Zealand cheeseboard. After dinner, see farm demonstrations or purchase a drink and simply relax in the bar.

Pair the fine wines of Central Otago with a gourmet lunch platter on this small-group wine-tasting tour from Queenstown. Visit boutique wineries during your tour and drive through verdant valleys and vine-clad foothills rich in gold mining history. Numbers are limited to 12 people to ensure an intimate experience with other wine lovers.

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the TSS ‘Earnslaw,’ a vintage steamship. Stroll the lakeside gardens and enjoy a traditional morning or afternoon tea and take a walking tour of the farm. You’ll watch sheepdogs in action and see sheep shearing demonstrations. Treat yourself to home-baked goods and alpine views of the Remarkables mountain range. Savor a delicious afternoon tea and an amble through lakeside gardens before heading back to Queenstown by boat.

See the glowworm caves of Te Anau on an underground adventure sure to charm visitors of all ages. An informative guide joins you on the 2hour and 15 minute Te Anau glowworm caves tour, starting with a cruise across Lake Te Anau. Then marvel at the shimmering illumination of thousands of glowworms as you glide through the quiet darkness of this magical underground world.

Take a break from Queenstown on a trip into the mighty Southern Alps. Spend the day at Mount Cook Village, in the shadow of Aoraki Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain. Spend the day as you like with free time, whether it’s hiking, jet-boating, or visiting the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center. Opt to be dropped at the start of the Hook Valley Track or upgrade to a heli-hiking experience.

Take a window seat for a scenic round-trip flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound, and see the splendor of Fiordland National Park from the air and sea. Board a cruise and pass dramatic waterfalls and Mitre Peak as you travel to the Tasman Sea. Then soar over the Southern Alps on your return.

Located on the eastern shores of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura is famous for the spectacular array of marine wildlife living off its shores—but to see the best of it, you have to take to the waves. On this tour, cruise into Kaikoura’s deep waters by speedy catamaran with running commentary throughout from your guide, and spot dolphins, seals, and sperm whales in their natural habitat.

Ride to Gibbston Valley wineries on a self-guided bike tour from Queenstown that includes everything you need for a day of exploring. With a van to meet you at the start and finish, you can choose the distance you ride, stopping at some of the taverns, cafes, and eight wineries along the route. You’ll have the option to be off the road for much of the day, with access to the scenic Arrow River Trail, Miners Trail, and Gibbston River Trail, enjoying great views of the vineyard-filled Gibbston Valley.

Cycling fans who enjoy spending time in nature—this is the perfect option for you! After a convenient ride from Queenstown to Arrowtown, you’ll be kitted out with a hardtail mountain bike and helmet. By having bike hire included, you won’t have to worry about whether your bike is suitable for the trails. A detailed map is included, so you won’t get lost, and you’ll have the freedom to cycle at your own pace. Highlights include Kawarau Bungy Bridge, and Arrowtown village.

Get ready for a mountain biking adventure. Climb to Grants Peak on your speedy e-bike. From the peak, enjoy 360 degree views of Queenstown’s natural landscape, including the Remarkables and Coronet Peak. You’ll learn all about High Country farming, and the Māori myths and legends that make up Queenstown’s heritage, before zipping back down to Frankton.

Discover Otago’s wine country by bike on this full day tour from Queenstown. Ride down the Arrow and Kawarau Rivers across the iconic Kawarau suspension bridge. Go at your own pace, and follow the wine map to explore the many wineries along the easy biking trail, taking in the magnificent scenery and tasting delicious wine as you go. Including Gibbston Valley Winery, Chard arm, Rockburn, Mt Rosa Winery and more.

A brilliant way to explore the area and see the beauty all around. You will ride across plateaus, surrounded by mountains on relatively easy grade 1-2 family friendly trails. The recommended route follows trails all the way from Hawea, alongside the Hawea river, through Albert Town and then follows the Clutha river to Wanaka. On your way there are lots of interesting places to visit including Lake Hawea, Pembroke Patisserie, Wanaka, the Wanaka Tree and the Edgewater Hotel garden bar.

Whether you want to explore Arrowtown by bicycle for an hour or hit the mountain biking trails for the whole day, this bike rental service suits your needs. You can pick up your bike in the morning and return it in the early evening. Helmets, drink bottles, trail maps, and panniers will be provided, and staff can advise you on where you should go.

If you like the idea of cycling through Central Otago but are worried about getting lost, this semi-guided Rail Trail day tour is ideal. In Clyde you’ll have your bikes fitted and be given a map and information on the trail, then transferred to Auripo. Ride through the beautiful rugged landscape, stopping for refreshments along the way, and choose to continue back to Clyde or be met by your driver.

Explore the beautiful Nelson Tasman region on a handy cycle trip from Nelson to Wakefield via Spooner’s Tunnel (or vice versa). Bikes, helmets, a repair kit, a light, bottled water, and transfers to/from the trail are included. Ride through farmland, orchards, and vineyards before making it to the exciting tunnel, which is the longest out-of-commission railway tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere and a fun place to ride.

Experience the convenience of a guided tour and the freedom of independent travel on this self-guided cycle adventure. You’ll receive all biking equipment and a trail map, and will be transported by vehicle to the start of the trail. Visit highlights of your own choice between Nelson and Mapua, along a coastal route. You’ll also get a discount voucher for a restaurant en route, and a ferry ticket.

Ride on possibly the best 1-day bike ride in New Zealand with our exclusive Hawea River Track adventure. We've crafted a unique experience by combining three different tracks, inventing a great ride that others now emulate. This leisurely exploration of Wanaka's scenic wonders offers stunning views along the gentle riverside track, showcasing the Upper Clutha's natural beauty. Join us for a pickup at 9 am, 11 am, or 2 pm from your accommodation. A 15-minute drive takes you to the wild and beautiful Lake Hawea, where you'll cruise along the Hawea River Track on an easy 30 km ride back to Wanaka town. A year-round delight, this classic Wanaka ride includes a strategic stop at Wanaka's best bakery for coffee and pastries. Once back in Wanaka town, just let us know, and we'll ensure you get a safe ride home. Experience the pinnacle of New Zealand's biking adventures, combining innovation and breathtaking landscapes for a day to remember

Simplify your adventure on the Lake Dunstan Cycleway with e-bike rental and a return shuttle. Let someone else take care of the logistics so you can enjoy the ride. Meet at a convenient starting point, where you’ll pick up your e-bikes and safety gear, and leave your car. Ride the scenic 26-mile (42-kilometer) cliffside trail, admiring the views along the way. After, you’ll be transferred back to your vehicle.