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Taking in the serenity riding through Central Otago - Best of South Island's Great Rides, New Zealand
Taking in the serenity riding through Central Otago  | Cam Stables
Otago Central Rail Trail - Best of South Island's Great Rides, New Zealand
Otago Central Rail Trail  | Lachlan Gardiner
The Lake Ohau inlet - Best of South Island's Great Rides, New Zealand
The Lake Ohau inlet  | Daniel Thour
Hana Black Photos - ATC - Best of South Island's Great Rides, New Zealand
Hana Black Photos - ATC  | Hana Black
Lake Dunstan Trail, Central Otago - Best of South Island's Great Rides, New Zealand
Lake Dunstan Trail, Central Otago  | Ross Mackay
Sunny day on Lake Dunstan - Best of South Island's Great Rides, New Zealand
Sunny day on Lake Dunstan  | Will Nelson
We take regular stops on the trail to refuel - Best of South Island's Great Rides, New Zealand
We take regular stops on the trail to refuel  | Lachlan Gardiner
Otago Central Rail Trail - Best of South Island's Great Rides, New Zealand
Otago Central Rail Trail  | Lachlan Gardiner
Otago Central Rail Trail - Best of South Island's Great Rides, New Zealand
Otago Central Rail Trail  | Lachlan Gardiner
Panorama of Queenstown, the 'adventure capital' of New Zealand - Best of South Island's Great Rides, New Zealand
Panorama of Queenstown, the 'adventure capital' of New Zealand  | Peter Walton

Best of South Island's Great Rides

Explore five of NZ's most scenic and diverse cycle trails whilst visiting some of the country's most treasured locations

New Zealand
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 27 reviews

8 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: SIC
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 8 Days
Activities
  • 8 day cycle trail
Accommodation
  • 7 nights hotel/motel
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
3 / 5

moderate

Carbon Footprint  

24kg of CO2-e PP per day

(170kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Cycle five spectacular Great Rides of the South Island all in one trip!
  • Take in the pristine lakes, stunning river valleys and alpine landscapes of the South Island
  • Cycle the best sections of the spectacular Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail from Tekapo
  • Complete the Lake Dunstan and the Roxburgh Gorge Trails, tracing the footsteps of gold mining pioneers
  • Experience a historic journey along a section of the Otago Central Rail Trail
  • Finish the tour riding the Kawarau Gorge (expected to open late 2026) and Arrow River trails before we drop you into Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand
  • Have expert local guides deliver world class service which allows you to relax and ride

Overview

This unique itinerary has been designed to showcase the very best trails the South Island has to offer. New Zealand has a vast network of cycle trails throughout the country offering a range of diverse landscapes; 23 have been awarded the Great Rides status. We have selected the finest sections of the best FIVE trails for this epic 8 day tour.

We begin in the garden city of Christchurch with a warm up ride along the spectacular Summit Road following the rim of an extinct volcano. Then we head to glimmering Lake Tekapo to spend 3 days riding the Alps to Ocean trail near Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. We cycle past the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, turquoise glacier-fed lakes and lush pastures dotted with sheep, as far as Lake Aviemore. We then travel into Central Otago to take on the stunning Lake Dunstan Trail which winds through a deep gorge and past world class Pinot Noir vineyards.

Next up is New Zealand's original 'Great Ride', the Otago Central Rail Trail, followed by the Roxburgh Gorge trail through another remote gorge which includes a scenic jet boat transfer. Our final ride explores the trails of Queenstown within the beautiful Lakes District, taking in the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown and the stunning Arrow River Bridges Trail.

Character-filled towns, comfortable accommodation and friendly welcomes are all part of the package, as is the passion and local knowledge of your guides.

*From late 2026, on Day 8, we’ll be tackling the newest Great Ride, the Kawarau Gorge Trail, assuming it has been completed on time. This trail has opened up previously inaccessible segments of the stunning Kawarau Gorge, winding around the Nevis Bluff with bluff bridges along the Kawarau River, past rapids, and offering spectacular views up the Nevis River mouth.

Itinerary

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Your South Island adventure starts in central Christchurch at 8am. We start with a short drive to the top of the Port Hills where we will begin to cycle along the crater rim of an extinct volcano. From Dyers Pass we cycle the undulating and almost traffic-free Summit Road, which offers amazing vistas across Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains to the snowy peaks of the Southern Alps. We can also look into the bright blue water of Lyttelton Harbour on the inside of the crater. Riding out to Godley Head, home to a WWII coastal defence battery that sits atop sheer 120m cliffs, we stop and walk to see the views from the peninsula out to the Pacific Ocean. Back on the bikes, it's a short ride back to Evans Pass and then a sweeping downhill to the port town of Lyttelton. There are some cool cafes and colourful stores to explore, as well as quirky historic buildings along a heritage walk. We drive back to Christchurch in the afternoon and have free time to rest up before we meet for our first group dinner. Cycle Distance: Dyers Pass to Lyttelton - 30km Accommodation: Christchurch

Meals: L,D

After breakfast at the hotel, your guides will be waiting in reception at 8am. We drive south crossing the Canterbury Plains towards Geraldine, then over the scenic Burke’s Pass to the famous Mackenzie Country, where Lake Tekapo soon appears as a bright blue jewel. We will visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd perched on the edge of the shimmering lake with a panoramic mountain backdrop. After lunch, we join the first of the trip's Great Ride Cycle Trails - the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. This is NZ's longest cycle path, travelling 300km from the highest mountain Aoraki/Mt Cook all the way to the ocean at Oamaru. We spend the next 3 days riding the best sections of this trail. Initially we follow quiet roads alongside the turquoise blue waters of a hydro canal system through to Lake Pukaki. With amazing mountain views, we ride around the lake shore before crossing the extensive tussock-lands of the Pukaki flats to the small town of Twizel. Twizel is in the heart of a dark sky reserve so be sure to take a walk outside after dark to see the incredible starry skies. Dinner by own care tonight. Cycle Distance: Tekapo to Twizel - 54km Accommodation: Twizel

Meals: B,L

The stunning scenery keeps coming as we ride alongside the Pukaki and Ohau canals with a vast mountainous backdrop, through to Lake Ohau where we stop for lunch. Confident riders can continue on the trail to Tarnbrae Saddle (900m), the highpoint of the A2O. The vast Mackenzie Country views are just reward for the climb. Alternatively, riders can transfer to the historic woolshed at Quailburn for a much easier ride down to Omarama, our stop for the night. Translating from Maori as ‘place of light’, Omarama is known for its extraordinarily clear skies, offering incredible star gazing opportunities at night. This evening we enjoy a meal at a typical small town pub and experience real Kiwi hospitality. Cycle Distance: Twizel to Lake Ohau - 38km, Lake Ohau to Omarama via Tarnbrae Saddle - 44km Short Option: Quailburn to Omarama - 26km Accommodation: Omarama

Meals: B,L,D

Today’s Alps to Ocean ride follows the Waitaki river down the picturesque Waitaki Valley, known for its hydro lakes and dams. First, we follow the narrow trail along the shores of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting where we join the lake shore to traverse around the shoreline of rocky outcrops, little beaches and even tree covered islands. There is an easier option for less confident riders who would prefer to avoid this more technical section. Regrouped, it’s a fun downhill cycle towards Aviemore Dam, where we’ll enjoy a picnic by the lake. We'll finish our Alps to Ocean experience at the dam, load up the bikes and then drive towards Central Otago over the Lindis Pass. We head to Cromwell where next up is the Lake Dunstan trail, which we will tackle tomorrow. There will be time to have a wander around Cromwell old town, a small historic precinct dating back to the gold rush days of the 1800s, with a number of galleries, cafes and boutique shops. Cycle distance: Omarama to Aviemore Dam - 51km Accommodation: Cromwell

Meals: B,L,D

Today we ride the full length our second Great Ride, the Lake Dunstan Trail, a spectacular ride through unique and fascinating landscapes so characteristic of Central Otago. Our journey starts at Smith's Way with an easy ride following the shores of Lake Dunstan. We pass back through Cromwell’s old town, and continue along the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to the Bannockburn Bridge. We wind our way through old mine tailings, wineries and olive groves and from Cornish Point head into the dramatic Cromwell Gorge. The track winds around sheer rockfaces and over lake inlets on impressively engineered platforms and bridges rising above the lake to Clyde. For those riders who wish to avoid the more demanding section through the gorge, there will be an option to drive to Clyde and ride all or part of the easier river trail to Alexandra, or explore the small historic town. We stay in Alexandra for the next 2 nights. Cycling Distances: Smith’s Way to Cornish Point – 30km Cornish Point to Clyde via Lake Dunstan (Moderate) – 25km Clyde to Alexandra by River Trail (Introductory) – 12km Accommodation: Alexandra

Meals: B,L,D

Great Ride number three is the famous Otago Central Rail Trail, NZ's original cycle trail. After breakfast, a short transfer takes us inland to Oterehua. Here we join what we consider to be the best section of the rail trail passing through tunnels and over bridges that once were the secret preserve of railway workers. We witness the natural beauty and look in awe at some early feats of the first settlers of this region. The ever changing landscape includes rugged mountains, crystal clear rivers, and steep winding gorges. We cycle through the 229m Poolburn tunnel over the impressive Manuherikia Bridge and Poolburn viaduct. From Lauder we continue towards Chatto Creek taking in views of the Dunstan Mountains and Raggedy Range, making a short detour to see the Ophir township and its historic bridge. The ride back to Alexandra is mostly downhill. In the evening we are free to sample one of the restaurants in town. Cycle Distance: Oterehua to Alexandra - 59km Accommodation: Alexandra

Meals: B

Next up, Great Ride number four, is the striking Roxburgh Gorge Trail. Leaving from Alexandra we pedal on the Roxburgh Gorge Trail alongside the mighty Clutha Mata-Au river. The trail journeys through a remote barren, treeless landscape, flanked by bluffs up to 350 metres high, following stone walled water races and other remnants of gold mining activity. We arrive at Doctor's Point to meet a jet boat to take us on a scenic historical journey for the next 13km through the gorge to Shingle Creek. Back on our bikes, it's a gradual climb to Elbow Creek, then through a small, secluded valley with regenerating Kanuka (tea tree) scrubland and into sweeping hill country farmland. A series of switchbacks lead us to the impressive Roxburgh Hydro Dam lookout. It's then a further 9km along the river to reach Roxburgh, where we load up the bikes and drive to our accommodation in Cromwell. If there is time we can visit a local vineyard before our final dinner to celebrate new friendships and world class riding. Cycling distance: Clyde to Roxburgh - 40km Accommodation: Cromwell

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we'll transfer through the Kawarau Gorge to ride the best of the 5th Great Ride, the Queenstown Trails network, starting with the Gibbston River Trail which winds its way high above the Kawarau River through Central Otago’s premier wine-growing region. Next we join the picturesque Arrow River Bridges Trail which crosses five bridges over the willow-lined Arrow River before finishing in the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown. After a break to explore this quaint location and enjoy our final meal together, we join the newest of the Queenstown trails, the Wharehuanui Trail, traversing the foothills of Coronet Peak and crossing various wetlands and riparian zones before connecting to another relatively new trail, the Shotover Gorge Trail. Short, but spectacular, this final ride journeys along the Lower Shotover Gorge with stunning views of the Shotover River and surrounding mountains, a perfect finale to our biking adventure. Loading up, it's a short transfer into Queenstown for a drop off in the late afternoon. Cycling distance: 48km

Meals: B,L

Expand all | Collapse all

Your South Island adventure starts in central Christchurch at 8am. We start with a short drive to the top of the Port Hills where we will begin to cycle along the crater rim of an extinct volcano. From Dyers Pass we cycle the undulating and almost traffic-free Summit Road, which offers amazing vistas across Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains to the snowy peaks of the Southern Alps. We can also look into the bright blue water of Lyttelton Harbour on the inside of the crater. Riding out to Godley Head, home to a WWII coastal defence battery that sits atop sheer 120m cliffs, we stop and walk to see the views from the peninsula out to the Pacific Ocean. Back on the bikes, it's a short ride back to Evans Pass and then a sweeping downhill to the port town of Lyttelton. There are some cool cafes and colourful stores to explore, as well as quirky historic buildings along a heritage walk. We drive back to Christchurch in the afternoon and have free time to rest up before we meet for our first group dinner. Cycle Distance: Dyers Pass to Lyttelton - 30km Accommodation: Christchurch

Meals: L,D

After breakfast at the hotel, your guides will be waiting in reception at 8am. We drive south crossing the Canterbury Plains towards Geraldine, then over the scenic Burke’s Pass to the famous Mackenzie Country, where Lake Tekapo soon appears as a bright blue jewel. We will visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd perched on the edge of the shimmering lake with a panoramic mountain backdrop. After lunch, we join the first of the trip's Great Ride Cycle Trails - the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. This is NZ's longest cycle path, travelling 300km from the highest mountain Aoraki/Mt Cook all the way to the ocean at Oamaru. We spend the next 3 days riding the best sections of this trail. Initially we follow quiet roads alongside the turquoise blue waters of a hydro canal system through to Lake Pukaki. With amazing mountain views, we ride around the lake shore before crossing the extensive tussock-lands of the Pukaki flats to the small town of Twizel. Twizel is in the heart of a dark sky reserve so be sure to take a walk outside after dark to see the incredible starry skies. Dinner by own care tonight. Cycle Distance: Tekapo to Twizel - 54km Accommodation: Twizel

Meals: B,L

The stunning scenery keeps coming as we ride alongside the Pukaki and Ohau canals with a vast mountainous backdrop, through to Lake Ohau where we stop for lunch. Confident riders can continue on the trail to Tarnbrae Saddle (900m), the highpoint of the A2O. The vast Mackenzie Country views are just reward for the climb. Alternatively, riders can transfer to the historic woolshed at Quailburn for a much easier ride down to Omarama, our stop for the night. Translating from Maori as ‘place of light’, Omarama is known for its extraordinarily clear skies, offering incredible star gazing opportunities at night. This evening we enjoy a meal at a typical small town pub and experience real Kiwi hospitality. Cycle Distance: Twizel to Lake Ohau - 38km, Lake Ohau to Omarama via Tarnbrae Saddle - 44km Short Option: Quailburn to Omarama - 26km Accommodation: Omarama

Meals: B,L,D

Today’s Alps to Ocean ride follows the Waitaki river down the picturesque Waitaki Valley, known for its hydro lakes and dams. First, we follow the narrow trail along the shores of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting where we join the lake shore to traverse around the shoreline of rocky outcrops, little beaches and even tree covered islands. There is an easier option for less confident riders who would prefer to avoid this more technical section. Regrouped, it’s a fun downhill cycle towards Aviemore Dam, where we’ll enjoy a picnic by the lake. We'll finish our Alps to Ocean experience at the dam, load up the bikes and then drive towards Central Otago over the Lindis Pass. We head to Cromwell where next up is the Lake Dunstan trail, which we will tackle tomorrow. There will be time to have a wander around Cromwell old town, a small historic precinct dating back to the gold rush days of the 1800s, with a number of galleries, cafes and boutique shops. Cycle distance: Omarama to Aviemore Dam - 51km Accommodation: Cromwell

Meals: B,L,D

Today we ride the full length our second Great Ride, the Lake Dunstan Trail, a spectacular ride through unique and fascinating landscapes so characteristic of Central Otago. Our journey starts at Smith's Way with an easy ride following the shores of Lake Dunstan. We pass back through Cromwell’s old town, and continue along the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan to the Bannockburn Bridge. We wind our way through old mine tailings, wineries and olive groves and from Cornish Point head into the dramatic Cromwell Gorge. The track winds around sheer rockfaces and over lake inlets on impressively engineered platforms and bridges rising above the lake to Clyde. For those riders who wish to avoid the more demanding section through the gorge, there will be an option to drive to Clyde and ride all or part of the easier river trail to Alexandra, or explore the small historic town. We stay in Alexandra for the next 2 nights. Cycling Distances: Smith’s Way to Cornish Point – 30km Cornish Point to Clyde via Lake Dunstan (Moderate) – 25km Clyde to Alexandra by River Trail (Introductory) – 12km Accommodation: Alexandra

Meals: B,L,D

Great Ride number three is the famous Otago Central Rail Trail, NZ's original cycle trail. After breakfast, a short transfer takes us inland to Oterehua. Here we join what we consider to be the best section of the rail trail passing through tunnels and over bridges that once were the secret preserve of railway workers. We witness the natural beauty and look in awe at some early feats of the first settlers of this region. The ever changing landscape includes rugged mountains, crystal clear rivers, and steep winding gorges. We cycle through the 229m Poolburn tunnel over the impressive Manuherikia Bridge and Poolburn viaduct. From Lauder we continue towards Chatto Creek taking in views of the Dunstan Mountains and Raggedy Range, making a short detour to see the Ophir township and its historic bridge. The ride back to Alexandra is mostly downhill. In the evening we are free to sample one of the restaurants in town. Cycle Distance: Oterehua to Alexandra - 59km Accommodation: Alexandra

Meals: B

Next up, Great Ride number four, is the striking Roxburgh Gorge Trail. Leaving from Alexandra we pedal on the Roxburgh Gorge Trail alongside the mighty Clutha Mata-Au river. The trail journeys through a remote barren, treeless landscape, flanked by bluffs up to 350 metres high, following stone walled water races and other remnants of gold mining activity. We arrive at Doctor's Point to meet a jet boat to take us on a scenic historical journey for the next 13km through the gorge to Shingle Creek. Back on our bikes, it's a gradual climb to Elbow Creek, then through a small, secluded valley with regenerating Kanuka (tea tree) scrubland and into sweeping hill country farmland. A series of switchbacks lead us to the impressive Roxburgh Hydro Dam lookout. It's then a further 9km along the river to reach Roxburgh, where we load up the bikes and drive to our accommodation in Cromwell. If there is time we can visit a local vineyard before our final dinner to celebrate new friendships and world class riding. Cycling distance: Clyde to Roxburgh - 40km Accommodation: Alexandra

Meals: B,L,D

Today we cycle the newest Great Ride, the Kawarau Gorge Trail, which has opened up previously inaccessible segments of this stunning gorge. The trail starts from the historic Bannockburn Bridge and continues with the history lesson with incredible stories of early gold mining days, ingenious power generation projects, tales of rabbit hunting, and the ancient routes traversed by early Maori as you navigate your way around bluff bridges on the edge of the Kawarau River. Passing rapids and a spectacular view up the mouth of the Nevis River in between crossing two stunning suspension bridges, you eventually meander around the Nevis Bluff and emerge into the Gibbston Valley, Central Otago’s premier wine-growing region. Here you’ll join the Gibbston River Trail winding its way high above the Kawarau River through multiple vineyards to the Historic Kawarau Bridge, the inaugural home of bungy-jumping! Our last ride is on the picturesque Arrow River Bridges Trail which crosses five bridges over the willow-lined Arrow River before finishing in the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown, a delightful location for a farewell drink to conclude our spectacular journey, before being delivered into Queenstown town centre in the late afternoon. Cycling distance: 54km

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

11 scheduled departures between 16 Nov 2026 and 16 Mar 2028.

  • Departs 16 Nov 2026 – ends 23 Nov 2026 (8 days)
  • Departs 4 Dec 2026 – ends 11 Dec 2026 (8 days)
  • Departs 19 Jan 2027 – ends 26 Jan 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 19 Feb 2027 – ends 26 Feb 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 16 Mar 2027 – ends 23 Mar 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 20 Oct 2027 – ends 27 Oct 2027 (8 days)
  • … and 5 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x7), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x7), two course restaurant dinners (x5) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 7 nights comfortable hotel/motel ensuite accommodation on twin share basis
  • Professional qualified driver/guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides on groups of 8 or more)
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • Wine tasting at a Central Otago vineyard
  • Scenic Roxburgh Gorge jet boat transfer
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
  • Pre Departure Information Kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Department of Conservation fees and rider fees paid to Trail Trusts for ongoing maintenance and improvements

Not included

  • Bike Hire (including helmet)
  • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Group arrival and departure airport transfers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • All beverages, other than with breakfast
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Optional activities (e.g. Omarama Hot Tubs, activities in Dunedin and Queenstown)
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)

About your guide

Our guides are one of our biggest assets and we pride ourselves on their level of quality and high standards. Once the trip reaches 8 people, we provide you with two of our expert guides to maximise your enjoyment and overall experience. You’ll know you’re in safe hands as all of our guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics. They come from all walks of life but our guides have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you.

Videos

Otago Central Rail Trail Highlights
Otago Central Rail Trail Highlights
Lake Dunstan Trail Highlights
New Zealand Cycling Holidays | Webinar Replay
Roxburgh Gorge Trail | Stunning Day Ride
Our Guides: The Heart and Soul of Your Adventure
Our Premium e-Bikes: Features and Benefits
Queenstown Trails

Reviews (27)

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Excellent trip, the guides - Iain & Steve, accommodation and food was superb. The weather was too good to be true - sunny every day.

Mel C|ACT, Australia
28 Mar 2026
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Great opportunity to some gorgeous parts of NZ.

Guides were fantastic.

Geoffrey M|Australia
25 Mar 2026
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South Island tour with Anne and Will as guides were incredible rides.

I was new to off road biking, and they were all very encouraging, with excellent advice on how to handle a off road bike! I would highly recommend both these rides, and who knows I may try to ride again as well.

Mary M|Washington, USA
22 Mar 2026
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An awesome week of biking and eating! Fantastic locations, accommodation, bikes, organisation and guides. We couldn't have asked for better weather and loved our trip.

Nicki B|New Zealand
19 Mar 2026
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Of course, the south island of New Zealand is stunningly beautiful, which makes for a wonderful trip. But our guides, Anne and Will, added so much to the trip: history, interesting information on the flora and fauna, history on the development of the Great Ride trails we were riding. They related so well to our group.

Gretchen S|USA
14 Mar 2026
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Wonderful bike trip. Fantastic leaders dors and Brian.. thank u do much.

Jenni B|New Zealand
9 Mar 2026
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Having ridden most of the South Island trails in previous tours this 8 day tour truly captures the best of the routes. I would highly recommend this tour but some cycling skill is required.

Margaret K|Canada
28 Feb 2026
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Interesting, varied and challenging rides. Personable, well organized and unflappable guides. Excellent food - maybe a bit too much food! Highly recommended.

Hilary J|Canada
28 Feb 2026
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Our Adventure South NZ guides took amazing care of us, the rides were phenomenal and the group of people on the trip were a ton of fun with a mix of nationalities and backgrounds. This was our first visit to NZ and we fell in love with the people and the land. We hope to return next year.

Jennifer D|United States
28 Feb 2026

Extra trip info

AccommodationBikesTrail surfacesWill My Trip Run?
Sudima Hotel Superior-twin - Kaikoura

Hotels

Hotels range from 3 to 4 stars and provide a quality, comfortable and relaxed nights stay. Rooms are spacious and modern.

Studio Room at Carrick Lodge | Carrick Lodge

Motels

Often family run, motels range from 3 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Rooms are spacious, warm and comfortable and they have ensuite bathrooms. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Sinch E-Bike Jaunt EZ 3.5 Auto

Sinch eBikes - Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL*

Designed specifically for Adventure South, our fleet of Sinch e-bikes is built to handle Aotearoa New Zealand’s cycle trails with ease.

These pedal-assist bikes take the effort out of hills and longer rides, thanks to a smooth and reliable Shimano motor system and a comfortable, upright riding position.

For premium comfort and control, they are equipped with:

Large 630Wh battery

Electronic and optional automatic gear shifting

Swept-back handlebars with ergonomic comfort grips

120mm front air suspension

20mm suspension dropper seat post

Hydraulic disc brakes

Adjustable handlebar stem

All sizes apart from XL feature an exceptionally low step-through frame (40cm) and 27.5” x 2.35” tyres.

*The XL bikes feature a step-over frame with 29” x 2.4” tyres for added stability and performance.

Whether you’re riding through the Mackenzie Basin, tracing the path of the Molesworth Muster, or cycling through Otago’s stunning gorges, our e-bikes are designed to help you enjoy every moment of the ride.

Merida Big 9 200

Merida Big Nine 200 (Hardtail Mountain bike NOT AN E-BIKE) - Sizes S, M, L & XL:

Our Merida Big Nine 200 hardtails are built for real-world Aotearoa New Zealand trails — reliable, capable, and comfortable. The lightweight aluminium frame and 29x2.4'' tires roll efficiently over a wide range of terrain, while the air suspension fork smooths out bumps and rough tracks. A modern, big range 1x10 drivetrain keeps shifting simple and intuitive, letting you focus on the ride ahead.

Hydraulic disc brakes give you reliable stopping power, and the rear rack fitted with one of our rack bags (included in hire) is ideal for stashing your layers, lunch or camera. With a relaxed upright riding position, this is a great choice for those who want a traditional, pedal-powered ride without sacrificing comfort.

With cleverly engineered geometry, this is a great choice for those who appreciate an engaging pedal powered ride without sacrificing the slightest bit of comfort.

Whether you’re cruising through the Roxburgh Gorge, flying across the Shotover Bridge, or pedalling beside the wild surf of the Taranaki coast, the Merida Big Nine 200 is a dependable trail mate.

* We have step-through bikes available on request, subject to limited availability. These are Avanti Discovery models.

Merida eONE-FORTY 475 EQ

Merida eONE-FORTY 475 EQ (Full suspension, MTB e-bike) - Sizes S, M, L:

This is the e-bike for riders who want the lot — comfort, control, and a little electric boost when the legs need it. The Merida eONE-FORTY 475 EQ features full suspension, a sporty mountainbike position, 29x2.4'' tires and a powerful Shimano motor that’ll help flatten out hills and keep your day flowing smoothly.

A long-lasting 712 Wh battery means you can ride all day, and extras like integrated lights, mudguards and a rack make it practical too. Whether you’re gliding around the Timber Trail, cruising the West Coast Wilderness, or soaking in the sights of the Alps to Ocean, this bike turns the dial up on comfort and capability.

Cycling from Lauder to Ranfurly in the Poolburn Gorge | Lachlan Gardiner

Compacted Gravel

Enjoy cycling on traffic free, compacted gravel trail surfaces. Cyclists need to be confident riding on uneven surfaces and aware that riding on this surface will reduce cycling speeds.

Take in the views of Aoraki, Mt Cook as you ride along turquoise canals | Lisa Jones

Sealed Road

Most of these roads are quiet back-roads with no shoulder. Cyclists need to be aware of the road rules and able to cope with small amounts of traffic.

Enjoy the shadow on an early autumn day in France's Tarn region | Charles Hawes

Gravel Road

This surface is manageable for most, however cyclists need to be comfortable riding on rougher gravel surfaces including graded roads and deeper gravel.

Alps 2 Ocean Rough Shingle Surface

Rough Shingle

Small sections of the Alps to Ocean trail is rough shingle. This can include rocks and rough terrain. Some cyclists will choose to walk these sections.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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