Explore NZ's longest river, largest lake and lush native forest by bike in the Central North Island.
5 Days from
$
Moderate
25kg of CO2-e PP per day
(102kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Experience the best off-road riding the Central North Island has to offer on our fully supported & guided trip riding Rotorua's Whakarewarewa Forest Loop, the iconic Timer Trail and some sections of the Waikato River Trail and the Great Lakes Trails.
Our journey begins in the thermal resort town of Rotorua where we'll enjoy riding the newest of New Zealand's Great Rides, the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop, a Grade 2 trail perfect to kickstart your adventure.
Next up we explore 2 sections of the Waikato River Trail, passing through forest & farmland along NZ’s longest river.
The adventure continues in the Pureora Forest where we ride the 87km Timber Trail over 2 days. We’ll discover mighty swing bridges, timber milling sites, the Ongarue Spiral bush tramway & experience 2 nights in the purpose-built lodge in the middle of the forest.
Finally we head across to New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo, taking in the volcanic landscape and big lake views. The next morning we ride the picturesque Northern Trails based around the lakeside settlement of Kinloch with the opportunity for a swim in the Lake, weather permitting!
Our support vehicle means we have the ability to visit the best trailside highlights along the way, including a visit to Huka Falls and the Wairakei Terraces and Thermal Pools.
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Meals: D
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Meals: B,L,D
Meals: B
5 scheduled departures between 16 Feb 2027 and 19 Mar 2028.
Our guides are one of our biggest assets and we pride ourselves on their level of quality and high standards. We provide you with two of our expert guides to maximise your enjoyment and overall experience with one guide always with you on the trail. 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.
North Island Cycling Adventures | Adventure South NZ
My third trip with Adventure South, wasn’t disappointed. Accomodation is always first class. Fiona and Jude looked after us very well, scenery was amazing!
Fabulous trip on interesting trails, loved the bush and scenery, mastered the bridges. All supported by friendly, helpful guides. Jude and Fi were awesome. Took our biking to the next level despite a few wee mishaps along the way - no damage done! Accommodation and food was excellent.
Great guides and great scenery, can’t help the cyclone. Cheers to Fiona and Jude, see you next year!
An adventure at every corner and expertly navigated by our guides Annie and Paul
Well organised, very friendly and helpful staff.
Fantastic trip. Tour guides Tereza and David were exceptional.
Awesome trails, awesome scenery, awesome team guiding us, awesome experience.
We had a wonderful adventure riding the Timber Trail, Waikato & Great Lake Cycle trail with Adventure South. Our tour leaders were awesome, always had the group needs well catered for and the accommodation was very comfortable. Checking out the hot pools in Rotorua was a nice extra.
Amazing cycle trails and so varied. Everyday was a different adventure. Accommodation and food were of a very high standard, so no complaints. The ride leaders, Jude and Fiona were always helpful and calm under pressure. Our non electric bikes were excellent and reliable.
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.
The Timber Trail Lodge is located at the half way point of the Timber Trail, nestled in the heart of the Pureora Forest. Spanning the entire length of the lodge is a large deck area, with outdoor seating and bean bags to soak in the secluded forest environment. Inside, a large welcoming lounge with floor to ceiling windows, a cosy fireplace and comfortable seating makes the perfect place to relax.
Designed right here in Aotearoa New Zealand, our fleet of Sinch eBikes is made to handle the country’s trails with ease. These pedal-assist bikes take the edge off hills and longer rides thanks to smooth, reliable Shimano motor systems and a comfortable, upright riding position.
They come with front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and air-sprung dropper seat posts to help fine-tune your comfort on the go. The smaller sizes (XS, S, M) feature step-through frames and swept-back handlebars for a relaxed touring posture, while large and XL frames are also available in a step-through option on request.
Whether you’re riding through the Mackenzie Basin, tracing the path of the Molesworth muster, or rolling past vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, the Sinch eBike is built to help you enjoy the ride.
Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes on offer for this tour.
They come with front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and air-sprung dropper seat posts to help fine-tune your comfort on the go. Large and XL frames are also available in a step-through option on request.
Our custom Avanti Discovery bikes are built for real-world Aotearoa New Zealand trails — simple, solid, and comfortable. Fast-rolling tyres and upgraded suspension forks keep things smooth over mixed terrain, while the 1x10 drivetrain makes gear changes easy and intuitive.
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.
Whether you’re cruising through the Roxburgh Gorge, flying across the Shotover Bridge, or pedalling beside the wild surf of the Taranaki coast, the Avanti Discovery is a dependable trail mate.
This bike is also available in a low-step model on request!
Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes available to rent for this tour.
Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.
If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Carbon Footprint
So what does 100 kg of carbon look like? Here is a rough guide to help put it into perspective:
Discover how we're working to cut carbon emissions from our adventures by exploring the Climate Action page within our Responsible Travel hub.
Please note trip footprints do not include flights to and from the tour.
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