New Zealand cycling tours, mountain biking, and bike trips in New Zealand
I would say it was a once in a lifetime trip,
but it was so good a person should not only experience it once.- Mike G., (USA) Aug 2009 Winter Rimu
PHOTO OF THE MONTH:
Rimu Jan 2010
We love being based in Queenstown! It's the best playground in the world and there's always something new to try...
MEET OUR GUIDES:
Gemma van Beek
"She was unendingly cheerful, chatty & never seemed to stop. Top marks for her brekkies (breakfasts)."
Sarah Coombes (New South Wales, Australia) November 2008 Kauri
News Clips and Reviews
Best Adventure Trips
Outside Magazine - March '06During ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND founder Andrew Fairfax's 2,700-mile cycling expedition from Istanbul to London in 2003, he thought, Why aren't we doing this at home? The result of that epiphany is the Weka, a 13-day supported bike trip circling the South Island. It hits all the top spots, like the majestic peaks and gushing waterfalls of Milford Sound and the blue ice of the Franz Josef Glacier, while staying off most of the main routes, worn thin by tourist traffic. You'll log roughly 400 miles on Specialized hybrids that can handle gravel farm paths and other classic Kiwi obstacles like cow dung and stubborn sheep.Read more...
"Ask yourself: Have I ever seen so many stars that I can barely make out the constellations? When was the last time that I challenged myself and felt accomplishment at being physically exhausted? The Rimu isn't for the faint of heart, but depending upon your background and experience, drive and determination; it definitely can be one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of your life."
Nick Denney (Kentucky, USA) Dec 2007 Rimu
Nick Denney (Kentucky, USA) Dec 2007 Rimu
Our New Zealand Bike Trips
Our New Zealand bike tours offer the best New Zealand cycling around.| ACTIVE’s founder, Andrew Fairfax, knows the ingredients for the perfect bike trip. He’s spent months on end completing long distance bike rides from Morocco to Paris, Istanbul to London and cycling the length of New Zealand.
Our cycling trips aren’t quite as arduous, although you still have the chance to work up a sweat if that’s what you want. In fact, in our 2008/2009 season one of our cyclists broke the record for the most kilometres covered on an ACTIVE trip – 1003kms (623 miles) in 13 days! Our cycling tours are fully vehicle supported, so whether you want to try and break a record, or you’re looking for a mellow cycling vacation, we have the trip for you. Our New Zealand cycling tours give you the chance to experience New Zealand biking like a local would. We’ve been cycling the roads, trails and routes of New Zealand for many, many years, so running cycling tours alongside our hiking and multisport trips is something we take very seriously. On an ACTIVE NEW ZEALAND bicycle tour you’ll see the country, enjoy great exercise in crisp, clean air and enjoy the best cycling in New Zealand! Read our New Zealand cycling itineraries. |
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Mountain Biking in Queenstown
Queenstown is a mountain biking mecca and riders of any ability are spoilt for choice – from cruisy riverside and lakefront trails, to back country bush and mountain tracks, it’s all here. You’ll have at least one free day in Queenstown on any of our South Island trips and you are guaranteed good riding, whether you choose to follow a gravel track up to and around scenic Moke Lake, race down a single track from the top of the gondola, or explore one of the many mountain biking tracks along the lakefront that are easily accessible from town. For a splurge, book a heli-biking tour and get dropped off at the top of a remote track by helicopter. For another couple of days of mountain biking, there’s a biking option on our Rimu trips.With a full fold-out map of New Zealand, information on our biking trips, gear and cycling guides, and lots of cool photos, our brochure is a great place to begin your research. Click here to Request your FREE travel brochure. We’re based in Queenstown and know all the local rides so if you want to have a chat, feel free to give Jodi or Matty a call on 1.800.661.9073 (USA/Canada), 0808 234 7780 (UK) or +64 3 450 0414 (worldwide).
Our New Zealand Bike Trips:
Rated one of the Best Outdoor Adventure Trips for 2006 by Outside Magazine.
The Weka cycling tour ensures you’ll do the best cycling New Zealand has to offer. We’ve included our favourite South Island rides, from the coastal routes of the West Coast, to the historic Otago Rail Trail.
- Multi-day, fully-supported bike tour of the South Island
- Cycle to Fox Glacier and optional hike to terminal face
- Natural hot pools at Hanmer Springs
- Cycle Lewis Pass and Mt. Nicholas high-country station roads
- Cruise Milford Sound and cycle Hollyford Valley
- Bike Central Otago Rail Trail
Rated the 9th Greatest Adventure Trip in the World by National Geographic Adventure!
The Rimu includes an optional 2-night mountain biking trip in the Queen Charlotte Sound, as well as great biking in Fiordland National Park.
- Hike Routeburn Track, Punakaiki, Franz Josef Glacier and
Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park - Wilderness Backpacking in Nelson Lakes National Park, Sea Kayaking or Biking Marlborough Sounds
- Cycle Hollyford Valley and Manapouri
- Sea Kayak Okarito Lagoon and Milford Sound
- Hike West Coast Beaches and Rainforests
- Explore the lakeside village of Queenstown
- Snorkel with Seals
Hint! Combine the 5-day Kauri with the 8-day Tui to make a two week North and South Island trip.
Our Kauri trip packs loads of adventure into just five days. It allows you to see the 'other side' of New Zealand and we’ve designed it with departure dates that line up with most of our South Island trips.
- Explore volcanoes and Maori culture
- Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Hike mountains, beach and headland
- Bike Whakarewarewa Forest
- Hiking alongside Rotorua's lakes
- Caving in Waitomo
This trip was designed by guide and multisport athlete, Jim Hawkridge.Over the years we’ve received many requests for an extreme version of our classic Rimu trip. Well – here it is. It also includes three unforgettable days of mountain biking!
- Hike Cascade Saddle, Mt Aspiring National Park
- Bike Queen Charlotte Track, Hanmer Forest and Craigieburn Skifield
- Swim with Dusky Dolphins
- Sea Kayak Abel Tasman National Park
- Hike Mt Owen and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
