Seeking A Winter Escape With Wine, Epic Scenery, Lots of Cycling? Ride the New Zealand Cycle Trail

Growing up in the Midwest, I remember fondly my dad receiving his latest copy of National Geographic in the mail. The pictures and the stories within its pages set my mind reeling about all the exotic locations in the world. New Zealand was one of those places but it seemed out of my reach. But in today’s world, getting there and experiencing it is a lot easier than it used to be.

If you love cycling (as we all do or you wouldn’t be reading this), new adventures, enjoy great wine and food, and relish the chance to take in mind blowing scenery, New Zealand appears to offer all these things and more. So, book a flight, hop on your bike (or even a rental), and get ready to be mesmerized by the New Zealand Bicycle Trail.

What Is The New Zealand Cycle Trail?

The New Zealand (NZ) Cycle Trail (originally called the New Zealand Cycleway) stretches from the tip of the north island to the bottom of the south island. It is mostly a gravel trail with bridges and bike paths mixed in. Named the “Great Rides” by the New Zealand government and tourist authority, the Maori call it “Ngā Haerenga” and it includes 23 trails and traverses a total of 1,712 miles.

The trail was opened for use in 2009 and was intended to run the length of New Zealand. Like many trails in the United States, the New Zealand Cycle Trail was built on extinct railway lines. Of course, planning for a trail of this length required intensive design so that it wouldn’t force cyclists to ride on Highway 1.

The trail was opened in sections, the last addition being the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop which was added in 2022. Ideally, the government’s plan was to give cyclists a good immersion and exposure to New Zealand’s incredible scenery.

Length of Trails and Cost to Ride

Lots of planning , money, and time were invested in bringing the New Zealand Cycle Trail to fruition. With all that funding (80 million NZ dollars), you would think the cost to the users of the trail would be high.

The fact is the cost to cyclists is zero. Of course, elements like travel to and from certain trails, accommodations, food, etc. will all come with a cost, so the tourist dollars are indirectly generated.

Is the NZ Cycle Trail Just for Serious Cyclists? How Hard Is It?

The NZ Cycle Trail is such that riders can ride it however they would like. It is not built to cater to just the serious cyclist. You don’t need a high-end bike to enjoy the trail. In fact, the organizers state that most visitors to the trail will be fine with a hybrid or a city bike and that even kids can ride the trail.

However, if you intend to ride some of the trails that are considered intermediate, advanced, or expert, a mountain or gravel bike would be best. Again, the organizers state that the trails “…range from flat, smooth pathways suitable for beginners or rusty riders, to hilly, rough terrain best suited to experienced mountain bikers.”

According to the FAQ on the New Zealand Cycle Trails website, some of the 23 rides are “loop rides, but most provide a one-way journey (often best ridden in a certain direction to take advantage of the topography). Others offer side trails or detours to suit particular interests and itineraries…“

Accommodations While Riding the NZ Cycle Trail, Guided Trips

Since a lot of the rides are one-way, and if you plan on riding a large swath of the trail, then your options for overnight stays in the various regions of New Zealand are plentiful. Of course, there are campsites. But the trail is designed so that it passes through or by areas that have hotels, motels, or bed and breakfasts. Your stays in various places will also give you access to a variety of local cuisine.

Many cyclists may choose to take on the NZ Cycle Trail on their own. While trails and trailheads are supposedly well marked, a map and use of the NZ Great Rides App will both be of use. But if you’re not the type of person to tackle a big adventure like the NZ Cycle Trail on your own, guided trips are available.

NZ Cycle Trail states there are a few options available, such as, “bike hire and shuttles, to fully guided multi-day trips including all meals, accommodation and luggage transfers, as well as off-the-bike activities such as hiking, kayaking and wine tasting.”

Last Thoughts

The NZ Cycle Trail is much like the Trans Dinarica Trail which crosses the Western Balkans, a bicycle trail that covers large areas of a country or region. Is this a theme that is becoming a movement toward more active travel? I hope so.

Anything that gets us out of cars or tour buses and immerses us in the natural world via the beauty of a bicycle is a wonderful thing. This view will be a boon for the bike industry, a way for our climate to heal from the damage humans have caused, tourism, and, perhaps, even bring us closer together so we understand each other better. So, let’s hope to see more trails like the NZ Cycle Trail.