New Zealand’s South Island is nothing short of cinematic. You’ll find sweeping mountain vistas, glacier-fed rivers, rainforests, coastal stretches, and farm country all in relative proximity. Great Bike Tours’ route gives you a front-row seat to nature’s extremes: from soaring peaks and snowfields to turquoise lakes and rugged coastlines.
The Washington Post praised the tour, saying they “would not have traded a minute of the experience,” noting that “New Zealand offers pretty much every landscape imaginable.”
What’s more, the tour doesn’t just skim the surface — it tucks you into each region so you can savor both the highlights and hidden gems.
Tour Highlights & Signature Experiences
Here’s a taste of what you’ll experience on this extraordinary ride:
- Spectacular Rides Through National Parks
Cycle through two of the island’s major national parks, including portions of Highway 6 on the West Coast — labeled one of the planet’s top road trips. - Diverse Scenery Everywhere You Turn
Expect rainforests, alpine ridgelines, plunging waterfalls, glacier-fed rivers, and wild seascapes. - Wildlife & Flora
Encounter native birds like alpine parrots, kiwis (if you’re lucky), merino sheep grazing pastoral hills, sea lions, glow worms, and giant eels. - Cultural & Local Highlights
Learn about merino wool production on a working high-country sheep farm. Visit Maori cultural sites. Taste locally brewed cider, manuka honey, Hokey Pokey ice cream, and sample New Zealand wines in the world’s southernmost wine region. - Glaciers & Water Adventures
Bike near or through terrain shaped by the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers — the only glaciers globally that descend into rainforest.
Optional extras include kayaking in a World Heritage area, guided rainforest hikes, and a boat trip in Fiordland’s Milford Sound (often called the 8th wonder of the world). - Iconic Towns & Routes
You’ll explore hubs like Christchurch, Queenstown, and Wanaka, plus the rugged landscapes connecting them.
The route is roughly laid out in a clockwise loop from Dunedin to Christchurch, passing major scenic zones in between. - Bonus Thrills (If You Want Them)
For the daredevils, optional activities let you skydive above the mountains, bungy-jump in Queenstown, or take a jetboat ride through narrow gorges
Ride Level & Flexibility
One of the strengths of this tour is its flexibility. The difficulty is rated “easy to moderate,” designed to range between 20 and 45 miles per day, depending on your comfort. You’ll ride a mix of rail trails and paved roads, with occasional hills — but you always have the option to skip segments and catch a lift in the support van.
E-bikes are available for those who want extra assistance. And rest days or lighter segments ensure you have time to soak in the surroundings rather than rush through them.
What’s Included & Logistics
Great Bike Tours builds in everything you need so you can just show up and ride:
- Comfortable lodging each night
- Most meals — expect a mix of local cuisine and hearty fare
- Bike rental + high-quality gear
- Support van service, mechanical backup, and expert guides
- Entrance fees for included attractions and logistics
- Optional adventures like boat cruises and hikes
Tours run in February and early March, which is late summer in New Zealand. You can expect temperatures in the 60s–70s °F and daylight stretching into the evening hours.
Why Choose This Tour?
- Unmatched Variety — Few cycling tours can match the sweeping contrasts of New Zealand. From glacier to rainforest, ocean to alpine, quiet valleys to rugged wilderness New Zealand can’t be beat!.
- Immersive Experience — It’s not just a bike ride; it’s a journey through landscapes, wildlife, culture, and local flavors.
- Support & Comfort — You don’t need to carry camping gear or plan logistics — everything is handled.
- Flexible Pacing — You can dial your ride intensity as you go, with van support available anytime.
- Memorable Extras — From optional skydives to guided hikes, you can augment your cycling with extraordinary experiences.
Book your 2027 New Zealand Tour today!
Are You Ready to Ride New Zealand?
If you’re drawn to dramatic terrain, natural wonders, and a tour that doesn’t just skim a destination, but lets you live in it, then this cycling vacation is calling your name.
Let Great Bike Tours guide you across New Zealand’s South Island, where every day brings new panoramas, hidden trails, and stories that stay with you long after the journey ends.
👉 Learn more and reserve your spot: https://greatbiketours.com/newzealand-2/
