New Zealand
New Zealand - Cycling tour between volcanoes and fjords
New Zealand - Cycling tour between volcanoes and fjords
Duration
19 days
Start/End
Auckland/Christchurch
Tour type
Group
Level
Moderate
Accommodation
Hotel, Motel
Overview
On this cycling trip you experience some of the finest scenic routes on the North and South Islands – from volcanoes and geothermal areas via lakes and coasts to rainforests, glaciers and mountains. You ride the Hauraki and Otago Rail Trails, around Taupō and to Lake Kaniere.
Experience some of the most beautiful panoramic routes on New Zealand's North and South Islands on this cycling tour. With the wind in your hair, you'll explore diverse landscapes – from glaciers and volcanoes to geothermal areas, lakes, and stunning coastlines, as well as ancient forests, wild rivers, and snow-capped mountains. Few other countries offer such a variety of natural features in such a small area: bubbling springs, deep fjords, rainforest birdsong, and spectacular mountain scenery alternate. It feels as if nature is adding another dimension every day. New Zealand is sparsely populated – the roads are mostly quiet and constantly offer breathtaking views. This makes the country ideal for a cycling trip. This combined bus and bike tour allows you to discover the highlights of both islands in a relatively short time. You'll cover a total of approximately 740 kilometers by bike – but you can hop on the support bus whenever you like. Cultural encounters, for example with Maori culture in Rotorua or in the historic gold-mining town of Arrowtown, and optional excursions such as a boat trip to Milford Sound or a kayak tour in Abel Tasman National Park enrich the trip.
Tour Code
Tour language
German, EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Auckland
You will travel independently to Auckland. At the airport, a shuttle bus will take you comfortably to the tour hotel. Around 6 pm, a welcome meeting with your tour guide will take place in the lounge. You will meet your fellow travelers and get an initial overview of the upcoming cycling days.
Arrival in Auckland
Day 1
You will travel independently to Auckland. At the airport, a shuttle bus will take you comfortably to the tour hotel. Around 6 pm, a welcome meeting with your tour guide will take place in the lounge. You will meet your fellow travelers and get an initial overview of the upcoming cycling days.
Day 2
Auckland – Thames / Coromandel – Hauraki Rail Trail
After breakfast together, we'll take the bus to the Coromandel Peninsula. In Thames, you'll pick up your rental bike. You'll cycle along the Hauraki Rail Trail through farmland and the impressive Karangahake Valley to Waihi – an ideal start to your cycling trip.
Auckland – Thames / Coromandel – Hauraki Rail Trail
Day 2
After breakfast together, we'll take the bus to the Coromandel Peninsula. In Thames, you'll pick up your rental bike. You'll cycle along the Hauraki Rail Trail through farmland and the impressive Karangahake Valley to Waihi – an ideal start to your cycling trip.
Day 3
Thames – Paeroa – Rotorua
Today your cycling tour starts in Paeroa. You follow the Rail Trail to Te Aroha and continue along rural roads to Te Poi. From there, the bus takes you to Rotorua – the cultural center of the Maori.
Thames – Paeroa – Rotorua
Day 3
Today your cycling tour starts in Paeroa. You follow the Rail Trail to Te Aroha and continue along rural roads to Te Poi. From there, the bus takes you to Rotorua – the cultural center of the Maori.
Day 4
Rotorua – Orakei Geyserland – Lake Taupo
Volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and Maori culture await you today. The cycling route leads through hilly farmland to Orakei Thermal Park – a true natural wonder with bubbling springs and geysers. Afterwards, you'll hike to Huka Falls on the Waikato River and reach Taupo or Turangi.
Rotorua – Orakei Geyserland – Lake Taupo
Day 4
Volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and Maori culture await you today. The cycling route leads through hilly farmland to Orakei Thermal Park – a true natural wonder with bubbling springs and geysers. Afterwards, you'll hike to Huka Falls on the Waikato River and reach Taupo or Turangi.
Day 5
Bike tour around Taupo
Today you'll cycle through rolling hills and farmland along Lake Taupo to Mangakino Lake. Here you can enjoy a relaxing picnic – perhaps even a dip in the water? If you like, you can take an alternative route back to Taupo; otherwise, the bus will take you back.
Bike tour around Taupo
Day 5
Today you'll cycle through rolling hills and farmland along Lake Taupo to Mangakino Lake. Here you can enjoy a relaxing picnic – perhaps even a dip in the water? If you like, you can take an alternative route back to Taupo; otherwise, the bus will take you back.
Day 6
Taupo – Whanganui
You'll travel through Tongariro National Park in a support vehicle. Your cycling tour begins in Pipiriki, following the beautiful Whanganui River Road. You decide whether to stop after 60 km in Jerusalem or continue until Whanganui (100 km). A route that is both scenically and culturally impressive.
Taupo – Whanganui
Day 6
You'll travel through Tongariro National Park in a support vehicle. Your cycling tour begins in Pipiriki, following the beautiful Whanganui River Road. You decide whether to stop after 60 km in Jerusalem or continue until Whanganui (100 km). A route that is both scenically and culturally impressive.
Day 7
Whanganui – Wellington
Today you'll leave your bike behind. You'll cycle along the west coast towards Wellington. Along the way, you'll take a short walk on the beach. Once in Wellington, you can visit the Te Papa Museum or enjoy the view from Mount Victoria.
Whanganui – Wellington
Day 7
Today you'll leave your bike behind. You'll cycle along the west coast towards Wellington. Along the way, you'll take a short walk on the beach. Once in Wellington, you can visit the Te Papa Museum or enjoy the view from Mount Victoria.
Day 8
Ferry crossing to the South Island – Picton – Motueka
In the morning, you'll take the ferry to Picton. From there, a bus will take you through the Marlborough wine region. Later, you'll get back on your bike – a relaxed ride along the Motueka River will lead you to the gateway of Abel Tasman National Park.
Ferry crossing to the South Island – Picton – Motueka
Day 8
In the morning, you'll take the ferry to Picton. From there, a bus will take you through the Marlborough wine region. Later, you'll get back on your bike – a relaxed ride along the Motueka River will lead you to the gateway of Abel Tasman National Park.
Day 9
Leisure time in Abel Tasman National Park
Design your day exactly as you like: hike the scenic Abel Tasman Coast Track, paddle a kayak, go for a swim, or take another bike ride. Your tour guide has great suggestions for you.
Leisure time in Abel Tasman National Park
Day 9
Design your day exactly as you like: hike the scenic Abel Tasman Coast Track, paddle a kayak, go for a swim, or take another bike ride. Your tour guide has great suggestions for you.
Day 10
Motueka – Hokitika
You start directly from your accommodation and cycle to the idyllic Lake Kaniere – perfect for a picnic and a refreshing swim. After a gentle climb, a relaxing section through rainforest and farmland follows. Those who wish can continue on to Hokitika Gorge.
Motueka – Hokitika
Day 10
You start directly from your accommodation and cycle to the idyllic Lake Kaniere – perfect for a picnic and a refreshing swim. After a gentle climb, a relaxing section through rainforest and farmland follows. Those who wish can continue on to Hokitika Gorge.
Day 11
Bike tour to Lake Kaniere
You start directly from your accommodation and cycle to the idyllic Lake Kaniere – perfect for a picnic and a refreshing swim. After a gentle climb, a relaxing section through rainforest and farmland follows. Those who wish can continue on to Hokitika Gorge.
Bike tour to Lake Kaniere
Day 11
You start directly from your accommodation and cycle to the idyllic Lake Kaniere – perfect for a picnic and a refreshing swim. After a gentle climb, a relaxing section through rainforest and farmland follows. Those who wish can continue on to Hokitika Gorge.
Day 12
Hokitika – Wanaka
Early in the morning, you'll visit the Franz Josef Glacier and hike to a viewpoint. Afterwards, you'll continue to a mountain lake that reflects the surrounding peaks – a picture-perfect postcard scene in good weather. Then, drive over the Haast Pass to Wanaka.
Hokitika – Wanaka
Day 12
Early in the morning, you'll visit the Franz Josef Glacier and hike to a viewpoint. Afterwards, you'll continue to a mountain lake that reflects the surrounding peaks – a picture-perfect postcard scene in good weather. Then, drive over the Haast Pass to Wanaka.
Day 13
Wanaka – Queenstown
Today you'll cycle along Lake Wanaka to the Cardrona Hotel. The route is varied – with climbs and rewarding descents. Afterwards, you'll take a bus to the gold rush town of Arrowtown. In the afternoon, you'll reach Queenstown.
Wanaka – Queenstown
Day 13
Today you'll cycle along Lake Wanaka to the Cardrona Hotel. The route is varied – with climbs and rewarding descents. Afterwards, you'll take a bus to the gold rush town of Arrowtown. In the afternoon, you'll reach Queenstown.
Day 14
Queenstown (optional: Milford Sound)
Today is yours to enjoy free time – or you can opt for a day trip to Milford Sound (including a boat trip, approx. 8 hours). Alternatively, exciting activities like bungee jumping, jet boating, or a steamboat cruise await you. A leisurely bike ride is also an option.
Queenstown (optional: Milford Sound)
Day 14
Today is yours to enjoy free time – or you can opt for a day trip to Milford Sound (including a boat trip, approx. 8 hours). Alternatively, exciting activities like bungee jumping, jet boating, or a steamboat cruise await you. A leisurely bike ride is also an option.
Day 15
Otago Rail Trail – Ranfurly
Starting today, you'll spend two days traveling on the legendary Otago Rail Trail – an old railway line through central Otago. Today's section, from Lauder to Ranfurly, takes you over viaducts, through tunnels, and across wide-open landscapes.
Otago Rail Trail – Ranfurly
Day 15
Starting today, you'll spend two days traveling on the legendary Otago Rail Trail – an old railway line through central Otago. Today's section, from Lauder to Ranfurly, takes you over viaducts, through tunnels, and across wide-open landscapes.
Day 16
Otago Rail Trail – Oamaru
From Ranfurly, continue along the Rail Trail to Middlemarch. Then, a bus will take you to the Pacific coast. Along the way, you'll discover the Moeraki Boulders – mysterious stone spheres on the beach. In the evening, you'll arrive in the charming town of Oamaru. You might even spot little penguins!
Otago Rail Trail – Oamaru
Day 16
From Ranfurly, continue along the Rail Trail to Middlemarch. Then, a bus will take you to the Pacific coast. Along the way, you'll discover the Moeraki Boulders – mysterious stone spheres on the beach. In the evening, you'll arrive in the charming town of Oamaru. You might even spot little penguins!
Day 17
Oamaru – Twizel
On the Vanished World Trail and Alps2Ocean cycle route, you'll cycle through hilly Hobbiton-like landscapes. A short hike leads to the whimsical "Elephant Rocks." Today's route is quiet, scenic, and gradually climbs.
Oamaru – Twizel
Day 17
On the Vanished World Trail and Alps2Ocean cycle route, you'll cycle through hilly Hobbiton-like landscapes. A short hike leads to the whimsical "Elephant Rocks." Today's route is quiet, scenic, and gradually climbs.
Day 18
Twizel – Christchurch
The final leg takes you along the hydro canal to Lake Pukaki – with views of Mount Cook on a clear day. Afterwards, the bus will take you to Christchurch. A short city tour will introduce you to the Port Hills with their panoramic views.
Twizel – Christchurch
Day 18
The final leg takes you along the hydro canal to Lake Pukaki – with views of Mount Cook on a clear day. Afterwards, the bus will take you to Christchurch. A short city tour will introduce you to the Port Hills with their panoramic views.
Day 19
Christchurch – Return journey
Depending on your departure time, you'll have some free time to explore Christchurch. Afterwards, you'll be transferred to the airport. Your cycling tour through New Zealand comes to an end – with unforgettable memories.
Christchurch – Return journey
Day 19
Depending on your departure time, you'll have some free time to explore Christchurch. Afterwards, you'll be transferred to the airport. Your cycling tour through New Zealand comes to an end – with unforgettable memories.
Services
What's included
Luggage transport in the tour bus between accommodations
Transport in an air-conditioned coach and trailer for bicycles
Ferry crossing from the North Island to the South Island
Cycling tour as described with 12 cycling stages
Excursions, activities and sightseeing as per itinerary
Entrance fee to the Orakei Thermal Park
1 pannier bag
If necessary: minor repairs to the bicycle
6 - 11 participants
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Personal expenses, tips
Meals and drinks not mentioned
Costs for 12 picnics and national park fees during the cycling stages (NZ$320 - payable on site to the tour guide)
rental bike
Optional excursions and activities
Character of the trip
Fitness
Moderate
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Pure nature
For this cycling trip you need solid basic fitness and stamina. Over a total of around 740 kilometres you ride mostly on moderate routes and cycle trails such as the Hauraki and Otago Rail Trails, with some climbs, longer distances and occasional gravel sections. You can switch to the support bus at any time. On some days longer bus journeys are combined with bike rides or hikes; a sure footing is needed for the hikes. Activities partly depend on the weather, so flexibility is part of it. You stay in hotels and motels.
Dates and prices
Group dates
02/11/2026 – 20/11/2026 · €4,895.00 per person
Notes on the trip
Program adjustments depending on weather conditions
The safety of our participants is our top priority on our active tours. Since we often travel in alpine or remote regions, weather conditions such as strong winds, fog, persistent rain or snowfall, as well as other unforeseen circumstances, can affect the execution of the planned route. In such cases, our experienced local guide will react flexibly and adjust the route or program accordingly to ensure the safety of everyone involved. These decisions are always made in the best interests of all participants, so that the tour remains safe and as enjoyable as possible. Any claims for compensation are excluded in such cases.
Accommodation
1x standard hotel, 10x motel, 7x mid-range hotel. Accommodation is in double rooms. We take great care in selecting the right accommodations, as every guest naturally wants to be comfortable and cozy at the end of an active day. In cities like Auckland, Christchurch, or Queenstown, we choose centrally located upper-mid-range hotels. Outside these cities, we prefer select accommodations, ideally "New Zealand-owned and operated," that combine authenticity with the comfort of a good to upper mid-range hotel. In addition to the aforementioned cooking facilities, most accommodations also have a small laundry room with a washing machine and dryer. Note regarding the hotel in Ranfurly: due to the specific accommodation situation, it is possible that two rooms may share a shower/toilet.
Catering
Two breakfasts are included – the first on the day after your arrival, where you can also meet the group and your tour leader, and another in Ranfurly. On the other days, you can usually have breakfast at your accommodation – many hotels or motels offer breakfast for an extra charge (approx. NZ$20–30). Additionally, picnic lunches are organized on 12 days. Your tour leader will collect a contribution of NZ$320 for this. Especially on the cycling days, which take you through remote farmland or along the Otago Rail Trail, there is often no opportunity to buy anything or stop at a restaurant. Therefore, your tour leader will provide a picnic with everything you need: coffee, various teas, bread, jams, cheese, cold cuts, vegetarian spreads, fresh fruit and vegetables. Drinking water will also be provided. Your tour leader knows the area very well and has plenty of tips on where you can eat or shop. Most accommodations are equipped with a kitchenette, microwave, sink and often also a hotplate, electric stove or frying pan – so you also have the option of cooking for yourself if you want.
Guide
German-speaking tour guide. As the group may consist of international participants on certain travel dates, the tour guide will be available in German and partly in English.