Cycling the spectacular Roxburgh Gorge Trail | Geoff Marks
Blog home / Best bike trails in New Zealand's South Island
Whether you're looking to bike solo or as a group, New Zealand's South Island has an incredible range of dedicated cycle trails for all active riders. No matter what type of rider you are, one thing, our self-guided cycling trips all have in common is 'experience for money'. From doing hot laps on a race track to sipping wine along the Lake Dunstan trail, make the most of New Zealand's landscapes and culture both on and off the bike.
Read on to find out about 5 of New Zealand's best South Island cycle trails to ride.
The Roxburgh Gorge Trail
At 21km, the Roxburgh Gorge trail makes its way from Alexandra to Lake Roxburgh Dam with an added 13km jet boat transfer to join each end of the trail on the Clutha Mata-au River.
The trail can be cycled all year round but it really comes to life during Spring with the hillside covered in purple, wild Thyme and a blanket of golden hues throughout Autumn, providing a striking contrast against the rocky landscape on Central Otago.
Length: 21km (1 day)
Difficulty: 90% easy, 10% intermediate
Start Point: Alexandra
End Point: Roxburgh Dam
Ideal for: Intermediate cyclists or experienced riders that enjoy striking landscapes and gold mining history.
>> View trips that feature this trail.
Lake Dunstan Trail
As New Zealand's latest cycle trail, it's no surprise why the Lake Dunstan Trail is incredibly popular. An hour from Queenstown, the trail is beautifully engineered and follows the teal coloured waters of the Kawarau and mighty Clutha / Mata-au Rivers between Clyde and Cromwell.
Along the way, you'll encounter Cromwell's Heritage Precinct, Bannockburn's wine country and a coffee boat in the middle of the gorge. Information boards telling the story of the region's rich pioneering and Maori history are also scattered along the trail.
For a multi-day ride, combine this trail with the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, Clutha Gold and/or Otago Central Rail Trail for the perfect cycling holiday.
Length: 55km (1-2 days)
Difficulty: 38% Easy, 62% Intermediate
Start Point: Smith's Way or Cromwell
End Point: Clyde
Ideal for: Moderate-level bike riders looking for striking scenery, good coffee and wine. Cyclists need to be confident riding on narrow trails, and up switch-back hills.
>> View trips that feature this trail.
Otago Central Rail Trail
The 152km 'Rail Trail' is one of the most well-known cycle trails in New Zealand and is high up on many Kiwi's bucket lists. Starting from the quaint settlement of Clyde, the trail features a number of tunnels, viaducts and bridges as it follows an old Railway line to Middlemarch.
The trailhead is a short drive from Queenstown and can be combined with the popular Lake Dunstan Trail or Roxburgh Gorge Trail.
There's so much to see and do on and near the trail, including spectacular railway bridges and tunnels, abandoned gold diggings, and historic architecture from art deco municipal buildings to rustic farm yards. There's also plenty of opportunity to taste Otago's celebrated local flavours in country cafes, wineries and more.
Length: 150km
Difficulty: Introductory
Start Point: Clyde
End Point: Middlemarch
Ideal for: Introductory cyclists and families looking for a slow-paced ride through rural New Zealand.
>> View trips that feature this trail.
The Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail
A spectacular cycle journey through the Mackenzie Country and Waitaki Valley, taking you from the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean at Oamaru. Along the way, you'll encounter some of the South Island's largest glacial lakes, turquoise canals, rolling farmland and the famous Elephant Rocks.
Following a mix of dedicated cycle trails, sealed and unsealed backroads, the 322km Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail is the longest and arguably most diverse cycle trail in New Zealand. Around every corner is a new landscape, as you explore Aoraki / Mt Cook, Lake Pukaki, Lake Ohau, Lake Benmore the Waitaki River.
You'll enjoy warm and comfortable hospitality in the small and remote townships along the way.
Length: 322km (5-7 days)
Difficulty: 47% Easy, 53% Intermediate
Start point: Aoraki / Mt Cook Village or Tekapo Village
End point: Oamaru
Ideal for: Experienced riders who are looking for longer rides and enjoy cycling around lakes, canals and through the rolling farmland.
West Coast Wilderness Trail
There's no better way to get up close to the West Coast's lush rainforest, pristine rivers, tranquil lakes and rugged beaches, with the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps a truly sublime backdrop.
Easy to reach and to ride, the spectacular multi-day trail retraces old packhorse tracks, tramlines, railways, water races, and historic bridges, linked by flowing singletrack. Many natural wonders are revealed along the way, while small towns and heritage sites offer a chance to delve deep into the region's fascinating history.
Length: 133km (4-5 days)
Difficulty: 70% Easy, 30% Intermediate
Start/end point: Ross or Greymouth
Ideal for: Introductory cyclists and families looking for a leisurely and inspiring multi-day cycling holiday. The section from Kumara to Kawhaka Pass involves a short climb, but there's no shame in walking - you'll get a better appreciation of the views.