Guides are knowledgeable and hospitable - very attentive to all the guests, and made every effort to make sure all had a great experience. Great group to ride with in a beautiful country.
New Zealand South Island Scenic Trails
NEW ZEALAND TOURS
Guided Bike Tours in New Zealand
Our New Zealand bike tours take you through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, from alpine mountains and turquoise lakes to dramatic coastlines and rolling farmland. With scenic trails, quiet backroads, and ever-changing landscapes, it’s an unforgettable way to experience New Zealand by bike.
Experience New Zealand’s South Island by bike
From the vineyard-lined trails of Marlborough to the lakes, peaks, and river valleys of the South Island, our New Zealand bike tours make it easy to see why this is one of the world’s most spectacular places to ride.
You might pedal past turquoise water and alpine scenery, follow peaceful country roads through rolling farmland, or stop in welcoming towns for local wine, fresh flavors, and big views around every bend.
And that’s just the beginning. Whether you’re planning a New Zealand cycling tour or a scenic bike trip on the South Island, you’ll find a ride that blends dramatic landscapes with the freedom to go at your own pace. With Discovery Bicycle Tours, you can relax into the experience and enjoy every mile with caring support and easy camaraderie.
WHAT MAKES NEW ZEALAND SPECIAL?
A Cycling Paradise at the Edge of the World
New Zealand is made for exploration by bike, with incredible trails leading through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Here's a taste of what's in store.
Alps to Ocean Trail
Ride one of New Zealand's most celebrated cycling routes, following quiet trails from the foot of Aoraki / Mount Cook to the Pacific Ocean. Snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and wide-open landscapes make every mile unforgettable.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Stand beneath New Zealand's highest mountain and take in some of the country's most spectacular alpine scenery. Glacial lakes, rugged peaks, and vast valleys create a backdrop that feels almost unreal.
Kiwi Hospitality & Local Flavors
New Zealand is as welcoming as it is beautiful. From fresh local cuisine and renowned wines to the warm hospitality Kiwis are known for, you'll experience the South Island's culture both on and off the bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know more about biking in New Zealand? Our 'Frequently Asked Questions' are packed with helpful information.
Few places pack so much diversity into such a small country. In a single tour, you might ride past vineyards, through native forests, alongside turquoise lakes, beneath mountain peaks, and into welcoming rural communities. Add New Zealand's friendly hospitality, outdoor lifestyle, and spectacular scenery, and it's easy to see why so many cyclists return again and again
Discovery’s New Zealand tours are scheduled around good riding seasons for the South Island. New Zealand’s seasons are opposite those in North America, so spring, summer, and autumn in New Zealand generally fall from roughly October through April. Summer offers long daylight hours and warmer travel conditions, while shoulder-season departures can bring cooler riding temperatures and beautiful seasonal scenery. Because New Zealand weather can change quickly, layered clothing and rain protection are always wise.
Expect an ever-changing backdrop of snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, vineyard-covered valleys, glacier-fed rivers, rolling farmland, and historic rail trails. From the dramatic Southern Alps to the wide-open landscapes of Central Otago and the iconic views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's South Island offers some of the most spectacular cycling scenery in the world.
Choose the 14-day New Zealand South Island Scenic Trails Bike Tour if you want a deeper South Island experience with multiple trails, changing landscapes, hiking, Milford Sound, and more time to settle into the journey. Choose the 6-day New Zealand Alps-to-Ocean Adventure Bike Tour if you want a shorter cycling vacation focused on one of New Zealand’s most memorable point-to-point rides. Both are active, scenic, supported trips designed for travelers who want to experience New Zealand by bike without managing all the logistics on their own.
Discovery’s New Zealand tours include a mix of quiet roads, rail trails, gravel paths, and scenic cycle routes. Some sections are smooth and relaxed, while others include packed gravel, gentle bumps, hills, or natural trail surfaces. You do not need technical mountain biking skills, but you should be comfortable riding on varied terrain. The reward is a wonderfully scenic ride through South Island landscapes, from alpine views and glacial lakes to rivers, rural valleys, forests, and small towns.
Highlights From Our New Zealand Tours
Our Riders Share Their Stories
Real guests. Real rides. Real discoveries.
Why Travel With Discovery?
Riding together since 1977
Since 1977, these trips have been thoughtfully crafted to feel smooth, personal, and stress-free.
Your tour leaders bring local insight, steady support, and genuine care, handling the details so you can simply enjoy each moment and savor the journey.
Ride your way fully supported
You set the pace each day — pause for a view, stop for coffee, or keep rolling. It’s up to you.
With flexible mileage, simple Ride with GPS navigation, and a support van nearby, you can ride confidently knowing help is there if you need it.
E-Bikes Included
Every tour includes e-bikes at no extra cost.
Whether you want a little boost on the hills or simply an easier, more relaxed day in the saddle, the choice is always yours — so you can ride comfortably, confidently, and enjoy every mile at your own pace.
Scenic routes you'll love
You’ll follow thoughtfully designed routes along quiet back roads, rail trails, and car-free paths.
It’s the kind of riding where you can relax, take in the views, and really connect with each place along the way.
Small groups, lifelong friends
You’ll ride alongside a small, welcoming group where it’s easy to connect. Share meals, swap stories, and laugh about the day’s highlights.
It doesn’t take long before it feels like traveling with old friends.
All-inclusive, no surprises
From handpicked accommodations and most meals to quality bikes, helmets, expert tour leaders, and van support, it’s all taken care of and included.
No planning stress. No surprise costs. Just arrive, settle in, and enjoy the ride.
