Ultimate Wānaka Bike Experience

South Island

Wanaka Bike Tours

from

NZ$135

per adult

Cyclists enjoying a scenic lookout over the Upper Clutha River on the Albert Town to Wanaka bike trail.

Experiences

Cycle Trails

Day Tours

Half-Day Tours

South Island

Start: Wanaka

Location: Wānaka

Duration: 4-8 hours

Difficulty: 3

Minimum Age: 13

Details

Scenic Adventures Along Wānaka’s Cycling Paths

Set out from the tranquil shores of Lake Hāwea and follow the winding paths that lead to Wānaka’s vibrant township. This 37km ride offers a perfect mix of gentle cruising and light challenges, ideal for riders of all fitness levels. Along the way, you’ll soak up stunning views of snow-capped peaks, sparkling waters, and wide-open Central Otago landscapes.

Starting from John Creek, the trail flows through peaceful sections of the Gladstone Track and parts of the Te Araroa and Upper Clutha trails. Every turn reveals something new—from native bushland to riverside stretches rich with birdlife. The route’s smooth terrain and moderate gradients make it perfect for anyone seeking a relaxed yet rewarding cycling experience.

Support crew unloading mountain bikes at Lake Hawea trail start

Guide giving bike map and trail briefing to cyclists

Cycling group stopped beside Hawea River Rapids near the start of the trail

Family cycling around Lake Hawea, Wanaka bike Tours

Family cycling beside Lake Hawea with mountains in distance

Two cyclists riding side by side along the Hawea River Trail near Wanaka

Cyclist riding across suspension bridge over Hawea River

Two cyclists smiling beside Hawea River with their bikes

Two cyclists posing by Lake Wanaka after completing the trail

Cyclists enjoying coffee at a café in Wanaka

Adventure Made Easy with Everything Included

This self-guided ride is designed to make your adventure effortless. With bike hire, safety briefing, trail maps, and on-call support all provided, you can simply focus on enjoying the ride. It’s an easy way to experience Wānaka’s beauty without the hassle of planning every detail.

For those craving a little extra, the route can be extended along Wānaka’s Lakeside Trail for more time on the bike. Families, couples, and solo travellers alike love the flexibility and freedom this half-day journey offers. Whether it’s your first time exploring the region or your fifth, this ride captures the very essence of Wānaka’s outdoor charm.

What we provide

Shuttle from Wānaka to John Creek (Via Hāwea), trips leave daily at 08:30am & 10.30am from outside the Wānaka iSite.
Latest-model mountain bike, helmet & bike lock
E-Bike upgrades available
Thorough trial briefing with guide route map
37km ride / Grade 1-2 trail (Grade system 0 – 6)
Visit local cafes and patisserie as well as ‘The Hook’ (note: The Hook is open Sun-Wed)
Ride across the swing bridge!
See #thatwanakatree

What you should bring

Day bag/back pack
Plastic water bottle (fits inside bike bottle cage)
Shorts, T-shirt
Sturdy footwear (closed-toe)
Windbreaker jacket
Sunglasses/sunscreen
Phone/Camera

What you need to know

Duration: Take your time, most people complete the ride in 3-4 hours. All riders need to finish by 5pm at the latest. E-bike riders usually ride this route in 2.5hrs and Regular MTB riders take a little over 3.5-hrs to complete the ride.
Difficulty: Easy, however, some rutted areas which require concentration and consideration. We do not generally suggest that children under 13-years complete this ride.
Fitness level: Moderate fitness required.
Distance: 37km (plus more if you ride along the lakeside track in Wānaka)
Terrain: Smooth easy mainly flat tracks most of the way, some rutted paths closer to Albert Town

CANCELLATION & REFUNDS:

31 days or more before travel: Full refund**
Between 48 hours and 30 days: 25% cancellation fee**
Within 48 hours: No refund

Note: **Excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Itinerary

Get ready for a stunning half-day cycle ride through some of the most scenic landscapes in the Wānaka lakes region. This self-guided adventure kicks off in the peaceful forested nook of John Creek, tucked away in the south-east corner of Lake Hāwea. From there, you’ll follow a series of local trails all the way back to the heart of Lake Wānaka township.

Your journey begins on the Gladstone Track—part of the Te Araroa Trail and the latest addition to the area's network of cycleways. This section offers breathtaking views across Lake Hāwea and sets the tone for the 37km ride ahead. Feeling energised? You can extend your ride once you reach Wānaka by continuing along the Lakeside Trail towards Waterfall Creek.

We'll take care of your transport at the start of the day. Our friendly local crew will pick you up outside the Wānaka iSite and drive you to the starting point at John Creek. If we have other riders joining us for the Lake Hāwea to Lake Wānaka experience, they’ll be dropped off first before we get you set up for your ride.

Once at the lake’s edge, you’ll follow marked signs from John Creek to Hāwea township, then ride along the Hawea River Trail, onto the Upper Clutha and Te Araroa tracks—all guiding you back into Wānaka. The route is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs, making it a great option for a cruisy ride with stunning views.

Each bike comes fitted with a bottle cage—just remember to bring your own water bottle (we recommend plastic ones, as metal tends to bounce out on the trail). A backpack, sunscreen, and your mobile phone are also must-haves.

For food stops, keep in mind that Pembroke Patisserie in Albert Town usually closes at 2pm. If you’re still hungry, Albie Tavern or a nearby takeaway can keep you going. Need to fuel up before the ride? Let our driver know, and we’ll happily swing past a local café or shop on the way. And if you're planning to finish near The Hook Wānaka, it’s open Wednesday to Sunday and makes a brilliant post-ride stop.

We’ll have your bike freshly serviced and ready to go—just bring your sense of adventure.