Check out odd rock formations, weird plants and strange animals. Venture into spooky tunnels and weta-filled caves. Go swimming, picnicking, and enjoy an icecream treat.

But best of all, share adventures with all ages, from tots and teens to grandparents and create those treasured lifelong memories.

Our Great Rides serve up some amazing family bike trips, ranging from a few hours to an entire two-wheeled holiday. Here’s a selection of options to get you started.

Photo: James Jubb

 

 

 

Otago Central Rail Trail

A pretty easy roll along what was once an old railway line , New Zealand’s original Great Ride makes a fantastic whānau (family) holiday. Children as young as 10 have happily completed the multi-day trail, while trailers, child seats and e-bikes are all readily available for hire. The trail has sights and activities to offer something for everyone, from playgrounds to fascinating railway heritage such as tunnels, bridges and cute station buildings. Cafes, pubs and icecream shops are a great enticement to stay on track.

Photo: Jason Blair/West Coast Wilderness Trail

 

 

West Coast Wilderness Trail

Another multi-day trail for all ages, this Great Ride is largely grade 2 easy with a small amount of on-road grade 3 riding which makes it excellent for families. It mixes magnificent scenery with natural wonders, from staggering views of the Southern Alps, majestic wetlands to the rugged ocean beaches. It’s also never far from a good pub, cafe or comfortable bed, and passes some of the West Coast’s biggest attractions, including Shantytown, Hokitika’s craft galleries and the Treetop Walk. 

Photo: Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono

 

 

Te Ara Mangawhero Trail (Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono)

Discover the beauty of this new 12.9km section of the Mountains to Sea - Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride which links to Ohakune Old Coach Road. It’s a scenic trail that weaves through parts of the historic Bennett and Punch bush tramway and the Ohakune water catchment, offering stunning views of Mt Ruapehu. Along the way you’ll explore landscapes rich in cultural significance to Ngāti Rangi and traverse the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO Dual World Heritage site.  

Photo: Steve Knowles

 

 

Dunes Trail  (Motu Trails)

A great half-day return ride for beach-lovers, this super-smooth trail undulates  along the dunes east of Ōpōtiki, starting at the impressive Pakowhai ki Otutaopuku suspension bridge. It hugs the glorious Bay of Plenty coastline for 9km, offering epic ocean and distant mountain views with plenty of opportunities for swimming, bird watching or playtime in the sand. 

Photo: Hauraki Rail Trail

 

 

Karangahake Gorge (Hauraki Rail Trail)

Near the old gold town of Waihi, cute Waikino Station’s cafe makes it a good place to launch a lovely one-day trip through the Karangahake Gorge. Check out the curious remains of the Victoria Battery, and be sure to pack a headlamp for the spooky cruise through the old 1km railway tunnel – a thrill for all ages. You can also cool off in the river with  a swim and explore the walkways branching off from the reserve. 

Photo: Geoff Marks

 

 

Clutha Gold Trail

Flat or gently undulating almost the whole way, this is another great option for a family biking holiday, or slice and dice it for a grand day out. Following the mighty Clutha Mata-Au River, it passes through charming country towns where you can enjoy Jimmy’s famous pies, luscious local fruit or sensational fish and chips on the lakefront in Waihola. Memorable landmarks include Roxburgh Dam, Horseshoe Bend Bridge and Big Hill Tunnel, while Pinders Pond is a chance to take a refreshing dip. Don’t miss the boardwalk section around Lake Waihola and its unique wetlands at the end of the new trail extension.

Photo: Pou Herenga Tai – Twin Coast Cycle Trail

 

 

Kaikohe - Ōkaihau (Po Herenga Tai - Twin Coast Cycle Trail)

Sample some of the best of the Northland with this fun, 14km half-day ride. The grade 1 and 2 section starts off from Kaikohe and heads west through beautiful bush and paddocks full of grazing cattle. Stop and take a group pic at the Kaikohe picture frame. Find one or both small trail diversions for kids to adventure along, take torches for the 80m curved tunnel and bike past the north's largest lake - Lake Ōmāpere. Take time to read the signs and learn all about the surrounding area and vegetation. Stop in Ōkaihau and have a spot for lunch from the delicious Sapphire Cafe, then pop across the road for a real fruit icecream to finish off.  

Photo: Caleb Smith

 

 

Remutaka Rail Trail (Remutaka Cycle Trail)

One of Wellington’s most popular family outings – on bike and foot – this trail follows the old railway route between Upper Hutt and the Wairarapa. As it winds gently up through exotic and regenerating forest, storyboards pinpoint various relics and retell their tales. The climb finishes at ‘Summit’, a pretty recreation area perfect for a picnic. It’s worth riding just a little further on to pass through a particularly impressive tunnel, and beyond to a viewing platform that makes a good place to turn back for a total return ride of around 25km (2–4 hours). 

Photo: Hawke's Bay Trails

 

 

Marine Parade Explorer  (Hawke’s Bay Trails)

Art deco Napier has been popular with generations of Kiwi holidaymakers, and this neat cycle path sure shows you why. Following Marine Parade, it’s suitable for bikes, trikes, wheelchairs and walkers, and has handily located bike hire, too. It passes a junior bike park, mini-golf, the sunken garden, playgrounds, cafes and the National Aquarium, and extends all the way out to Waitangi Regional Park, 15km from town. Ride there and back, or just a wee bit of it. 

Photo: Destination Queenstown

 

 

Queenstown to Frankton (Queenstown Trail)

An enjoyable outing for young, old and those with less experience on a bike, this ride has spectacular lakeside scenery with a dramatic backdrop of The Remarkables. Start by exploring Queenstown’s botanical gardens before pedaling off towards Franktown where you’ll find several places to eat. It’s worth cycling a bit further on to see the  Kawarau Falls bridges where the lake drains into the Kawarau River.

Photo: Chocolate Dog Studio

 

 

Nelson to Māpua (Tasman’s Great Taste Trail)

There’s so much to see and do on this section of trail you’ll easily stretch the 2–3 hour ride into a wonderful day out. Beyond  Nelson city feast your eyes on  Waimea Inlet, an internationally important coastal wetland for migratory birds. Then you’ll head on to Rabbit Island/Moturoa recreation area with its forest trails, sandy beaches and picnic spots. From there, a short ferry hop takes you to Māpua village – a family favourite that offers diverse tastes in  its wharf precinct with cafes, neat shops, and seaside holiday vibe.