Perfect Great Rides holidays with family and friends
Take time out with family and friends on a relaxing escape full of memorable biking, beautiful scenery and fantastic attractions.
Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand offer endless adventures for every age and ability.
We've highlighted a few short, leisurely biking options that combine with great food, accommodation and other bike-friendly services that will keep things simple so you can focus on the fun.
Hawke's Bay Trails Great Ride
Visit some of the country's best wineries on the Hawke's Bay Trails.
Enjoy fun-filled days on the Hawke's Bay Trails – leisurely pathways tour the best sights and activities this popular holiday destination has to offer.
Explore the coast, rivers and beautiful Heretaunga Plains on a series of easy rides. Off-trail you can go winetasting, wander around art deco Napier or get back to nature at the national aquarium, bird-filled wetland or amazing Cape Kidnappers.
Hawke's Bay’s fresh and vibrant dining scene features numerous vineyards and other al fresco options that make the most of the region’s sunny climate. It's easy to keep the kids busy too - there are trailside playgrounds, swimming spots and icecream shops.
Plan your Hawke's Bay Trails adventure
Easy riding and bluebird days – a common feature of the Hawke's Bay Trails.
Tasman's Great Taste Trail Great Ride
The Peninsula Bridge on the Great Taste Tasman Great Ride. Photo: Chocolate Dog Studio
If your idea of a good time is scenic bike rides, sunshine and wine, make a beeline for the Tasman region – one of New Zealand's holiday hotspots.
Gather your friends and family for a beachy holiday at the top of the south. The region is blessed with one of New Zealand’s easiest Great Rides alongside a dazzling array of other outdoor adventures such as swimming, walking and boating.
Whatever the season, hang out at glittering Tahuna or Kaiteriteri beaches or venture into Abel Tasman National Park. Linger over lunch in seaside cafes or garden bars, and refuel the crew at fruit stalls, bakeries, fish and chip shops and icecream kiosks.
As a major wine region and New Zealand’s "home of hops", make sure a tipple or two is on the cards. Whatever you do, get ready for days full of good times you’ll remember for years to come.
Plan your Great Taste Trail adventure
Waimea Boardwalk on the Great Taste Trail Great Ride. Photo: Chocolate Dog Studio
Hauraki Rail Trail Great Ride
Owharoa Falls on the Hauraki Rail Trail. Photo: Thecoromandel.com
Easy riding, hot pools, Hobbiton and gold mining history make the Hauraki Rail Trail a Great Ride to enjoy with family and friends of all ages.
There's fun for everyone on this and flat, easy and laidback trail that traces the Shorebird Coast and follows old railway lines between the historic towns of Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Waihi and Matamata.
Complete the whole trail over three to five days, overnighting in atmospheric accommodation, or break it up into memorable day rides with convenient bike hire/shuttles and plenty of great cafes en route.
Bird lovers won't want to miss the Pūkorokoro–Miranda Shorebird Centre where you can learn about the area’s precious birdlife. Riders wanting to sooth bike-weary legs can take a restorative soak at hot pools in Miranda and Te Aroha.
History buffs will be blown away by the impressive Karangahake Gorge with its flinty gold mining sites and spooky 1100m tunnel. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, easily accessible from the southern end of the trail at Matamata.
Plan your Hauraki Rail Trail adventure
Long distance flying Godwits are regular visitors to the Shorebird Coast. Photo: DoC
The Hobbiton film set, just like in the movies. Photo: Matt Crawford
