New Zealand Bike Tour

Touch down in Queenstown—New Zealand’s adventure capital—where your guides will greet you at the airport or downtown. A short transfer brings us to the shores of Lake Hayes, where we’ll get fitted on our bikes. Ease into the week with a warm-up ride through Coronet Peak Valley and along Speargrass Flat Road, a favorite among local cyclists. We’ll stop for a casual coffee in Arthurs Point. then continue cycling, marveling at the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps. Lunch awaits at a charming bakery-café situated along a scenic creek. From there, it’s a short ride to the luxurious Millbrook Resort, set against snow-capped peaks in the heart of Central Otago’s wine country. Spend the afternoon settling in and exploring the property or tack on some extra miles. This evening, we’ll gather for cocktails as the sun sets on our first day together. A welcome dinner follows at Amisfield—the perfect introduction to local ingredients and wines at New Zealand’s best restaurant, just a stone’s throw from our hotel.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Queenstown, Lake Hayes, Arthurs Point
Accomplished: 21 miles / 34 km, elevation gain: 1,709 feet / 521 meters
Longer Option: 28 miles / 45 km, elevation gain: 2,060 feet / 628 meters
Accommodations: Millbrook Resort

This morning we ride straight out of Millbrook for a loop through the Queenstown Basin, a region rich in glacial lakes, rushing rivers, and alpine valleys. Our route follows scenic, traffic-free trails that trace the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers, where blue-green waters feed beautiful pools and hidden coves. Our destination is Arrowtown, a former mining town that sprung up overnight when prospectors found gold in the Arrow River in 1862. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the 19th-century as you stroll through the town’s beautifully-preseved historic center, now filled with cafés, galleries, and artisan shops. Pedal back to the hotel for a dip in the pool or a visit to spa—or challenge yourself with an extra ride up the scenic slopes of Coronet Peak. Tonight we’re treated to a traditional hot stone barbecue and haka dance performance, both a celebration of Māori culture.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Shotover River, Kawarau River, Arrowtown
Accomplished: 25 miles / 41 km, elevation gain: 1,545 feet / 471 meters
Longer Option: 51 miles / 82 km, elevation gain: 4,612 feet / 1,406 meters
Accommodations: Millbrook Resort

Thanks to the success of the Otago Central Rail Trail, the Otago Valley has emerged as a premier cycling destination, with an impressive network of bike paths spanning a stunning landscape of rugged river canyons, sheer rock faces, and mountain lakes. Today’s ride on the Kawarau Gorge Trail is nothing short of spectacular: we’ll follow the Kawarau River as it tumbles out of Queenstown carving a deep gorge from Gibbston—home to the world’s first bungee-jumping site—to Bannockburn. Pedal across suspension bridges and take in dramatic views of rushing rapids and Central Otago’s prized vineyards, stopping for a tapas-style lunch at a historic inn with a stellar wine list. From there, transfer to the private lakeside villa in Wānaka where we’ll spend the next three nights. Watch the sun set over Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps, then gather for an elegant dinner prepared by our in-house chef and inspired by the season’s best produce.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner
Destinations: Gibbston, Kawarau Gorge, Bannockburn
Accomplished: 31 miles / 50 km, elevation gain: 1,614 feet / 492 meters
Accommodations: Whare Kea Lodge

Start the day with a homemade breakfast, then choose your own adventure: a hike along the secluded shores of Lake Wānaka or a ride on country roads and well-paved bike paths to neighboring Lake Hāwea. Whichever route you select, the scenery will be vast and beautiful—think glassy alpine basins, gently swaying grass, and glacier-sculpted valleys. Regroup for lunch al fresco at the villa then set off on a special afternoon adventure—a visit to a remote high-country station accessible only by four-wheel drive. Dating back to the 19th century, this working farm offers incredible views along with behind-the-scenes access to a way of life that helped define Kiwi culture here on the South Island. Tonight, go at your own pace and dine where you wish in Wānaka. Your guides are happy to recommend local restaurants in this lovely little resort town.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Mount Iron, Glendhu Bay, Lake Wānaka
Accomplished:31 miles / 50 km, elevation gain: 1,614 feet / 451 meters OR 2-4 hours hiking
Longer Option: 40 miles / 65 km, elevation gain: 1,847 feet / 563 meters OR 2-4 hours hiking
Accommodations: Whare Kea Lodge

This morning we’ll transfer south to explore Otago’s most iconic cycling route. Start with a warm-up ride along the shores of Lake Dunstan, spinning toward Cromwell—a picturesque mining town that was partially submerged when the Clutha River was dammed in the 1990s. After a coffee and a snack at a lakefront winery, our ride continues on the Lake Dunstan Trail. This bucket-list ride follows a car-free, single-track path that hugs the lake’s edge for peaceful and pristine riding with uninterrupted views. The trail ends in Clyde, a historic gold-rush town on the banks of the Clutha River. A wine-lover’s lunch is served at an estate founded by a French winemaker in the 1860s. Taste to your heart’s content then enjoy a relaxing boat ride back up the lake. Back at the villa, we’ll toast with celebratory cocktails and share our favorite moments of the trip while our private chef prepares dinner.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Pisa Moorings, Cromwell, Clyde
Accomplished: 27 miles / 43 km, elevation gain: 1,804 feet / 550 meters
Longer Option: 37 miles / 59 km, elevation gain: 1,988 feet / 606 meters
Accommodations: Whare Kea Lodge

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or head out for a quick final spin along the shores of Lake Wānaka. Your guides will take you back to Queenstown to continue your time in New Zealand or head onto your next adventure.

Meals: Breakfast
Destinations: Lake Wānaka, Queenstown