4.9 (401) · Wanaka · By nzbiketrails Free cancellation
Embark on a fantastic journey to discover the stunning landscapes surrounding Wanaka. You'll cycle across plateaus, with majestic mountains as your backdrop, on trails suitable for families with an easy grade of 1-2.
The suggested route guides you from Hawea, following the Hawea River, passing through Albert Town, and then along the Clutha River towards Wanaka.
Along your route, you'll encounter several captivating spots, including Lake Hawea, Pembroke Patisserie, the iconic Wanaka Tree, and the garden bar at the Edgewater Hotel.
✓ A thorough safety briefing to ensure a secure ride.✓ Comfortable return shuttle service.✓ A handy 8L Topeak rear trunk bag, eliminating the need for a backpack.✓ Essential accessories: bike lock, puncture repair kit, and pump.✓ High-quality Specialized Camber helmets featuring MIPS protection.✓ Choice of bike rental: select either an e-bike or a regular bike.✕ Insurance for the rider.Activity Schedule
4 h
Your adventure begins with a convenient shuttle service from nzbiketrails, picking you up in Wanaka and taking you to Hawea.
Prepare for a scenic ride of approximately 30km. The trails are officially graded as 1-2, making them 'Family Friendly'. These are gravel paths that run alongside the river. For an enhanced experience, nzbiketrails highly recommends using e-bikes on all our routes.
We'll start with a comprehensive route overview, a safety briefing, and a test ride to ensure your bike is perfectly adjusted for your comfort, including the correct seat height. You'll then have the remainder of the day to freely explore the local area by bike, with the freedom to stop along the way back to Wanaka. Don't miss our favorite stop, the award-winning patisserie in Albert Town, located about halfway through your journey.
Upon your return to Wanaka, nzbiketrails will collect your bikes from the original pickup point by 4:00 PM.
Our e-bikes are suitable for children aged 8 and above, provided they are over 140cm tall and are confident riders capable of using bike gears. We suggest that families with young children opt for the 9:00 AM or 10:30 AM shuttles to allow ample time for the ride back to Wanaka.
Your ticket can be presented either digitally on your mobile device or as a printed copy. One ticket is required per booking.
Please gather at the designated loading bays just outside the Wanaka i-SITE, located at 103 Ardmore Street. Identify the nzbiketrails shuttle and bike trailer – no need to check in at the i-SITE.
Complimentary parking, with no time restrictions, is typically available on either side of Pembroke Park, along the lakeside.
Please gather at the designated loading bays just outside the Wanaka i-SITE, located at 103 Ardmore Street. Identify the nzbiketrails shuttle and bike trailer – no need to check in at the i-SITE.
Complimentary parking, with no time restrictions, is typically available on either side of Pembroke Park, along the lakeside.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
This activity is not recommended for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular health conditions. Suitable for participants of all physical fitness levels. E-bike Hire and Shuttle E-bike Hire Gravel Bike Hire and Shuttle Gravel Bike: This option is exclusively for experienced gravel riders. Gravel bikes are specialized equipment. nzbiketrails recommends e-bikes for all our trail experiences. Regular Bike Hire and Shuttle Regular Bike Hire Consider an e-bike for a more relaxed experience, especially on longer distances. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for cycling. Bring sunscreen and a hat, as parts of the trail may be exposed. Allow ample time to enjoy stops along the route. Ensure children meet the height and confidence requirements for e-bikes. Check the weather forecast before your ride. To receive a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 388576P3
Activity offered by nzbiketrails via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families Leisure cyclists Nature lovers Explore the beautiful Wanaka and Hawea regions by bike. Enjoy family-friendly trails with easy gradients. Scenic routes along rivers and lakes. Includes shuttle service and bike hire. Optional e-bike upgrade for an easier ride. Visit charming spots like Albert Town's patisserie.
Population 8,900 (2018)
Elevation 290 m
Currency New Zealand dollar
Official languages Māori, English
Driving on the left
Power plugs I · 230 V
Emergency number 111
Capital city Wellington Average temperatures 12° Jan 12° Feb 10° Mar 7° Apr 4° May 1° Jun 0° Jul 2° Aug 4° Sept 5° Oct 8° Nov 10° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the difficulty level of the trails? + The trails are graded 1-2, classified as 'Family Friendly' and are suitable for all physical fitness levels.
What is included in the hire? + Included are: Safety Briefing, Executive Return Shuttle, 8L Topeak Rear Trunk Bag, Bike Lock, Puncture Repair Kit and Pump, Helmet, and the hire of your chosen bike (e-bike or regular bike).
What are the age and height requirements for e-bikes? + Our e-bikes are suitable for children aged 8+ who are over 140cm and are confident riders capable of using gears.
Where do I get picked up? + Please wait at the loading bays outside the Wanaka i-SITE, 103 Ardmore Street. Look for the branded nzbiketrails shuttle and bike trailer.
Can I cancel my booking? + Yes, for a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great day activity from Wanaka with the family.
L7334JOtimb, October 2026
The ride was loads of fun and despite being on our own the explanation on the way out by James made the route very clear. The route also allowed a stop off at the nearby salmon farm for lunch possible. Overall a fantastic day. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator · smilesatnzbiketrails Thanks for riding with nzbiketrails. Hook is a great location to visit for lunch whilst you are in Wanaka. Thank you for the recommendation. We have lots more trails to ride on your next visit. Smiles David
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Dark clouds, good experience.
174vladb, October 2026
Super friendly organiser. Good bikes.
Response from the operator · smilesatnzbiketrails Thank you for riding with nzbiketrails. The team love what they do. We look forward to hosting you in the future.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
NZ Bike Trails never disappoint!
840moniquec, September 2026
This is the third time we have booked a bike riding trip with NZ Bike Trails. They never disappoint! Great friendly service, quality bikes and scenic trails. Our kids (aged 7 and 10) loved the experience of being on e-bikes for the first time. We will be back again!
Response from the operator · smilesatnzbiketrails At nzbiketrails we love it when our guests return. Thank you for trusting us to deliver great experiences year after year! I’m really pleased that the kids loved the e-bikes. We have spent a lot of time making sure that we get the right e-bikes for kids so that they can ride confidently, on a lighter e-bike than normal and the family can enjoy the experience together. We look forward to hosting you on many different trails. If they enjoyed Hawea to Wanaka they will love the Queenstown Trails and Lake Dunstan Trail. Thank you for riding with nzbiketrails. Smiles David
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Incredible ride, incredible views!
sarahzW1107WM, September 2026
We had a fabulous family bike ride with NZ trails. The weather was picture perfect to explore the 10/10 scenery. We felt very lucky. Thank you to our guide Roger for setting us up! I would highly recommend as an activity.
Response from the operator · smilesatnzbiketrails We are all very lucky to be able to explore some of the most stunning trails in New Zealand. Our team is a passionate group of trail cyclists and Roger works so hard to make sure his groups are well briefed, supported when needed and have an experience that is a highlight of there holiday. If you loved These trails you would love the Lake Dunstan Trail. Thanks for riding with nzbiketrails. Smiles David
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great bike ride!
mayabE8968NU, September 2026
Super accommodating experience! Would have liked a bit more details about the area in terms of history and stuff.
Response from the operator · smilesatnzbiketrails Thanks for riding with nzbiketrails on the Wānaka and Hāwea Trails. The history of the area is really important to the team and we aim to share snippets of history, in a fun way, without over-loading guests with information to make it a real experience rather than just a bike ride. We look forward to hosting you again in the future and will work harder at becoming real history bogging for your next trip! We hope that you had a great holiday. Smiles David
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