New Zealand cycling tours

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

The Otago Central Rail Trail is arguably New Zealand's most famous and beloved cycling trail but there are several other trails all over the country that'll satisfy your adventure cravings. They are: 

• The Milford Track 

• Queen Charlotte Track 

• The Great Lake Trail 

• Great Taste Trail

• Rotorua to Ruapehu Cycling Trail

You don't need to be especially fit to participate in one of our New Zealand cycling tours as the tour isn't set at a fast pace, rather it's set at an enjoyable pace for relaxation and sightseeing. However, you will need to be confident and competent when riding a bicycle. 

Packing for a cycling trip is like packing for any other destination. You need to make sure you have the appropriate clothing and the other travelling essentials such as a camera, backpack/day bag, sunscreen etc. However, there are a few cycling-specific items you should pack to make your trip more comfortable: 

• Your own helmet 

• Closed, worn-in shoes

• Cycling shorts

• A sunhat/suncap

• Quick dry socks

• Lightweight/wind proof jacket 

Yes, everyone riding a bike in a public setting needs to be wearing a helmet that's fastened securely. This is purely to reduce the level of injury sustained to your head if you were to fall off your bike or crash it in any way. If you're caught riding a bike and not wearing a helmet, the infringement fee is up to AUD$50. 

We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.