Pacific Cycle Tours – Guided & Self-Guided Bike Tours NZ

Pacific Cycle Tours offers New Zealand bike tours, specialising in small-group guided e-bike adventures and self-guided cycling holidays across the spectacular South Island.

Based in Christchurch, this family-run cycling tour company has three decades of touring experience, with owners Brett and Judy personally overseeing the details that make each journey memorable.

Discover New Zealand’s Great Rides, from the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail and West Coast Wilderness Trail to the Otago Central Rail Trail, Lake Dunstan Trail and Central Otago.

Choose a fully supported guided cycling holiday or explore independently on a self-guided tour, with quality bikes, carefully selected accommodation and luggage transfers arranged for you.

With breathtaking scenery, welcoming hospitality and a relaxed approach to cycling, Pacific Cycle Tours makes exploring New Zealand by bike an unforgettable experience.

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Why Choose Pacific Cycle Tours?

• Three decades of cycling tours – An established New Zealand cycling tour company with extensive South Island experience.
• Family-owned and operated – Personally run by Brett and Judy, who have owned the business since 2018.
• Small-group guided tours – A maximum of 12 riders, creating a friendly, personalised experience.
• Quality e-bikes – Guided tours use premium Merida electric bikes, with e-bike upgrades available on self-guided tours.
• Experienced cycling guides – Guided tours include a riding guide and dedicated support driver.
• Flexible self-guided adventures – Ride at your own pace with accommodation, bikes, routes and luggage transfers organised.
• Spectacular South Island trails – Explore famous cycling routes, alpine scenery, lakes, coastlines and historic towns.
• Comfortable accommodation – Carefully selected places to stay throughout your cycling holiday.
• Local support – Assistance from the Christchurch-based team throughout your tour.
• Honest trail advice – Clear information about cycling distances, difficulty levels and the experience required.

Guided New Zealand E-Bike Tours

Discover the South Island with a friendly group, knowledgeable guide and comfortable electric bike.

Pacific Cycle Tours offers guided New Zealand cycling tours designed for travellers who enjoy exploring spectacular scenery without having to organise every detail themselves.

Guided tours include an experienced riding guide and support driver, with a vehicle available when you need a break from cycling.

Groups are limited to 12 riders, allowing for a more personal experience and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery along the way.

Alps, Valleys & Lakes – 10-Night Guided E-Bike Tour

Experience some of the South Island’s most spectacular cycling landscapes on Pacific Cycle Tours’ flagship guided adventure.

Starting and finishing in Christchurch, this 10-night journey explores alpine valleys, beautiful lakes and scenic trails, with a TranzAlpine rail journey incorporated into the itinerary.

Tour highlights:

• 10 nights, Christchurch return
• Guided electric bike touring
• Small groups of up to 12 riders
• Daily cycling distances of approximately 31–57 km
• Easy to intermediate riding, including Grade 1–3 trails
• Scenic South Island landscapes and the TranzAlpine experience

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Wilderness, Coastlines & Vines – 10-Night Guided Tour

Discover the diversity of the northern South Island on this guided e-bike journey from the West Coast to Kaikōura.

The itinerary features spectacular coastlines, native forests, vineyards and some of New Zealand’s best cycling trails.

Highlights include the West Coast Wilderness Trail, Kawatiri Coastal Trail, Tasman’s Great Taste Trail, Marlborough Wine Trail and Whale Trail.

Tour highlights:

• 10 nights, Christchurch return
• Guided e-bike adventure
• West Coast to Kaikōura touring
• Cycling through coastal, forest and wine regions
• Daily rides of approximately 35–58 km
• Easy to intermediate riding, with some Grade 3 sections

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Self-Guided Bike Tours New Zealand

Enjoy the freedom to explore New Zealand’s South Island at your own pace with a self-guided cycling holiday.

Pacific Cycle Tours takes care of the planning, including accommodation, bicycles, route information and luggage transfers, leaving you free to enjoy the ride.

Self-guided tours are ideal for couples, friends and independent travellers who prefer flexible cycling days without travelling with a guided group.

Choose your preferred tour and travel dates, subject to accommodation and tour availability.

West Coast Wilderness Trail – Self-Guided Cycling Tour

Explore one of New Zealand’s most scenic Great Rides on a five-day cycling adventure.

Ride through native rainforest, past historic gold-mining landscapes, alongside rivers and towards the wild West Coast.

The tour includes accommodation arrangements, luggage transfers and a memorable TranzAlpine rail journey back to Christchurch.

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Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail Tours

Experience the famous Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, travelling through dramatic landscapes from the Southern Alps towards the Pacific Ocean.

Pacific Cycle Tours offers two self-guided options:

• 7-day Alps 2 Ocean Classic – A rewarding cycling adventure following the iconic route.
• 8-day Alps 2 Ocean Tour – A more leisurely itinerary with additional time to enjoy the scenery.

Accommodation, luggage transport and cycling arrangements are organised, allowing you to focus on the experience.

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Otago Central Rail Trail Tours

Discover historic Central Otago on one of New Zealand’s best-known cycle trails.

Pacific Cycle Tours offers both three-day and four-day self-guided Otago Central Rail Trail holidays.

Cycle through beautiful countryside, historic railway tunnels, charming small towns and landscapes rich in gold-mining history.

The three-day tour suits riders who enjoy longer cycling days, while the four-day option offers a more relaxed pace.

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Otago Triple Treat – Three Great Rides

Enjoy three outstanding South Island cycling trails in one self-guided adventure.

The Otago Triple Treat combines:

• Lake Dunstan Trail
• Roxburgh Gorge Trail
• Clutha Gold Trail

Discover dramatic river gorges, spectacular lake scenery and Central Otago’s distinctive landscapes.

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Queenstown & Central Otago Cycling Holidays

Explore some of the South Island’s most beautiful cycling destinations with Pacific Cycle Tours’ Queenstown and Central Otago itineraries.

Choose from:

• Queenstown & Central Otago Highlights – A five-day cycling experience featuring four Great Rides and a jet boat journey.
• Queenstown & Central Otago Explorer – An eight-day adventure exploring five trails between Queenstown and historic Lawrence.

These tours combine scenic cycling, comfortable accommodation and memorable South Island experiences.

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Christchurch Cycling Day Trips

Little River Rail Trail – Self-Guided Day Trip

Looking for a shorter cycling experience near Christchurch?

The Little River Rail Trail day trip offers an enjoyable introduction to Canterbury’s cycling scenery.

Explore the countryside at your own pace on this self-guided ride, ideal for travellers who want a cycling experience without committing to a multi-day tour.

View Christchurch Cycling Day Trip

Guided vs Self-Guided Cycling Tours – Which Is Right for You?

Pacific Cycle Tours offers two different ways to experience New Zealand’s cycling trails.

Choose a Guided Bike Tour If You:

• Enjoy travelling with a small, friendly group
• Prefer having an experienced guide
• Want a support vehicle nearby
• Like having the daily arrangements taken care of
• Enjoy sharing the experience with other travellers

Choose a Self-Guided Bike Tour If You:

• Prefer cycling at your own pace
• Want greater flexibility with your travel dates
• Enjoy exploring independently
• Are comfortable following route information
• Want accommodation and luggage arrangements organised in advance

Both options allow you to experience beautiful South Island scenery without having to organise the entire cycling holiday yourself.

Compare Guided & Self-Guided Tours

Quality Bikes & E-Bike Options

Pacific Cycle Tours provides quality bicycles suited to the style of tour.

Guided cycling holidays use premium Merida e-bikes, making it easier to enjoy longer rides and varied terrain.

Self-guided tours include comfortable standard bicycles, with e-bike upgrades available.

Bikes are fitted to riders, and essential cycling equipment is supplied.

If you’re unsure whether an electric bike would suit you, the team can explain the available options before booking.

Cycling Holidays for Couples, Friends & Small Groups

Pacific Cycle Tours offers cycling holidays suited to travellers who enjoy active experiences, beautiful landscapes and a relaxed pace.

Guided tours are especially appealing to solo travellers and those who enjoy the company of a small group.

Self-guided tours are available for two or more riders, making them a popular choice for couples and friends wanting to explore together.

Riding distances and trail grades vary between tours, so it’s important to choose an itinerary suited to your cycling confidence and fitness.

Explore Christchurch & the South Island

Christchurch is the home base for Pacific Cycle Tours and the starting point for several of its cycling adventures.

The city provides convenient access to Canterbury’s scenic countryside, the Southern Alps and many of the South Island’s famous cycling destinations.

Visitors can also explore nearby attractions, accommodation and experiences before or after their cycling holiday.

For more ideas, visit our Canterbury Travel Guide, featuring places to stay, things to do and travel inspiration across the region.

Book Direct with Pacific Cycle Tours

Discover the South Island on a memorable cycling holiday with Pacific Cycle Tours.

Whether you’re looking for a fully supported guided e-bike adventure, a relaxed self-guided cycling holiday or a scenic Christchurch day trip, the team can help you choose the right experience.

Enjoy carefully planned routes, beautiful New Zealand scenery, comfortable accommodation and the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Support local and book direct with Pacific Cycle Tours.