If you’re dreaming of biking in New Zealand, Kiwi Journeys offers one of the easiest and most exciting ways to experience the country’s stunning landscapes. With full-service cycling tours, top-quality e-bikes, and access to New Zealand’s most scenic trails, your perfect biking adventure is closer than you think.
Kiwi Journeys: Leading the Way for Biking in New Zealand
Founded 12 years ago in Nelson, Kiwi Journeys has grown from a local bike hire service into a major player in New Zealand’s biking tourism scene. Expanding first to the wild West Coast in Hokitika and more recently into Central Otago’s Cromwell, Kiwi Journeys now offers access to many of the South Island’s most spectacular trails.
As Managing Director Andrew Schwass explains, the company’s goal is to make your cycling trip effortless. Whether you’re on a one-day tour or a multi-day journey, everything is organized for you—including luggage transfers and stylish accommodations.
“So they just fly in and we transport the bags and they bike to the next winery. Eat food, drink, [stay at] nice accommodation,” Schwass explained.
Biking the Best Trails in the South Island
Thanks to their strategic locations, Kiwi Journeys now covers many of the South Island’s most iconic trails. Riders often return year after year, bringing friends and family along, helping the company grow through word-of-mouth enthusiasm.
Excitingly, Kiwi Journeys is eyeing further expansion in Queenstown to connect with the soon-to-open Kawarau Trail. Once completed, cyclists will be able to ride a continuous 350-kilometer journey from Dunedin to Queenstown—an epic adventure that will place Central Otago even more firmly on the global biking map.
How E-Bikes Are Changing the Game
One reason biking has become more accessible is the rise of e-bikes. Schwass points out that families, especially, are benefiting: kids can now easily keep up with adults, and everyone finishes the day feeling fresh rather than exhausted.
This surge in e-bike popularity is opening the trails to a wider range of travelers, from serious cyclists to casual explorers who simply want to enjoy New Zealand’s spectacular outdoors at their own pace.
A Shift Toward International Travelers
After a bustling summer season, Kiwi Journeys noticed an interesting shift: domestic travel has slightly slowed, while international visitors are picking up steam. Australians remain a key market, especially with support from New Zealand’s Tourism Boost program.
Celebrity influence has also helped. Australian Lego Masters host Hamish Blake and his family recently embarked on a Kiwi Journeys cycling tour, providing a major boost to the brand’s visibility and appeal.
Looking forward, the team is excited about attracting more travelers from the United States, believing that Americans are eager for authentic, rejuvenating holidays. They’re also seeing growing interest from adventure-seeking markets like India, signaling even broader global appeal.
Why New Zealand Is a Biker’s Paradise
Cycling tourism is already a billion-dollar industry in New Zealand, and globally, it’s expected to grow by 10% from its current $300 billion valuation. With breathtaking trails, world-class service, and a growing network of accessible routes, it’s easy to see why New Zealand is fast becoming a must-visit destination for cyclists.
Ready to Ride?
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride between vineyards or a multi-day expedition across rugged landscapes, Kiwi Journeys has the perfect biking adventure for you. Let New Zealand’s spectacular scenery unfold around you—one unforgettable pedal at a time.
Credit: Tourism Ticker
