This 6-day New Zealand cycling holiday loops through the North Island’s volcanic plateau, linking Taupō, Rotorua, Cambridge, Waitomo, and Piopio. We ride quiet backroads through geothermal landscapes, rolling farmland, and limestone valleys, with highlights including Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Lake Rotoiti, glowworm caves, and Huka Falls. Along the way, we connect with Māori culture, enjoy a locally hosted dinner, and have the option to visit Hobbiton. The trip is fully supported, with vehicle backup, luggage transfers, and comfortable stays each night. Accommodation throughout the trip is a mix of hotel and motel-style accommodation, based on twin-share rooms. The overnight stops follow the route through Rotorua, the Lake Rotoiti area, Cambridge, Waitomo, and Piopio. The accommodation is designed to keep the logistics simple and the trip comfortable, with each stay well placed for the next day’s ride and activities. For this New Zealand cycling holiday, you’ll need a good level of fitness and feel comfortable spending several hours on the bike each day. We recommend riding 2–3 hours, three times a week in the months leading up to the trip to prepare. You can expect to cycle up to 68 km (42 mi) per day, with up to 1,218 m (3,996 ft) of elevation gain on the longest day. Standard daily distances are typically shorter, around 50–60 km (31–37 mi). Most riding is on quiet backroads, but you should be confident cycling with low to moderate traffic. E-bikes are a great option if used properly, especially for managing climbs and conserving battery. The trip is fully supported, so if you need a break at any point, you can hop into the support vehicle. Meals on this trip are a mix of local cafés, restaurants, and meals at the accommodation, giving a nice balance of casual and more traditional dining. A total of 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 4 dinners are included throughout the tour, with opportunities to try regional flavors along the way. The tour is fully supported so you won’t have to carry anything. If hiring one of our bikes, it will have a pannier bag. We recommend you pack your luggage in a soft sports bag for easy stowing in the trailer/ vehicle. We urge you to keep your luggage to a minimum. If you have extra luggage you do not require for your holiday, we can arrange to store it until the end of the trip. The starting point of your New Zealand cycling holiday is Taupō, a town near the center of North Island. To get there, most people fly into Auckland Airport (AKL). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Taupō. You will meet your guide on Day 1 in Taupō. Keep in mind that you’ll need to arrive at least a day prior to Day 1 of the tour as you will meet your guide on the first day of the tour in central Taupō. At the end of the tour, please avoid booking any flights departing from Taupo on the final day before 6 pm. We rely on cookies to remember your preferences and analyze our website traffic. View Privacy Policy
Hotel
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