Mountain biking holidays

Love mountain biking? Heard about the epic MTB experiences in Wānaka and Queenstown? Then let us help you build the best mountain biking holiday package in New Zealand. We’ll make your MTB vacation a breeze.

Beyond Wānaka and Queenstown the wider Southern Lakes region offers some of New Zealand’s most rewarding cycling and mountain biking experiences. Test your brakes on flowing lakeside routes and purpose-built bike parks or remote backcountry trails that provide multi-day journeys through spectacular alpine landscapes. There are options to suit every rider and ability level.

Whether you’re travelling with a group of friends, planning a family holiday, organising a corporate retreat or simply looking to spend more time on two wheels during your stay, we can create a cycling itinerary tailored to you.

Our local team will assist with accommodation, bike hire, guides, transport, shuttle services and custom experiences throughout the Southern Lakes.

Mountain biking in Wānaka & Queenstown

Wānaka and Queenstown have become two of New Zealand’s premier mountain biking destinations. Popular riding areas include Bike Glendhu, Coronet Peak Bike Park, the Queenstown Bike Park, Cardrona Bike Park and a growing network of purpose-built trails throughout the region.

Options range from beginner-friendly trails and family rides through to advanced downhill terrain, technical singletrack and guided backcountry adventures.

Bike hire, private guiding, shuttle services and skills coaching can all be arranged as part of your stay.

E-bike & scenic cycling adventures

E-bikes have opened up many of the region’s most scenic trails to a wider range of riders, allowing guests to cover greater distances while still enjoying the journey.

Popular experiences include:

• Lake Wānaka trails
• Queenstown Trail network
• Arrowtown and Gibbston Valley rides
• Central Otago Rail Trail sections
• Winery and food-focused cycling experiences
• Family-friendly e-bike adventures

These experiences combine stunning scenery with local food, wine and the opportunity to explore at a relaxed pace. We can arrange the bike hire for you too.

Heli-biking & backcountry access

For riders seeking something truly different, helicopter access opens up a range of unique mountain biking opportunities in the Southern Alps. Fly into remote alpine terrain before descending through private high-country stations, picture postcard landscapes and backcountry trails inaccessible by conventional transport.

Heli-biking experiences can be tailored to suit a range of fitness and skill levels and offer a memorable way to experience some of the South Island’s most spectacular mountain scenery.

Multi-day cycling journeys

If you’re looking to build a multi-day cycling adventure in the South Island, Release NZ can help arrange accommodation, luggage transfers, guiding, support vehicles. Whether you’re riding a section of the Otago Central Rail Trail (or its full length), exploring the ever-expanding Queenstown trail network or creating a completely bespoke cycling itinerary, we’ll help coordinate every detail.

Bike Glendhu package

Wānaka’s finest MTB playground is Bike Glendhu. With our Stay & Play package, you’ll benefit from the best value experiences and an epic trip. Learn more about the package offering and accommodation options below.

Day 1

• E-bike rental + trail pass + guide
• Book a top-of-the-line Trek Rail 7 e-bike for a 4-hour session and enjoy an expertly guided day of carefree uphills, thrilling downhills and world-class views.
• Included: Trek e-bike rental + trail pass, and experienced guides for the most epic Bike Glendhu experience.

Day 2

• Full suspension MTB rental + 3-hour Can-Am private shuttle
• A day of classic mountain biking – without the pedalling. Get a 4-hour full suspension Trek EX 8 bike hire, plus a private 3-hour Can-Am shuttle, expertly driven by a Bike Glendhu staff member, ensuring you get to the best spots on the mountain!
• Included: Trek full suspension mountain bike hire + trail pass, and 3-hour private Can-Am shuttle and driver, with 2x trips to Falcon’s Nest (Bike Glendhu’s summit) and as many laps as you can fit in on the Lower Mountain.

About Bike Glendhu

Mother Nature spent the last 250 million years crafting her canvas into a mountain bikers’ paradise. More recently, there was just some finishing touches to add. The result is Bike Glendhu MTB Park, situated in Wanaka, right in the middle of the glorious Southern Alps. Over 39km of (mostly pedal-powered) bike trails, shuttles, and a rad base area complete with café and beer garden. It doesn’t get more epic than this.

Complete holiday package with biking included

Many guests combine cycling with other experiences throughout their stay. Private chefs, wine tours, helicopter adventures, fly fishing, hiking, wellness experiences and luxury accommodation can all be incorporated into a personalised itinerary.

Our Travel Fixer team can help create a seamless holiday that balances adventure, relaxation and time to enjoy the region.

Tailored stays in Wānaka and Queenstown

Whether you’re planning a dedicated mountain biking holiday, a cycling-focused group trip or simply looking to include a few rides during your stay, we can create an itinerary tailored to your interests.

From Wānaka and Queenstown to the wider Southern Lakes region, we’ll help connect you with the best riding experiences the region has to offer.