Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails
Overview
4 hours
Mobile ticket
A brilliant way to explore the area and see the beauty all around. You will ride across plateaus, surrounded by mountains on relatively easy grade 1-2 family friendly trails.
The recommended route follows trails all the way from Hawea, alongside the Hawea river, through Albert Town and then follows the Clutha river to Wanaka.
On your way there are lots of interesting places to visit including Lake Hawea, Pembroke Patisserie, Wanaka, the Wanaka Tree and the Edgewater Hotel garden bar.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Safety Briefing
Executive Return Shuttle
8L Topeak Rear Trunk Bag (replaces need for a rucksack)
Bike Lock, Puncture Repair Kit and Pump
Helmet - Specialized Camber Helmets with MIPs protection
Hire of bike - e-bike or regular bike
Rider Insurance
What To Expect
nzbiketrails luxury shuttle will pick you up from Wanaka and transport you to Hawea. We will provide an overview of the route, safety briefing and a test ride to ensure that your bike is comfortable for you with the right seat height. You will then have the rest of the day to explore the local area on your bike and make stops on the way back to Wanaka. Our favourite stop is the patisserie in Albert Town – an award-winning bakery. On arrival in Wanaka nzbiketrails will then pick up your bikes at the original pickup location by 4pm. Our e-bikes are suitable for Children 8 years+ who are over 140cm and are confident riders capable of using gears on a bike. We recommend young families book either the 0900hrs or 1030hrs shuttles allowing plenty of time to ride back to Wanaka.
Options
E-bike Hire and Shuttle
E-bike Hire
Gravel Bike Hire and Shuttle
Gravel Bike: For experienced Gravel riders only. Gravel bikes are a specialist bike. nzbiketrails recommends e-bikes on all of our trails.
Regular Bike Hire and Shuttle
Regular Bike Hire
Reviews
327 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Go on...what ya waiting for
tashnmarty7278,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best thing we've ever done. Booked at i-Site Wānaka and turned up the next day. Picked up on BYD suv- yuss! Beautiful e-bike ride along the river and thru a picturesque country side. I'd do it again in a heart beat.
Take notes
Anna H,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00The scenery is breathtaking and the e-bikes are comfortable. There is a LOT of information and directions told to you on the way, so unless you have a great memory, make sure to make note of what you're supposed to do. You are provided a general map with a picture of the route with limited landmarks and no street names. When I asked to offer a suggestion that written directions be provided in greater detail (after getting lost for 20 minutes) I was told "nobody has gotten lost before". Nothing like being shamed to add to the experience! At the end I heard another person explain that they had gotten lost too.
Great family day out
393willb,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great day out with the family - spectacular scenery, did not disappoint. David and James were fantastic to deal with - friendly and helpful. We had our three young children with us and some spots were a bit tricky for the youngest (under 10), but it just added to the experience and achievement for her.
Good ride
Excursion53477044009,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Not a technical trail though care had to be taken . Just the right length Fantastic scenery and photo opportunities along the way
Best bike ride ever!
jessicaeJ8428QD,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of the best bike rides of our entire life! Our guide, James was absolutely fantastic! The scenery was beyond incredible. It was truly world class! We were in awe the entire time!
Hawea to Wanaka e-bile ride
lesleybG9623XQ,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We really enjoyed the ride. The bikes were well set up, and riding instructions were very clear, which was very helpful as we hadn't ridden e-bikes before. It was easy to ride around some of the carparks looking for an exit, but we just kept following the river. I feel that in the description of the day it should say some bike handling experience needed. I wouldn't have wanted to be a novice rider. I would also like to see a more in- depth description of the surfaces. Gravel, rocks, roots, etc.
Great ride to view Wanaka and surrounds
dougm265,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant experience, worth the trip. We took ebikes but didn't need it half the time. Spectacular views, and great service. Fully recommend this tour
Beautiful bike tour
HeitmaMo,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked the tour at short notice. Transfer and bikes all tiptop. The route was not imer well signposted. Especially the route to Alberttown was not as easy to drive as thought, with some ups and downs and quite narrow, rocky path. We can still recommend the tour, but as an inexperienced cyclist you should choose an e-bike.
Wanaka bike ride
Brian H,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really well organised and James was a very enthusiastic guide. The track was everything we hoped it would be with beautiful views along the way. The ride was easy on an e-bike - even for the two beginners in our party. Our soulful be more challenging on a conventional bike but a seasoned rider would have no troubles. All round - a great way to spend time and see some sights off the beaten track
Great company for a great day
kateaO4522DI,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience - the bikes were sturdy and the scenery was spectacular. James did a good job telling us where to go and was very friendly. He even took photos for us and emailed them to us.
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Operated by nzbiketrails