Three of the best Great Rides

Clutha Gold Trail, Otago Length: 73km. Duration: 2 days. Grade: Easy.

A history tour on two wheels, the trail offers an insight into the lives of Ma¯ori moa hunters, and Chinese and European gold miners, as it makes its way from Roxburgh Dam to the historic gold-mining town of Lawrence. Highlights include cycling alongside the swirling eddies of the Clutha River, the four welcoming gold rush-era towns enroute, and the legendary Lonely Graves.

Alps 2 Ocean, Canterbury to Otago

Length: 301km. Duration: 4-6 days. Grade: Easy to intermediate.

Easy-going yet epic, this trail encompasses Unesco-listed Te Wa¯hipounamu and a diversity of classic southern Kiwi landscapes (think glacier-fed lakes, limestone cliffs and valleys of golden tussock). Don’t be daunted by the fact it’s New Zealand’s longest continuous ride. The Great Rides App promises it’s suitable for beginners in some sections and is an easy ride for intermediates.

Motu Trails, East Coast

Length: 121km. Duration: 1-3 days. Grade: Easy to advanced.

This trilogy of trails has sections to suit beginner to advanced riders. The coastal Dunes Trail is perfect for a family day out (stop for ice creams at Tirohanga Beach Motorcamp), while the Motu Rd Trail takes more intrepid riders through farmland and conservation reserves to the tiny settlement of Matawai. Advanced riders should continue on to the Pahiki Track through remote native bush.