BIKING TRAILS

New Zealand has more than 1,550 miles of trails — find a ride that’s right for you

1 TWIN COAST CYCLE TRAIL

Threading its way from the Bay of Islands to Hokianga Harbour, this smooth 54-mile trail is dotted with opportunities to be immersed in Māori history and culture, including overnight stays in a marae (Māori ancestral house). Top Trails offers bike hire, shuttles and package tours. twincoastcycletrail.kiwi.nz toptrail.co.nz

2 ALPS 2 OCEAN TRAIL

The 190-mile Alps 2 Ocean trail takes riders downhill from Aoraki Mount Cook to the Pacific Ocean. The nine legs, which cover easy and intermediate tracks, can be ridden in sections or chained together for a week-long trip. The route is well supported by bike hire and tour companies, including Cycle Journeys. alps2ocean.com cyclejourneys.co.nz

3 THE OLD GHOST ROAD

Stitched together from resurrected sections of a onceforgotten gold mining route, this track is seen as one of the country’s most difficult mountain bike rides. Those brave enough to pedal it will find themselves riding on narrow gravel paths alongside sheer drops. Helibike Nelson offers basic and luxury guided tours for experienced bikers. oldghostroad. org.nz helibikenelson.co.nz

4 LAKE DUNSTAN TRAIL

New Zealand’s newest Great Ride passes through Otago’s vineyards, heritage towns and gorges. Ideally suited for e-bikes, this four-hour route links the towns of Cromwell and Clyde, hugging the cliffs of Cromwell Gorge and passing over a 280ft suspension bridge with spectacular views of the lake. centralotagonz.com trailjourneys.co.nz