Looking for the ultimate gravel and outdoor adventures in New Zealand? From epic gravel routes to stunning mountain landscapes, our trip had it all.
At the start of the year, my partner Kilian and I set off on a road trip across New Zealand, from February to April. We explored breathtaking landscapes from the North Island to the South Island, riding incredible routes along the way. I brought my gravel bike, and Kilian took his mountain bike. In this article, we share the highlights of our adventure—complete with practical tips and must-ride itineraries.
1. Rotorua : Adventure in the Whakarewarewa Forest 🌲
📍Rotorua / North Island
Type of activity: Gravel / Mountain Biking
Distance covered: Varies
Our adventure kicked off in Rotorua, a must-visit destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. We explored the Whakarewarewa Forest Bike Park—an ideal spot for both gravel and MTB rides. The trails through the forest felt incredibly immersive, like riding through a jungle 🏞️. We wrapped up the day with a refreshing swim in a nearby lake.
👉 Good to know:
- Gravel: Great for less technical riding—check out the Forest Loop (35 km), a perfect route for gravel bikes.
- MTB: The guys loved the enduro trails 🚵, though note there are no chairlifts here.
🌟 Things to do in and around Rotorua:
- Go swimming in the local lakes 🏖️
- Visit Rotorua’s geothermal areas 🌋
- Explore Te Puia and Māori culture 🌀
- Relax in the hot pools at Polynesian Spa 💆♀️
- Grab an ice cream at Lady Janes Ice Cream Parlour 🍦
2. Maunga Kākaramea : Rainbow Mountain 🌈
📍Rotorua / North Island
Type of activity: Hiking / Mountain Biking
Distance: 2.5 km
After Rotorua, we headed to Maunga Kākaramea—also known as Rainbow Mountain. It quickly became clear that this wasn’t a great spot for gravel, so I ended up pushing my bike quite a bit. That said, it’s a great place for mountain biking, with some solid technical trails. We also enjoyed incredible views over crater lakes and a beautiful hike to the summit.
👉 Good to know:
Gravel : not recommended
VTT : fairly technical, but with some fun downhill sections
Rando/Trail : The best way to explore this area!
🔗 Useful resources:
3. Te Iringa Track 🌿
📍Taupo District / North Island
Type of activity: Hiking / Mountain Biking
Distance: Varies / 8 km with 400 m elevation gain
Later that same day, we hit the Te Iringa Trail. I tackled it on foot as a trail run—and it was absolutely amazing! While the track is also accessible by mountain bike, it’s definitely on the technical side. We loved being immersed in nature, surrounded by forest and the exotic songs of native birds 🦜.
🔗 Useful resources:
4. Marlborough : Wakamarina Track and Mont Royal 🏞️
- 📍Marlborough / South Island
Type of activity : Trail Running / Mountain Biking
Distance covered: Varies / 24 km round trip with 2,000 m elevation gain (including a short detour)
We explored the Wakamarina Track, a trail that is great on foot but even better with a mountain bike. After that, we climbed part of Mount Royal, making it a big day with over 2,000 meters of elevation gain. It was exhausting—but the 360 views at the top made it all worthwhile!
👉 Good to know:
- You can refill water from streams along the way—a filter is recommended
- Car access is possible at the trailhead, with several parking spots available
- MTB: Easy riding up to the start of the Mount Royal climb
5. Kirwans Hut : Our biggest adventure🏔️
📍Near Reefton / South Island
Type of activity: Hiking / Mountain Biking
Distance covered: 18 km ascent from Capleston with 1,200 m elevation gain + 10 km descent through Waitahu Valley (check trail status before heading out)
Our first big adventure was the ascent to Kirwans Hut. I biked 8 km on gravel, then hiked the remaining 18 km to the hut. The climb was challenging, with 1,200 meters of elevation gain, but the incredible hut at the end made it all worth it 🏡.
👉 Good to know:
- Book the hut for the night: 12 bunks available
- The hut is well-equipped and very comfortable
- It’s a bit long to reach from Capleston, so be prepared for a tough day
6. Alexandra : Lake Dunstan Trail 🌅
📍Alexandra / South Island
Type of activity: Gravel Biking
Distance covered: 100 km + 1,400 m (round trip)
An incredible route along the Lake Dunstan Trail. This gravel path follows the lake, offering stunning landscapes and breathtaking views. It was an unforgettable experience and a must-do for any gravel biking enthusiast 🚴♀️
Find the full article here
7. Queenstown : Hiking and Gravel 🏞️
📍Queenstown / South Island
Upon arriving in Queenstown, I focused mainly on hiking but also explored a few amazing gravel trails:
- Ben Lomond: A must-do hike for stunning views!
- Queenstown Hill: Another fantastic hike with great scenery.
- Skippers Road: An iconic gravel trail that shouldn’t be missed.
- Moke Lake: Gorgeous on gravel, but avoid the Moonlight Track—it’s too technical.
Rude Rock: Perfect for a short enduro ride!
8. Porters Lodge : Magical getaway ⛺
📍Castle Hill / South Island
Type of activity: Gravel / Mountain Biking
Distance: Varies
We spent two days at Porters Lodge, an awesome staffed hut accessible by car, with flow trails just outside the door. I also enjoyed a fantastic gravel ride around the area before heading to the famous Castle Hill. It was the perfect place to unwind after several active days!
9. Castle Hill : Gravel with amazing views 🏞️
📍Castle Hill / South Island
Distance: 35 km
Elevation gain: 1,000 m
Castle Hill is an impressive spot to explore by gravel bike. With its varied terrain and stunning panoramas, it was one of the highlights of our adventure. A perfect route for nature lovers and fans of the iconic Lord of the Rings landscapes! 🌄
Find more details about this route here
10. The Old Ghost Road: a must-do in New Zealand 🚵♂️
📍Reefton / South Island
Type of activity: Gravel / Mountain Biking
Distance: 85 km + 2,200 m
The Old Ghost Road is a must-do for any hiking, MTB, or gravel biking enthusiast. This trail takes you through wild and spectacular landscapes, perfect for riders seeking a challenge. 🌟
Find more information about this route here. You can also watch our adventure during our trip live on May 16th at 6PM on my Youtube Channel
11. Kaiteriteri Bike Park 🏝️
📍Kaiteriteri / South Island
Type of activity: Gravel / Mountain Biking
Distance: Varies
A gravel-friendly bike park with lots of accessible trails. It’s a great place to improve your biking skills. It’s also ideal for mountain bikers, with trails suitable for all levels. Some trails are dedicated to hikers or trail runners.
Kaiteriteri is more famous for its stunning sunrises and sunsets from its pristine beaches. It’s also the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, a must-visit if you’re near Nelson
🌟 Things to do in Kaiteriteri and nearby:
- Rent a kayak and venture out to sea 🛶
- Watch a breathtaking sunset or sunrise from Kaiteriteri Beach 🌅
- Relax on the stunning beaches 🏝️
- Book your stay at Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve: apartments, camping, and bungalows to suit all types of travelers
12. Coppermine Trail : A Challenge for Experienced Riders ⛰️
📍Nelson / South Island
Type of activity: Gravel / Mountain Biking
Distance: 40 km + 950 m
The Coppermine Trail was another challenge, especially on gravel, but it’s accessible for those familiar with technical trails. It’s a great route for testing your skills and enjoying stunning views!
🌟 Things to do in Nelson and nearby:
- Swim and relax at Cable Bay 🏝️
- Try the best coffee shops/brunch spots in town (all three are delicious):
- Victus Coffee & Eatery
- DeVille
- Bobby Franks Café
- Explore Abel Tasman National Park (starting from Nelson) ride the Great Taste Trail with your gravel
To conclude✨
This trip to New Zealand was an unforgettable adventure, filled with challenges, discoveries, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re into biking, hiking, or other outdoor activities, New Zealand is truly a paradise! I hope this article has inspired you for your own travels or simply introduced you to some of the hidden gems of this remote part of the world.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment 🚴♀️🌄
