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Everyone knows about New Zealand’s Great Walks, but now there are New Zealand’s Great Rides, too. To be precise, there will be 18 Great Rides under the Nga Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trail and there’s a whole brand-new website to go with it.

The 18 Great Rides are for cyclists what the Great Walks are for hikers; they’re cycle trails showcasing the very best of New Zealand’s landscapes, culture and communities, all explorable from the saddle! The St James Cycle Trail of the Nga Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trail has just been completed and eleven further trails are already in operation.

New Zealand Cycle Trail Programme Manager John Dunn says: “These trails are about cycling but they are also about adventure, fitness and health; they are about having a holiday and getting away from it all; and taking time to share exhilarating outdoor experiences with friends and family.”

The New Zealand Cycle Trail website has detailed info on all of the 18 Great Rides and features itineraries, interactive cycle maps, elevations, photos and tips on highlights. Ways to discover New Zealand’s Great Rides are numerous. You can, for example, book a one-hour excursion or a 15-day guided tour which includes parts of four different Great Rides. Of course you can also get in the saddle independently (bike hire is available from NZ$48 per day) or treat yourself to a luxury all-inclusive trip.

And that’s still not all. The 18 Great Rides of the Nga Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trail also link with a range of activities and attractions. Combine cycling with kayaking, hiking, helicopter flights, sailing and spa visits! And as we all know that a day in the saddle makes you hungry and tired, you can also add on great New Zealand food and wine experiences and gorgeous luxury accommodation.

So if you’re after a New Zealand holiday which is great for your fitness and the environment, and also has stunning landscapes and New Zealand activities covered, a trip on the Nga Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trail is the answer! For a range of New Zealand mountain biking and cycling operators, some of which cover parts of the New Zealand Cycle Trail, click here. If you're planning an independent cycle itinerary, sort your accommodation here.