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New Zealand's leading adventure biking company since 1996

Experience new zealand by bike, self-guided cycle tours that let you roam at your own pace.

If you’re an independent adventurer who enjoys the freedom of taking each day as it comes, a self-guided cycle tour could be just the ticket.

These tours combine the essential elements of any Natural High adventure – detailed local knowledge and high performance bike gear – with the flexibility of organising each day exactly as you please.

Stop for a coffee, to admire a view or discover the delights of a rural township. With no time pressures you’re free to fashion the experience you desire.

What’s included:

  • Top quality bike hire to suit your journey and body shape, including pannier and storage options. All our bike rentals come with a lock, multi tool, tyre levers, spare tube and repair kit, and are fully serviced before hitting the road. Because it’s compulsory to wear a helmet in New Zealand we can also provide a helmet, but if you prefer a new one you can purchase one at the discounted rate from $50.
  • Route maps and itinerary suggestions to make exploring as easy as possible. At Natural High we’re passionate cyclists and have a wealth of knowledge about where to go and what to see. If you need help deciding on a tour or route, please get in touch . We’d love to share our recommendations.
  • Accommodation suggestions.  We provide you with a list of recommended motels, backpackers, B&B’s and campsites to allow you to book your own roadside lodging.
  • Bike transfer. Planning a one way tour? Not a problem. We’ll make sure your bike is waiting at your chosen start point or get it back to our Christchurch depot at the end.

What’s not included:

  • Support vehicle and luggage transfer
  • Train or bus tickets
  • Accommodation
  • Meals and food

Find a self-guided cycle tour

Whether you’re looking to explore the diverse landscape of the North Island or the stunning scenery and quiet backcountry roads of the South Island (or both!) we’re sure to have a self-guided tour for you…

The self-guided tour notes and itineraries are a general guide and you may need to consult other resources.

Natural High is not certifying or providing any advice either as to your own level of fitness or physical health to undertake the route or itinerary.  You need to make your own enquiries as to the suitability of the route you intend to follow and rely entirely on your own judgement in relation to that.

For self guided road tours you will be cycling on road with traffic.  Please obey NZ road rules and do keep left and visible to motorists at all times.  Please be aware some NZ roads / highways can be busy (especially during peak holiday season periods e.g. December – February) and some areas may be narrow with little shoulder to cycle on.  You will need to be confident and capable to travel on road with traffic travelling at speed.

The remote nature of some self guided tours means you will need to be self-sufficient by carrying food and water as there is often significant distance between towns.  You will need bike maintenance skills to repair your own punctures, chain breaks etc.  Self guided tours are not recommended for novice / beginner cyclists.

Need some help deciding where to go and what to see?

Sign up for our emails to get the inside track on cycle touring in New Zealand. We’ll share our favourite trails and rides, reveal our most sought-after biking tips and tricks and keep you in the loop with our latest deals and specials. Sign up right here…

independent cycle tours new zealand

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Where Are We?

A: 690a Harewood Road, Christchurch Ph: +64-3-982-2966

Opening Hours

Winter Hours

(April – September): Monday to Friday – 9.00am to 5.00pm

Unless by prior arrangement

Spring, Summer & Autumn Hours

(October – March): Monday to Friday – 9.00am to 5.00pm. Saturday – By arrangement.

Sunday – CLOSED

CLOSED on Public Holidays

If our opening hours don’t suit your plans, please ask about a bike drop off or pick up service. Service subject to staff availability.  Fees and conditions apply.

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New Zealand’s Premier Cycle Tour Company

Escape with us.

Based in Queenstown, Escape by Cycle’s all-inclusive tours provide the perfect balance of amazing cycle trails, excellent food and boutique accommodation set in stunning  locations.

Much more than just a bike hire and luggage transfer service, we provide top quality guided bike tours, with the best equipment, full vehicle support and a personal level of service.

With over 10 years experience, we specialise in providing the highest level of support and comfort to our guests, catering to groups of mixed experience and ability.

  • All meals, accommodation and top quality electric mountain bikes included in the price
  • Full vehicle support allows you to take a break or skip a section if the weather turns bad
  • Eat at the best restaurants and cafés, with amazing picnics along the cycle trails
  • No hidden extras – helicopters, jet boats, hot tubs and wine tastings included for the perfect cycle tour
  • We look after everything and deal with any problems which may arise

Choose your Escape

Cycle tours.

  • Experience the Great Rides of New Zealand on an all-inclusive 6 day tours
  • Typically 45-65km of cycling per day on purpose built gravel cycle trails
  • Stay in remote parts of the South Island, often at a different location each night
  • Full vehicle support with an experienced tour guide

The selection

  • Alps 2 Ocean – a spectacular 6 day continuous ride from Aoraki Mt Cook to Oamaru
  • Around the Mountains & Queenstown Trail – 6 days exploring Southland and Queenstown
  • The Clutha Canyons – 6 days riding the Lake Dunstan Trail, Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold
  • West Coast Wilderness – 6 days exploring the West Coast from Christchurch to Queenstown

recent reviews

Escape by cycle.

Address: Kingston, Queenstown 9748

Contact Details

Great Outdoors NZ Limited

trading as “Escape by Cycle”

Kingston 9748

New Zealand

Phone:  +64 3428 2912

Mobile: +642 2399 3768

© Escape by Cycle 2023

Thursday 9 am–7 pm Friday 9 am–5 pm Saturday 10 am–4 pm Sunday 10 am–4 pm Monday 9 am–7 pm Tuesday 9 am–7 pm Wednesday 9 am–7 pm

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COMMENTS

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    Cycle Tours. Experience the Great Rides of New Zealand on an all-inclusive 6 day tours. Typically 45-65km of cycling per day on purpose built gravel cycle trails. Stay in remote parts of the South Island, often at a different location each night.

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