E-MTB through the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Ride deeper into the South Island’s Backcountry, where endless   alpine & glacier views await. An Unforgettable & Breathtaking  E – Mountain Bike Adventure through Central Otago & The Mackenzie Country. 

G’day and welcome to New Zealand’s beautiful Mountain Biking terrain!

After a morning pick-up in Queenstown, we’ll allocate rental bikes and help with any bike maintenance before heading out to ride through the desert landscapes of the Lake Dunstan Cycle trail.

The Lake Dunstan Trail is a premier mountain biking route in Central Otago, New Zealand, offering a 42 km journey from Cromwell to Clyde. This trail showcases the region's dramatic landscapes, including rugged cliffs, vineyards, and the serene waters of Lake Dunstan. Stop in at a local vineyard after our first days ride, and savour the local flavours 🙂

Tonight we'll enjoy a lovely meal at one of the many boutique restaurants by the riverside in a small town called Clyde.

We kick things off with a taste of some of Wanaka’s most-loved local rides—think flow and stunning lake views.

We’ll enjoy a classics like Dean’s Bank, with wonderful river views and fun flow and then onto The Hawea River Track, perfect for all skill levels. Follow the crystal-clear river through native bush and open valleys, with mountain views around every bend. Finish your ride in style with a stop at a local vineyard, where you can relax with a glass of Central Otago wine and soak up the sunshine. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and indulgence—ride, relax, and sip.

Today we're heading North into our all time favouirte area of the Mackenzie Country. Big Mountains, big glaciers and wow factor scenery await you here. We have a wonderful combination of private sheep singletrack , where your guides will offer you access to some of the prettiest scenery in NZ,through private High Country Stations around Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook. We'll enjoy rides through native tussocks with incredible views of Lake Tekapo , alpine lakes and wonderful glaciers. We’ll then move onto a secret sheep singletrack with stunning views of Mt Cook and Lake Pukaki. We'll ride our way through roaming sheep, before arriving at a private Sheep Station, with a converted shearer’s quarters with views to die for. Tonight we'll enjoy a home made BBQ as we welcome some of the clearest skies in the world, and enjoy star gazing at its finest right out the backdoor.

This day is all about exploring the remote backcountry and soaking in the serenity of New Zealand’s breathtaking alpine landscapes of The Mackenzie Country. No other riders can experience this riding without our access.

Rising to stunning views of Mt Cook & the turquoise glacial fed waters of Lake Pukaki, were heading to a lesser known stunning area of The Mackenzie Basin. Lake Ohau is our riding destination which offers spectacular alpine scenery of the headwaters of the Southern Alps. We're off to tackle a lesser known gem of a ride up a hidden river valley with stunning views of glaciated peaks and remote valleys heading into the main devide of the Southern Alps.

Enjoy a wonderful ride along an old 4wd track that tarverese a lateral moraine offering sweeping views into Glacier Country. We'll ejoy an evening in a remote Station Lodge with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.

Today were off to explore a network of wonderful cycle trails in the Gold Minning town of Arrowtown, flowing through to the Pinot Noir mecca of Gibston Valley. Begin your ride in the charming gold-mining town of Arrowtown, rich in history and character.

Cross five picturesque bridges, including the impressive 80-meter Edgar Suspension Bridge, offering stunning views of the Arrow Gorge. Enjoy a ride through willow-lined riverbanks, open valleys, and panoramic mountain vistas. Conclude your journey in the renowned 'Valley of Vines,' home to several esteemed wineries where you can relax and sample local Pinot Noir.

Thsi evening is our farwell dinner together, as we recount the wonderful last 5 days of E MTB through the remote South Island landscapes.

Good Morning!

After a great breakfast together, your guides will be offering a drop off to your hotel of choiuce, if you plan to stay a day or two extra in the adventure capital. Guides will also offer airport drop off by 12 pm.

• 5 Nights Twin Share/ Accommodation: Comfortable and unique accommodations ranging from lodges to a converted shearer’s quarters.
• 5 Days of Riding: Expertly guided rides through a mix of New Zealand’s most scenic and remote trails.
• Backcountry access to alpine terrain & private exclusive terrain
• Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 1 Dinner, and daily snacks.
• Wine Tasting: 2x special wine tasting experience in Central Otago.
• Transportation: Safe and comfortable transportation in a custom bike trailer and vehicle.
• Trail Fees: All trail fees and concessions are included.
• Guides: Experienced and passionate MTB guides who know the trails & backcountry inside out.

• Pre-trip & post-trip accommodations (day 0, day 6)
• Extra snacks, coffees, drinks along the way
• Alcoholic beverages
• Guide gratuities
• E MTB Rental ( Add $200.00 NZD per riding day)

On this E MTB Tour our accommodations are as diverse and unique as the landscapes you'll be riding through. Each night, you'll rest in comfortable lodgings that reflect the authentic charm of New Zealand’s South Island. From cozy, character-filled lodges nestled in the mountains to quaint boutique stays near crystal-clear lakes, each location has been carefully selected to provide you with a warm and inviting retreat after a day on the trails. Whether it’s a stay in the stunning wine country of Central Otago or a night in a peaceful alpine village, you'll enjoy a perfect blend of comfort, Kiwi hospitality, and spectacular surroundings.

New Zealand’s weather is as varied as its landscapes, particularly in the Southern Alps. During the MTB season from December to April, you can expect:

Summer (December to February):
Warm days with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The weather is generally stable, but it’s not uncommon to experience sudden changes, particularly in alpine regions. Afternoon showers can occur, so packing a light rain jacket is essential.

Autumn (March to April):
Cooler mornings and evenings, with daytime temperatures between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The weather remains mostly clear, but you might encounter the occasional shower or cooler winds as the season transitions. Autumn is also a great time to enjoy the changing colors of the landscape.

Alpine Conditions:
Higher elevations can experience cooler temperatures and more unpredictable weather year-round. Be prepared for chilly winds and potential snow at higher altitudes, even in summer.

It's important to be prepared for all types of weather during your ride. Layering is key, as conditions can change rapidly, especially in mountainous areas. Our guides will keep you informed about the forecast, but having the right gear is essential to staying comfortable and safe.

This E MTB Tour is designed for beginner-intermediate riders with a good level of fitness and a passion for adventure. You should be comfortable with some climbs, some small technical areas, and riding for 3-4hours each day. This tour covers a variety of terrain, from flowy singletracks to more remote alpine trails,on 4wd gravel roads and trails. This E MTB Tour will still require you to work hard, yet reward you with some of the best mountain biking New Zealand has to offer. Whether you’re climbing through rugged terrain or cruising down scenic flowyt descents, your physical preparation will ensure you get the most out of this incredible experience.

From the rolling hills of the Craigieburn Range to longer climbs into the alpine and the technical singletracks of the Queenstown area, this tour showcases New Zealand’s stunning backcountry landscapes. You’ll experience everything from smooth, flowy trails through alpine meadows to rocky, technical descents that test your skills. The iconic Craigieburn Forest and trails around Lake Tekapo provide breathtaking alpine views, while the rugged terrain near Central Otago offers the unique experience of riding through wild thyme and moon rock formations. The trails are as varied as the scenery, ensuring an unforgettable ride through New Zealand’s backcountry wonders. Backcountry Rides offer gradual climbs with some technical descents in places with many stream crossings.