Wānaka, a picturesque town nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, offers a captivating bike tour that showcases its stunning landscapes. Combining the Gladstone Track and Wanaka Trails, this 3.5-4 hour guided adventure caters to cyclists of all skill levels, promising a leisurely ride through scenic trails. With a shuttle service to Lake Hāwea, top-notch equipment, and optional breaks for refreshments and photo opportunities, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. But what truly makes this adventure stand out is the chance to explore the region’s natural wonders from a unique perspective, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the beauty that surrounds Wānaka.
Key Points
- The tour includes a 2.5-hour bike ride along the Gladstone Track and Wanaka Trails, featuring scenic views and well-maintained trails.
- E-bikes are recommended for group cohesion and enjoyment, with a variety of bike types available to suit different skill levels.
- The tour includes a 25-minute shuttle service from Wanaka to Lake Hawea, providing convenient transportation to the starting point.
- A 15-minute safety briefing is provided before the bike tour, ensuring participants are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills.
- The tour offers an optional 30-minute break at the Pembroke Patisserie for refreshments and a photo stop at #ThatWanakaTree.
Activity Overview
The Wānaka: Gladstone Track and Wanaka Trails on Bike or eBike activity provides an exciting opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region on either a traditional bicycle or an electric bike.
Priced from £55.86 per person, the tour lasts 3.5-4 hours and includes a shuttle service to and from the starting point.
Participants can look forward to newly completed trails, year-round rideable paths, and well-maintained bikes.
The tour also offers a live English-speaking guide, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and optional stops at the Pembroke Patisserie and #ThatWanakaTree.
With an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 16 reviews, this activity promises an enjoyable and memorable experience for both novice and experienced cyclists.
Ready to pedal more of Wanaka? More cycling tours we recommend
Itinerary Details
A shuttle ride whisks participants to Lake Hāwea in just 25 minutes, after which a 15-minute safety briefing prepares them for the 2.5-hour bike tour.
The scenic trails along the Gladstone Track and Wanaka Trails are rideable year-round, and the well-maintained bikes ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
During the ride, adventurers can opt for a 30-minute break at the Pembroke Patisserie to refuel with coffee and snacks.
Those who wish can also stop for a quick photo at the iconic #ThatWanakaTree before returning the bikes by 4:00 PM.
The tour’s flexibility and knowledgeable guides contribute to an exceptional customer experience.
Bike Options and Equipment
A variety of bike types are available for the Wānaka Trails tour, including e-bikes, standard bikes, and gravel bikes for experienced riders.
The e-bikes are recommended for group cohesion and enjoyment, as they help ensure everyone can keep up with the pace.
All bikes come equipped with essential gear like helmets, rear rack bags, repair kits, pumps, and locks.
Riders are encouraged to choose the bike that best suits their skill level and preferences.
For example, the Sinch e-bikes, Specialized Rockhopper regular bikes, and iLabb gravel bikes are specifically recommended.
Regardless of the bike selected, the tour provides the necessary equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the Gladstone Track and Wanaka Trails.
Participant Restrictions
Generally, this Wānaka Trails tour may not be suitable for certain participants.
Specifically, children under 12, individuals who can’t ride a bike, those under 4 ft 8 in (145 cm) in height, and riders over 264 lbs (120 kg) are restricted from joining the tour.
The activity is designed for able-bodied cyclists and e-bike riders. This ensures the safety and enjoyment of the group during the 2.5-hour bike ride on the Gladstone Track and Wānaka trails.
The tour operator wants to provide the best possible experience for all participants, which means excluding those who may not be able to fully participate or could pose a risk to themselves or others on the trails.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Experience and Reviews
Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews reflect the high quality of this Wānaka Trails tour, with an outstanding 4.9/5 rating based on 16 reviews.
Riders consistently praise the friendly and helpful guides, who ensure a seamless experience from start to finish. The top-notch bike equipment, including recommended e-bikes for group cohesion, also draws rave reviews.
Customers highlight the scenic views, flexible return times, and the option to enjoy a break at the renowned Pembroke Patisserie. Even novice cyclists report an enjoyable riding experience, thanks to the well-maintained trails.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Wanaka
Shuttle Service to Lake Hawea
The tour includes a 25-minute shuttle ride that transports participants from Wānaka to the starting point at Lake Hāwea. This convenient shuttle service allows adventurers to skip the drive and focus on the cycling experience.
Once at Lake Hāwea, the group receives a 15-minute safety briefing to ensure everyone is prepared for the ride.
The shuttle service not only provides transportation but also contributes to the overall convenience and seamless flow of the tour. By taking care of the logistics, the tour organizers allow participants to fully enjoy the stunning natural landscapes and the joy of cycling through the Wānaka trails.
Safety Briefing and Bike Tour
Upon arrival at Lake Hāwea, participants engage in a 15-minute safety briefing to prepare for the bike tour. The guide covers essential information about bike operation, trail etiquette, and safety protocols to ensure a smooth and enjoyable riding experience for all.
After the briefing, riders head out on the Gladstone Track and Wanaka Trails, exploring the scenic landscapes for the next 2.5 hours. The well-maintained bikes and support from the guide allow even novice cyclists to confidently navigate the trails, taking in the beautiful views.
Whether on a standard bike or an e-bike, participants can fully enjoy the natural surroundings and experience the thrill of riding through this stunning region.
Optional Break and Photo Stop
After the bike tour, riders can opt for a 30-minute break at the Pembroke Patisserie to enjoy coffee and snacks. The Pembroke Patisserie is a popular local spot, offering a chance to refuel and experience the vibrant café culture of Wanaka.
Alternatively, they may choose to make a 5-minute photo stop at the famous #ThatWanakaTree, capturing memorable shots of the scenic landscape. The #ThatWanakaTree, a renowned landmark, stands tall against the stunning backdrop of the surrounding mountains and lake.
Both the break and photo opportunity allow participants to pause, soak in the beauty of the region, and create lasting memories of their Wanaka adventure.
Recap
The Wānaka: Gladstone Track and Wanaka Trails bike tour offers a scenic and exhilarating way to explore the stunning landscapes of the region.
Catering to cyclists of all skill levels, the tour provides a comprehensive experience with top-notch equipment, a scenic shuttle ride, and optional stops for refreshments and photo opportunities.
Whether on a bike or an ebike, this guided adventure is a must-try for visitors to Wānaka.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Cycling Tours in Wanaka
More Tour Reviews in Wanaka
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Wanaka we have recnetly reviewed
- 3 Best Guided Tours In Wanaka
- 17 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Wanaka
- 2 Best Full-Day Tours In Wanaka
- 17 Best Tours In Wanaka
- 8 Best Wine Tours In Wanaka
- 11 Best Walking Tours In Wanaka
- 3 Best National Park Tours In Wanaka
- 2 Best 3 Hour Tours and Experiences in Wanaka
- 2 Best 2 Hour Tours and Experiences in Wanaka
- 3 Best 1 Hour Tours and Experiences in Wanaka
- 9 Best Bike Tours In Wanaka
- 3 Best Safari Tours In Wanaka