Many enjoy planning their next adventure, for others the DIY approach isn't for them. When tackling a Great Ride it's easy to go with the pros so you make the most of your trip on and off the trail.

New Zealand has plenty of  locally-owned bike tour companies from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, offering mostly bespoke, super-friendly services from shuttle drop-offs to fully guided tours.

Depending on your trip and group size, it may actually work out cheaper than a DIY-package too. New Zealand’s bike tour companies aren’t fancy and expensive. They’re run by people who love doing the same stuff you love doing, but they’ve made it their day jobs too.

Companies like Christchurch-based Adventure South NZ has been operating for more than 30 years. It offers an array of guided and supported cycling, tramping and multi-activity tours including bike tours covering many of the 23 Great Rides. There's flexibility and tailored trips, so you can go where you want to, at your own pace.

Guided trips come with all the bells and whistles - itinerary planning, packing lists, luggage transfers, transport (often including airport transfers), all accommodation bookings, as well as a dedicated guide and support driver accompanying you the whole way.

You’ll also be fitted with a top-notch hybrid mountain bike or e-bike, best suited to your fitness and the terrain. You can bring your own too.

Sue Clark is an Adventure South NZ guide and loves her work.

"Guiding combines three of my life’s passions – cycling, spending time with people from all walks of life, and showing off some of the places I consider to be the most stunning in the world," she says.

In-depth local knowledge is all part of the package, with guides sharing a wealth of stories about the landscape, flora and fauna, human history and much more.

A good guided tour will benefit your brain as well as your bum.

^{Happy bikers on a classic Otago Central Rail Trail Great Ride tour. Photo: Lachlan Gardiner/Adventure South NZ}

 

Going on a guided trip means you won’t miss must-see and lesser-known sights, or must-do off-the-bike activities. Guides can also quickly adapt your day to work around the weather or cater to individual interests and abilities. As accomplished cyclists, they can help you hone your biking skills too.

Elaina went on a guided Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail Great Ride trip with Adventure South NZ, having previously organised all her own trips.

"It really felt like a holiday," says Elaina.

"It was a chance to see New Zealand through fresh eyes – through the eyes of a tourist – learning more about the places we visited than if we had gone self-guided."

Elaina also enjoyed the freedom from trip planning and on-trail logistics.

"Everything was so well taken care of, all we had to think about was getting up and biking! It was lovely being looked after and not having to worry about the minor details."

^{That's one cheery bunch of cyclists on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. Photo: Ross Dunn}

Most trips feature smaller groups, which make for good bonding time with family, friends or workmates. But joining a scheduled tour with others can also be rewarding for its fresh social interaction and the chance to make lifelong friendships.

^{Your support vehicle – and a hot cup of tea – are never far away. Photo: Lachlan Gardiner/Adventure South NZ}

Bas Kruisselbrink used to work as an Adventure South guide and got a kick out of the pleasure guided trips brought.

"They bring the best out in people. It’s such a great business to be involved in. It can be challenging and demanding at times, but it’s so rewarding."

Adventure South is one company that runs a series of South Island tours, taking in a number of the 23 Great Rides. There are also several North Island Great Rides, which take in some of the best off-road riding in the North Island.

Highlights include Pureora’s majestic forest on the Timber Trail Great Ride, riverside scenery along the mighty Waikato River Trails Great Ride, and eye-popping views across Lake Taupō to Tongariro National Park. You’ll also get a night at the Timber Trail Lodge and a soak at Wairakei Terraces hot pools.

You can find out more and book your trip here.

^{Experience the Timber Trail's majestic trees and graceful suspension bridges with Adventure South.  Photo: bennettandslater.co.nz}