8 Jan 2024

Great bike rides with Philip Wyndham

From Summer Times, 11:25 am on 8 January 2024

Most people have heard of the Great Walks dotted around Aotearoa, but few are as familiar with the 'Great Rides' - 23 bike trails that make up ‘Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trails’.

However, the tide is slowly turning, with the rise of e-bikes and gravel bikes meaning cycling is becoming a popular alternative to walking, for those wishing to explore New Zealand's backyard. 

Philip Wnydham is the general manager of Adventure South NZ - New Zealand cycling and hiking holiday specialists.

He gives us the rundown of the latest and greatest bike tech, and the best trails to hit.

Three people cycling the Otago Central Rail Trail in a row towards Middlemarch, South Island, New Zealand.

Three people cycling the Otago Central Rail Trail in a row towards Middlemarch, South Island, New Zealand. Photo: 123RF