South Island of New Zealand offers some of the most spectacular scenery for cyclists. Wide open trails, lush landscapes, and a variety of terrains make it a haven for biking enthusiasts. Whether you’re after a leisurely ride through historic towns or a mountain biking challenge, South Island has options that suit all levels. The Arrowtown Electric Bike Hire stands out for making scenic exploration accessible to everyone, thanks to its easy-to-ride e-bikes and flexible rental periods. Meanwhile, the Arrowtown Mountain Bike Hire offers a more traditional mountain biking experience, ideal for those seeking a bit of adrenaline. For a seamless, guided experience, the E-Bike Hire with Return Shuttle from Queenstown combines comfort and adventure, perfect for exploring vineyards and scenic trails without the hassle of transportation logistics. Lastly, the Queenstown Trails E-Bike Rental with Shuttle Service provides a comprehensive way to enjoy some of New Zealand’s most famous trails with minimal planning.
In this guide, we’ll explore each of these top bike tours, highlighting what makes them unique, their suitability for different travelers, and practical details to help you choose the best option for your trip.
Quick Overview
This list includes electric bike rentals, mountain biking, and guided shuttle services—each crafted to cater to different interests and fitness levels. Whether you prefer self-guided scenic rides in Arrowtown, mountain biking through rugged trails, or a luxury guided e-bike experience with shuttle pickup, South Island has something to offer. Below, find detailed descriptions of each tour to help you make your choice.
1. Arrowtown Electric Bike Hire
At number 1, the Arrowtown Electric Bike Hire offers a flexible way to explore the charming town of Arrowtown and the surrounding regions. With rental durations from one to eight hours, you can tailor your ride to fit your schedule and energy level. The e-bikes are perfect for easing up the steep hills and covering longer distances, so you can enjoy the scenery of Gibbston Valley, wineries, and historic streets without breaking a sweat. The service includes bikes, helmets, and trail maps, along with local tips to help you navigate the trails confidently.
The reviews are unanimous with a perfect rating of 5.0, and visitors praise the staff’s helpfulness and the ease of riding the e-bikes. One traveler remarked, “The bikes made it a breeze to go up the steep hills, loved every minute of it.” This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed yet comprehensive way to see Arrowtown and nearby attractions at your own pace. It’s perfect for all fitness levels and travelers who want the freedom to explore without the hassle of planning every detail.
Bottom line: If you want a hassle-free, flexible, scenic ride with excellent support, this is your best choice. It’s especially well-suited for families, casual riders, and anyone wanting to combine comfort with exploration.
2. Arrowtown Mountain Bike Hire
Next on our list is the Arrowtown Mountain Bike Hire, which caters to those wanting a more active, trail-focused experience. This service also offers bike rentals from one to eight hours, but with a focus on mountain biking. They provide helmets, drink bottles, trail maps, and panniers, making it ideal for a day of adventure. You can rent a plain mountain bike and choose to ride the Arrow Rivers Bridges Trail, which is praised for being easy to follow and visually stunning.
This tour’s appeal is its flexibility; you can go for just an hour or spend the entire day exploring. Staff are ready to recommend trails suited to your skill level and interests, making it a good option for families or those new to mountain biking. The reviews are glowing, with a perfect 5-star rating, and one rider said, “The team was super helpful, and the trail was picturesque.”
Bottom line: If you’re interested in exploring Arrowtown on a mountain bike with the option to go further into the trails, this is a practical choice. It offers good value, with gear and trail guidance included, making it perfect for a relaxed or more ambitious ride.
3. E-Bike Hire with Return Shuttle from Queenstown Accommodation
For those based in Queenstown who want a hassle-free, flexible day on the bike, this E-Bike Hire with Return Shuttle stands out. Thanks to the shuttle service that picks you up from your accommodation, you avoid logistical headaches and can focus solely on the riding. The top-quality French-made e-bikes make climbing hills effortless, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the scenery and local attractions such as wineries or the historic Arrowtown.
The experience is completely customizable, with durations from one to eight hours, and staff will match you to the ideal trail based on your fitness and interests. An added bonus is the opportunity to try Otago Pinot Noir if you choose to bike to the nearby wineries, making this experience both scenic and delicious.
The reviews highlight the quality of bikes and ease of the process, with travelers appreciating the expert advice and flexibility. It’s suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a comfortable, guided experience without sacrificing independence.
Bottom line: If you prefer a guided, reliable, and comfortable day of biking with the convenience of hotel pickup, this option offers excellent value and flexibility.
4. Bike Hire with Return Transport from Accommodation
At number 4, Better By Bike provides bike rentals with return transportation, centered right in Queenstown. This tour is perfect if you want to explore the Queenstown Trail at your own pace, with literally no hassle about getting to the trails. The ride options are located just outside the shop, allowing you to start your adventure immediately.
They offer fantastic scenic rides through some of New Zealand’s most photographed landscapes, with the company being locally owned and operated. The scenery around every corner is breathtaking, from the lakeside views to the mountain backdrops. Guests rave about the personalized service and the easy access to hidden trail gems that once were known only to locals.
This full-day option is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to make the most of their day and enjoy a self-guided ride with support close at hand. The rental includes guidance on trails and bike accessories designed to keep you comfortable.
Bottom line: If you’re staying in Queenstown and want a flexible, scenic ride without the need to organize transport, this local-run operation offers a very good value.
5. Queenstown Trails E-Bike Rental with Shuttle Service
Rounding out the list is the Queenstown Trails E-Bike Rental with Shuttle Service. This about 5-hour experience is designed for families and adventure seekers wanting to cover about 38 km from Kinross Winery to Arthurs Point, along the Gibbston and Arrow Rivers. The rental includes a safety briefing, helmet, and accessories, ensuring a secure and comfortable ride.
What makes this tour stand out is the shuttle service that takes you to the starting point, so you can focus on the ride itself. The trails are mostly flat and ideal for a leisurely pace, with plenty of scenic viewpoints. The ride is perfect for those eager to explore local wineries or simply enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.
While this tour currently has no reviews, its combination of convenience, scenic routes, and flexibility makes it appealing. It’s suited for those who want to cover significant ground without the stress of navigation or transportation.
Bottom line: If you’re after a guided, scenic e-bike ride with shuttle support, this is a practical, comfortable choice, especially for families or less experienced riders.
$120.64 per person
How to Choose the Best Bike Tour in South Island
When selecting a bike tour, think about your fitness level, interests, and the kind of scenery you want to enjoy. If you prefer a relaxed, scenic experience without much effort, the Arrowtown Electric Bike Hire is hard to beat. For more active adventurers, the Arrowtown Mountain Bike Hire offers rugged trails and the chance to get your heart rate up. If convenience and comfort matter most, then the E-Bike Hire with Return Shuttle from Queenstown provides a seamless experience, while the Queenstown Trails E-Bike Rental with Shuttle is excellent for those wanting a guided, full-day outing.
Booking early, especially in peak season (summer and autumn), is wise to secure your preferred dates. Consider the duration—whether you want a quick ride or a full-day adventure—and choose a tour that matches your fitness level and interests. For those eager to explore wineries or historic sights, options with guided or shuttle services add extra ease.
Final thoughts
South Island offers a wide variety of bike adventures, from self-guided scenic rides to technical mountain biking. The Arrowtown Electric Bike Hire and Arrowtown Mountain Bike Hire are excellent options if you want flexibility and local guidance. For a luxury, hassle-free experience, the E-Bike Hire with Return Shuttle from Queenstown is hard to beat. And if you’re in Queenstown and want to maximize scenery with minimal planning, the Queenstown Trails E-Bike Rental with Shuttle Service provides a straightforward, enjoyable ride.
No matter which you choose, these tours are a fantastic way to see the landscape and enjoy New Zealand’s outdoor lifestyle. Book early, prepare your gear, and get ready to experience South Island from the seat of a bike — it’s a trip you’ll remember.