Wanaka is a haven for cyclists. With its dramatic mountain backdrops, crystal-clear lakes, and gentle river trails, it offers an ideal setting for all kinds of bike adventures. Whether you’re after a leisurely family ride, an e-bike exploration of scenic waterways, or a craft beer and wine tasting journey, Wanaka has it all. We especially love the Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails experience for its combination of stunning scenery and family-friendly routes, and the ebike tour Lake Hawea River Track to Wanaka for its exceptional multi-track adventure that captures the region’s natural beauty. If you’re into combining outdoor activity with wine, the ebike tour lake Dunstan wine tasting will delight your senses.
If you’re planning your trip, this guide covers the top 12 bike tours in Wanaka, highlighting what makes each one unique, practical details, and who they are best suited for. You’ll find options for all budgets, fitness levels, and interests, helping you pick the perfect ride.
Quick Overview
The list below features a variety of tours that showcase Wanaka’s diverse landscapes and tastes. From family-friendly trails (Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails) to longer e-bike adventures, wine tastings, and even craft beer tours, there’s something for all. Some tours include bike hire and support, while others focus on guided experiences or self-led exploration. All offer the chance to enjoy Wanaka’s scenic lakes, rivers, and mountains on two wheels. Now, let’s explore each in detail.
1. Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails
At number 1, this bike hire package offers a laid-back way to see Wanaka’s stunning countryside. For $79.28 per person, you get a 4-hour rental of a bike or e-bike, along with helmets, trunk bags, bike locks, and pumps. The tour takes you along family-friendly grade one and two trails that wind through the region’s mountains, plateaus, and river valleys, including the Hawea and Clutha rivers. The included shuttle makes returning easy after a day of exploring.
What makes this experience special is its flexibility. You can choose the level of assistance with an e-bike, perfect for those with limited cycling experience or who want to cover more ground comfortably. The reviews are glowing, with visitors praising the stunning scenery and ease of riding. One guest called it “the best way to see Wanaka,” noting the beautiful lakes and rivers along the route.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families and casual riders wanting a straightforward, scenic ride with all equipment provided. It’s good value and easy to organize, especially if you prefer to explore at your own pace.
2. Wānaka And Hāwea: Trail Ride on Bike or E-Bike
Number 2 on our list is a family-friendly ride that showcases the local trails and rivers. Priced at $76 per person for about 3-4 hours, this tour features no roads, only dedicated trails and paths along the Hāwea and Clutha rivers. The route is designed for grade 1-2 riders, making it accessible for kids and beginners, yet interesting enough for more experienced cyclists.
The quality of bikes is excellent—new and well-maintained—and the team provides support along the way if needed. The operator is the only Qualmark Gold accredited bike hire and shuttle business in Wanaka, ensuring a professional experience. Reviewers mention the beautiful scenery and appreciate the supportive staff, making it a stress-free day out.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a relaxed, scenic ride without busy roads, suitable for families or anyone new to biking in New Zealand’s outdoors.
3. ebike tour Lake Hawea River Track to Wanaka
Number 3 is a 5-star-rated e-bike adventure priced at $131.11 per person, allowing you to experience what many call the best one-day bike ride in New Zealand. This leisurely ride combines three different tracks, taking you along gentle riverside paths with spectacular views. The tour is flexible, with departure times at 9 am, 11 am, or 2 pm, and lasts between 4 to 9 hours.
Highlights include Lake Hawea, the connecting river to Lake Dunstan, and the Hawea Whitewater Park, which offers an exciting spot for those interested in river kayaking or river surfing—all visible from the trail. The bikes are equipped with strong motors and long-lasting batteries, making the ride less strenuous. Visitors mention the stunning scenery and how well the support and safety briefing from the team enhances the experience.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for a full-day scenic adventure, especially for those who appreciate a leisurely pace and beautiful river views.
4. ebike tour Lake Dunstan wine tasting
At number 4, this 6-hour tour combines biking with wine and food for $167.70 per person. Starting from Wanaka, you’ll explore the vineyards of Lake Dunstan on a flat, wide trail, perfect for beginners. After a quick orientation on the e-bike, you’ll visit several wineries, sampling local wines and enjoying a 3-course barrel-cooked banquet at a vineyard.
What makes this tour unique is its focused experience blending outdoor activity with culinary delights. It’s not guided, but support is nearby if needed. Reviews highlight the professional organization and the quality of bikes. This experience is perfect for wine lovers wanting a relaxed day with stunning lake views and delicious food.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting to combine wine tasting with easy cycling, ideal for a relaxed, social day in Wanaka.
5. Wānaka: Gladstone Track and Wanaka Trails on Bike or eBike
Number 5 offers a shuttle ride from Wanaka to Hāwea, with a bike back along the scenic Gladstone Track for $82 per person. The route features Lake Hāwea’s front, then follows river trails back to Wanaka. The Gladstone Track is a recent addition, making this ride a fresh favorite.
The tour is trail-only, with no roads, and bikes are well-maintained. Support during the ride is included, making it suitable for all skill levels. Visitors rave about the beautiful vistas and the smooth support from the team, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Bottom Line: Excellent choice for a scenic, unsupported ride that highlights Wanaka’s lakeside beauty, with a comfortable shuttle return.
6. Wanaka Easy Ebike Tour
Number 6 is a shorter, guided 2.5-hour trip that costs $195.56 per person, perfect for beginners or travelers with limited time. The focus is on Wanaka’s rivers and mountain views, with afternoon tea and beverages included. The ride is easy, and all equipment is provided, making it suitable for families and less experienced cyclists.
A key feature is its easy pace and relaxed atmosphere. Reviewers mention how the hassle-free organization allows them to focus on enjoying the scenery without worries. The tour offers a great way to see Wanaka’s natural beauty without strenuous effort.
Bottom Line: Best for casual riders or families seeking a relaxed introduction to Wanaka’s outdoor scene.
7. Riverside Electric Bike Tour
Number 7 is a guided ride along the river priced at $195.47 for about 3.5 hours. Covering 12 km, it offers varied terrain with photo stops and beautiful river vistas. Participants need to be comfortable riding on loose sand and gravel and moderate hills, making it suitable for those with medium fitness levels.
What makes this tour appealing is the scenic riverside setting and the guided commentary. It provides an active yet manageable challenge for those interested in a more vigorous outdoor experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for intermediate riders who want to combine scenery with some physical activity.
8. Wanaka Breweries E-Bike Tour
Number 8 combines craft beer with bike riding for $149.66 per person over 4 to 9 hours. The tour is self-guided, focusing on Wanaka’s brewery scene with visits to several venues, sampling local beers and food pairings. It’s perfect for beer enthusiasts who want flexibility and a personalized pace.
Visitors praise the well-maintained bikes and the supportive team. The tour offers visits to breweries with delicious food, making it as much a culinary experience as a cycling adventure.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a flexible, relaxing day discovering Wanaka’s craft beer scene.
9. From Wanaka Bike the Lake Dunstan Trail with Shuttle Return
Number 9 is a fully hosted day trip on the Lake Dunstan Trail, considered one of NZ’s best one-day rides. For $122.17, your guide ensures you’re set up for an 8-hour adventure. The trail features beautiful lake and mountain views, with a lunch stop at a historic site.
Guests highlight the personalized service and breathtaking scenery. This is a great choice for cyclists seeking a guided experience with support.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for serious cyclists wanting an organized full-day ride on a top-rated trail.
$122.17 per person
10. From Wanaka: Lake Dunstan Trail E-Bike Hire & Shuttle
Number 10 offers a guided e-bike trip along the Lake Dunstan Trail at $117 per person. The ride features cliff-face sections, views of Lake Dunstan, and stops at floating cafes or burger bars. It’s a 5-hour tour suited for those looking for adventure with scenic stops.
Guests rave about the thrilling trail sections and spectacular vistas. The supportive team makes sure everyone stays safe, making it suitable for confident riders.
Bottom Line: Great for thrill-seekers who want scenic views with some challenging sections.
$117 per person
11. Wanaka – Private Family Bike Tour Experience
Number 11 is a customized private tour for families or groups up to 11 people, priced at $1,206.43 per group. You choose your desired trail—from Queenstown Trails to the Otago Rail Trail—and a guest experience manager personalizes the day.
Reviewers note the flexibility and personalized service. It’s perfect if you want to tailor your experience and have a dedicated guide.
Bottom Line: Best suited for families or groups with specific trail interests and the desire for a private, bespoke day out.
$1,206.43 per group (up to 1)
12. Wanaka: E-Bike Ride, Wine Tour, and Lunch Combo
Our final pick combines e-biking and wine tasting for $234 per person over 8 hours. You’ll visit three wineries, enjoying tastings and a 3-course barrel-cooked lunch. The scenic ride from Hawea to Wanaka makes this a memorable gourmet adventure.
It appeals to food and wine lovers who want outdoor activity paired with culinary indulgence. Reviewers emphasize the delicious food and beautiful vineyard settings.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a luxurious, full-day wine experience that combines cycling with fine dining.
$234 per person
How to Choose the Best Bike Tour in Wanaka
When selecting your ideal bike tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you want a relaxed family activity, options like the Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails or the Wanaka Easy Ebike Tour are excellent. For those interested in longer, guided adventures, the Lake Dunstan Trail tours (full-day) or self-guided brewery and wine tours (such as this) offer great value.
Fitness level also matters: e-bikes make longer or hillier routes accessible, while experienced cyclists may prefer the full-day guided rides or more challenging trails. If you’re short on time, the shorter guided tours or family-friendly options fit perfectly.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular experiences like the Lake Dunstan Trail day trip or the wine and bike combo, which tend to fill quickly during peak season.
Final Thoughts
Wanaka offers a fantastic array of bike tours tailored to all tastes—whether you’re after scenic river rides, wine tastings, or family-friendly adventures. The Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails and the ebike Lake Hawea adventure stand out for their mix of scenery and ease, while the full-day Lake Dunstan Trail appeals to more dedicated cyclists. If you want to combine your outdoor adventures with culinary delights, the wine and e-bike tour is a memorable choice.
Whatever your interests or fitness level, Wanaka’s bike scene invites you to explore its breathtaking landscapes at your own pace. Be sure to book early, and enjoy the ride!