Cromwell, in New Zealand’s South Island, is a fantastic spot for bike tours. Its combination of purpose-built trails, stunning views of Lake Dunstan, and historic towns makes it a top destination for cycling enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride with wine tastings or an adventurous climb along cliffside paths, Cromwell offers options that suit all interests and skill levels. Among the standout experiences we highlight are the Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Trail Bike Rental and Luxury Shuttle and the Ultimate Lake Dunstan Bike Hire, Shuttles And Boat Return, which combine excellent routes with top-notch support and unique features.
What makes Cromwell especially appealing is the variety of tours that incorporate multiple modes of transportation—biking, shuttles, and even boat rides—adding adventure and comfort to your day. Plus, the region’s well-maintained trails, breathtaking scenery, and historical sites ensure a memorable experience whether you’re after a quick ride or a full-day expedition.
Quick Overview
Below, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the four best bike tours in Cromwell. Each offers a different experience—some focus on the stunning Lake Dunstan Trail, others combine biking with boat rides or wine stops. All are delivered by licensed operators, and many include the use of new, well-maintained bikes.
- The Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Trail Bike Rental and Luxury Shuttle offers a half-day adventure with a luxury shuttle back to Cromwell.
- The Ultimate Lake Dunstan Bike Hire, Shuttles And Boat Return combines biking with a scenic boat trip for a full-day experience.
- The Lake Dunstan Discovery – on an eBike lets you explore at your own pace, with options for scenic stops and wine tastings.
- The From Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Trail E-Bike Hire & Shuttle provides a guided ride along cliff-side sections, offering some of the most spectacular views in the region.
1. Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Trail Bike Rental and Luxury Shuttle
Priced at $105 per person and rated 4.9/5 based on 18 reviews, this tour offers a perfect combination of cycling and comfort. The experience centers around the Official NZ Great Ride—a 42 km, purpose-built trail that runs from Cromwell to the historic town of Clyde. The tour includes bike, E-bike, or gravel bike options, along with a luxury shuttle service that takes you back to Cromwell at the end of the ride.
What makes this tour stand out is the high level of support and the quality of bikes, which are all well-maintained and suitable for different riding preferences. The trail itself is a marvel of engineering, offering stunning views of Lake Dunstan and the surrounding landscape. It’s ideal for riders who want a self-paced experience with the convenience of transport included. The local operator is Qualmark Gold accredited, ensuring professionalism and safety.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a well-organized, scenic ride with reliable support, this tour offers great value for a half-day adventure. It’s best suited for those comfortable on bikes and looking for straightforward access to the region’s highlights.
2. Ultimate Lake Dunstan Bike Hire, Shuttles And Boat Return
At $170 per person and boasting a perfect 5/5 rating from 4 reviews, this experience is for those who want a full day of adventure. It combines a purpose-built 42 km trail from Cromwell to Clyde with bike hire, shuttle transportation, and a scenic boat ride back across Lake Dunstan via the Dunstan Explorer. This setup gives you a fantastic mix of cycling and cruising, with options to relax and enjoy the scenery from the water.
What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to learn about the gold rush history of the gorge area, adding an educational element to the ride. The fleet of bikes is brand new and well-maintained, and the operator’s high accreditation ensures smooth logistics. The ride itself offers breathtaking views of the lake and the 270-foot Snoqualmie Falls-like structures, with plenty of stops to take photos or explore. The boat ride adds a unique perspective and helps you appreciate the scale of Lake Dunstan.
Bottom Line: This is the ideal choice for travelers who want a comprehensive experience, including biking, sightseeing, and relaxing on the water. It’s perfect for those seeking a well-rounded day with a touch of history and leisure.
3. Lake Dunstan Discovery – on an eBike
For $105 per person and a perfect 5/5 rating from 3 reviews, this tour focuses on exploring at your own pace on an eBike. The route links Clyde and Cromwell, riding along the Lake Dunstan Trail, and offers the flexibility to choose your stops. It’s especially suited for those who want a relaxed, scenic, yet slightly energetic day out.
The tour highlights include seeing the impressive Clyde Dam, exploring the Cromwell and Clyde Historic Precincts, and enjoying a wines and food break on the lawn at Carrick Winery. Riders will experience the engineering marvels of the trail, such as riding over clip-ons bolted into rock faces, which make the ride both exciting and safe. The eBike allows you to manage the climbs easily, making it accessible even for those with moderate fitness levels.
Guests have appreciated the beautiful scenery and the chance to explore at their own pace, with plenty of time for photos and tastings. The flexibility makes it a great option for couples, families, or solo travelers who want to craft their own adventure.
Bottom Line: If you like the idea of exploring independently but with guidance, this eBike tour provides the perfect balance of scenery, comfort, and control. It’s particularly good for those who want a less structured but still scenic experience.
4. From Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Trail E-Bike Hire & Shuttle
Priced at $94 per person, this guided e-bike ride along Lake Dunstan Trail is a favorite for its spectacular cliff-side sections with views of the mountains, Lake Dunstan, and the Pisa Range. The tour includes bike hire and shuttle service, making it easy to enjoy the route without hassle. It’s a 5-hour experience suitable for those wanting to combine active riding with sightseeing.
The route involves two climbs to 150 meters each, offering a satisfying challenge and panoramic vistas. Riders can stop at the floating café or burger barge for a snack, making this a relaxed yet exhilarating outing. The trail’s engineering includes sections bolted onto cliff faces, providing both a thrill and a sense of connection with the landscape.
This tour is ideal for those who enjoy a guided experience with scenic commentary or want the confidence of having logistics handled. It’s suitable for moderately fit riders who are comfortable on e-bikes and want to enjoy the most stunning viewpoints.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a guided, scenic route with the convenience of transport and the thrill of riding cliff-side sections. It offers a great balance of adventure and comfort.
$94 per person
How to Choose The Right Bike Tour in Cromwell
When selecting the best tour for you, consider your budget, fitness level, and what kind of experience you’re after. If you want a shorter, supported ride with ease, the Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Trail Bike Rental and Luxury Shuttle provides excellent value. For a full-day adventure with a boat ride, the Ultimate Lake Dunstan Bike Hire, Shuttles And Boat Return offers variety and scenic diversity.
If you’re into independent exploration with scenic stops, the Lake Dunstan Discovery – on an eBike provides flexibility, while guided, cliff-side rides are best suited for active travelers wanting a more structured experience with breathtaking views as in the From Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Trail E-Bike Hire & Shuttle.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and ensure a smooth, enjoyable outing.
Final Thoughts
Cromwell offers a range of bike tours that cater to different interests and fitness levels. For a balanced mix of scenic views and comfort, the Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Trail Bike Rental and Luxury Shuttle is a reliable choice. For those wanting more activity combined with a scenic boat cruise, the Ultimate Lake Dunstan Bike Hire is ideal. And if you prefer a relaxed, self-paced exploration, the Lake Dunstan Discovery on an eBike offers the perfect mix.
No matter your choice, Cromwell’s trails and views are sure to deliver a memorable cycling experience. Reserve your spot early to avoid missing out on these fantastic adventures.