SOUTHERN LAKES / THE EXPERIENCE
Bike the Wanaka and Hawea Trails
BEFORE YOU GO
Your day, at a glance.
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Group size
- Up to 11 people
- Ages
- 8 and over
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Our take
This is a shuttle supported ride rather than a guided tour. The listing gives about 4 hours from the loading bays outside the Wanaka i-SITE on Ardmore Street: a shuttle to Lake Hawea, about 20 minutes north, then a self-guided ride back along the lakes and rivers with a halfway stop at Albert Town. An e-bike or regular bike, helmet, trunk bag, lock, puncture kit, briefing and rider insurance are included. Groups are up to 11.
Our things to do in Wanaka guide calls it the gentlest way to cover a lot of country. It has about 400 reviews around 4.9. Reviewers put the distance anywhere from 32 to 38 km, and some describe narrow, rocky uphill sections, which is why the e-bike suits less confident riders. It isn't suitable for anyone with heart problems. You can also hire a bike and ride the trail yourself.
Good for
- Riders who want a long, mostly gentle trail with the logistics sorted
- Mixed fitness groups, with e-bikes on offer
Think twice if
- You want a guide riding with you
- You're not confident on narrow gravel sections
Written by Southern Lakes Tours from the listing, traveller reviews and the videos behind our comparison pages. Checked November 2026. How we review tours.
From the operator
A brilliant way to explore the area and see the beauty all around. You will ride across plateaus, surrounded by mountains on relatively easy grade 1-2 family friendly trails.
The recommended route follows trails all the way from Hawea, alongside the Hawea river, through Albert Town and then follows the Clutha river to Wanaka.
On your way there are lots of interesting places to visit including Lake Hawea, Pembroke Patisserie, Wanaka, the Wanaka Tree and the Edgewater Hotel garden bar.
From the listing by nzbiketrails on Viator.
What's included
- Safety Briefing
- Executive Return Shuttle
- 8L Topeak Rear Trunk Bag (replaces need for a rucksack)
- Bike Lock, Puncture Repair Kit and Pump
- Helmet - Specialized Camber Helmets with MIPs protection
- Hire of bike - e-bike or regular bike
Not included
- Rider Insurance
Meeting point
Please wait at the loading bays outside the Wanaka i-SITE, 103 Ardmore Street. Look for the branded nzbiketrails shuttle and bike trailer - no need to check in at the i-SITE. Parking (no time limits) is normally available on each side of Pembroke Park, parallel to the Lakeside.
Where it ends
Please wait at the loading bays outside the Wanaka i-SITE, 103 Ardmore Street. Look for the branded nzbiketrails shuttle and bike trailer - no need to check in at the i-SITE. Parking (no time limits) is normally available on each side of Pembroke Park, parallel to the Lakeside.
Your Viator voucher confirms the exact spot and time.
Good to know
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
How refunds and weather cancellations work is on our booking help page.
How it compares
We compare this tour with the other options on our things to do in wanaka page, with what each one includes and where it leaves from. How we choose tours.
KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN
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