Cycling Tours and Holidays | Lake Taupo & The Central Plateau, NZ

Experience the very best of New Zealand, Lake Taupo & the Central Plateau

The perfect mix of cycling, sightseeing, cafes, restaurants and rest. RIDE holidays promise you a fantastic week in one of New Zealand's most scenic regions.

11-17 November 2020 (7 days / 6 nights)

All you have to do is book your plane ticket - we'll take care of everything else. Bike tours are all about finding the right balance. The perfect mix of cycling, sightseeing, cafes, restaurants and rest. RIDE holidays promises you a fantastic week in one of New Zealand's most scenic regions. Non-riding partners are very welcome and will be well looked after. See you soon.

Lake Taupo (NZ) Cycle Tour | Our Itinerary

Day 1, Wednesday 11 November

Villa Maria winery - why wouldn't you

Welcome to New Zealand. It's great to have you here. Please proceed through customs & immigration as you normally would. It's then a short transfer to our Auckland Airport hotel.

We plan to hop in the vans at 4.30pm for our private wine tasting at Villa Maria. The winery is only a few minutes' drive. In 1961, at just 21 years of age, George leased five acres of land from his father in Mangere, Auckland and started off with just an acre of vines. He harvested his first grapes in 1962 and made his first wine under the name Villa Maria.

Today, Villa Maria employs more than 250 permanent staff and exports wine to over 50 countries worldwide.

At the conclusion of our wine tasting we'll head back to the hotel for dinner. We'll talk through the plan for the next week over a glass of Sav and of course a stunning meal featuring one of our finest sheep. There are approximately 45 million sheep here in Kiwi land. That's 45 million less one.

Welcome to the land of the long white cloud.

/ Meals Included: Wine tasting (Villa Maria 4.30pm) & Dinner (Hotel 6.30pm)

Day 2, Thursday 12 November

Welcome to Lake Taupo

After breakfast we'll pack the vans and head towards Taupo. Ideally departing just before 8am. It's about a 4hr drive however leaving Auckland can take require patience. The traffic is worse than Sydney.

The National Velodrome in Cambridge is located halfway to Taupo. Let's stop for coffee. We'll be greeted at the Avantidome by Cycling New Zealand who will show us around.

We plan to arrive in Taupo by 2pm which is when we'll put all the bikes together in our designated bike room. Late this afternoon we'll pop out for a short spin. Just to make sure things are working properly.

Tonight - some of you may feel like an evening stroll along the lake shore. The sunset at this time of the year can be stunning.

Welcome to Taupo.

/ Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3, Friday 13 November

Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge | Expo day and some local sights

We hit the road just after breakfast. Our first goal is the 10am Aratiatia Dam release. A must here in Taupo. We'll cover a gentle 40 to 60 km today. If some want longer then it's easily arranged. You'll also visit the magnificent Huka Falls. A foot bridge right at the top of the falls puts you in a prime position to get up close and witness the frightening display of more than 220,000 litres of water blasting by every second.

We'll also stop for a coffee and cake late morning at the Prawn farm. The Prawns are delicious however it's the view from the café deck which is the real draw card. Coffee and cake are on us.

Our ride concludes at the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge expo where you'll register for tomorrows ride as well as having a stroll around the Sport & Lifestyle Expo. Tomorrow will be awesome. You are in for one fantastic ride…

Non-riders: You don't miss out. You will be driven to all the places mentioned above. As well as a glass blowing factory and Taupo's famous beehive honey café.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 4, Saturday 14 November

Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge | Expo day and some local sights

D-Day… The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge. Riding New Zealand's benchmark cycling event begins with a single turn of a pedal. Join cyclists from over 20 countries around the globe and make 2020 your Taupo Cycle Challenge year! In its 44th year, this event is incredibly well organised with the majority riding either 80 or 160km. Safety is paramount, fun essential and the views are stunning.

Dean and I will guide you around. Usually we target about 5.30 hours. It's certainly not compulsory to ride with us. We generally stop for coffee in Turangi.

Post ride, Saturday afternoon - sit back on the grass and take in the entertainment on offer while enjoying a glass of wine. You are the guests of honour at the Ride Holidays marquee. You deserve it. Job well done. Now all you have to do is win the car. Yes, prize giving is like no other - cars, overseas holidays you name it. And you are in to win.

Non-riders: Even though you aren't riding we think exercise is important so today we head out on a short guided walk along the Waikato River. New Zealand's longest river. We'll try and time it so that you arrive back in to town the same time as the cyclists. Just in time for that glass of Sav Blanc.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5, Sunday 15 November

BBQ, fishing and a cruise on Lake Taupo

What a day we have planned. Our breakfast café is about a 30min bike ride away. If you want to carry on riding after breakfast then we are more than happy to do so. Maybe a gentle 50km? This afternoon we are happy to show you around the rest of Taupo. Bring your swimmers as the thermal pools are a must. In 2019 we had a group who played golf. Happy to roll out the clubs again in 2020.

This evening we've booked a private 4 hour cruise on Lake Taupo. We'll fish on the way, Taupo is well known for having the world's biggest and angriest trout. One or two will feature at our on-the-lake BBQ dinner in a secluded bay. Eat up - tomorrow is a full day in the saddle. The ride is epic and one of the best in the whole country.

Non-riders: Join us for breakfast and then we'd recommend the hot pools at Wairakei The waters and clays of Wairakei were highly valued by Maori for their healing powers and therapeutic benefits. Maybe even the cyclists will join you…. They'll need it.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner (inc wine and beer)

Day 6, Monday 16 November

100km of Pure 100% New Zealand

Live volcanos, ski fields, country roads, remote lakes - you won't forget today. We will leave Taupo nice and early as we've booked a great little fishing café for breakfast. In fact - it's opening just for us. Cyclists will end up at the top of Whakapapa ski field. The views are unforgettable. We will have vehicles with us so those who want to ride less can do so. No pressure. (longest ride is 110km however that includes 2200VM)

Tonight, we share a meal and say cheers to all that we've achieved over the last few days - some fantastic cycling, new friends and old, stunning meals and of course some of New Zealand's best scenery.

Non-riders: Tongariro National Park is a must… You simply must see it. You'll be spending the day with us. The only difference being that you'll take the gondola up to the next level.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 7, Tuesday 17 November

Home, James

After breakfast we'll pack the vehicles and head back to where it all began. Auckland International Airport. The first flight out shouldn't be booked prior to 2pm. Some of you may not fly out until the evening. Of course, if you are planning on extending your stay then we are happy to offer advice.

Safe travels home.

Thank you for your company, we hope you'll join us on one of our other worldwide adventures.

/ Meals Included: Breakfast