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.

28 November - 03 December 2019 (6 days / 5 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.

Note: If you are joining us from Australia (or abroad) you have the option to bring your own bike (as many do); if you would like us to arrange a rental bike we can happily organise this for you. Just let us know your preferences and we can take care of the rest.

Lake Taupo (NZ) Cycle Tour | Our Itinerary

Day 1, Thursday 28 November

Welcome to Lake Taupo

For those traveling from overseas, and for us locals, the tour starts in Auckland, NZ. From here it's a short 4hr drive to Taupo. Our vehicle leaves Auckland domestic and international airport at approx. 4pm. Tonight is all about putting the bikes together and having dinner. Let's have lamb. And red wine. You won't lose any weight on this trip I can promise you. Welcome to Taupo.

/ Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2, Friday 29 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. 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, lunch and dinner

Day 3, Saturday 30 November

Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge | Event Day

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 2019 your Taupo Cycle Challenge year! In its 43rd 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. Post ride, Saturday afternoon - sit back on the grass and take in the entertainment on offer while enjoying a glass of wine. We are all invited to the official V.I.P 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 4, Sunday 01 December

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. 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 5, Monday 02 December

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. 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 6, Tuesday 03 December

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