E-bike tours promoted

Electric bike visits to four stunning landscapes are being promoted by Tourism New Zealand (TNZ).

It says e-bikes have opened doors to wannabe cyclists who want to see more and push less.

E-bike rentals and tours are popping up near all of New Zealand’s major cities and tourist attractions, says TNZ which has compiled four of the most stunning New Zealand landscapes to explore via e-bike.

Places to visit and stay are included.

Wellington urban exploration

An e-bike’s pedal assist power makes exploring Wellington’s hilly urban terrain easy, TNZ says.

It suggests starting at Queen’s Wharf which has e-bike rental shop, Switched On Bikes, progressing to Cuba Street to fuel up at Fidel’s then to the Mount Victoria lookout. Returning to the waterfront, riders can visit Te Papa and follow the coast to Oriental Bay along the seaside past Evans Bay to the Miramar Peninsula.

Wanaka alpine climbs

Wanaka’s mountains, lakes and towns can be explored via an e-bike tour through Wanaka Bike Tours.

A favourite route is the Hawea to Wanaka track, a 30km ride.

Start on the Hawea River Track which splits off before joining the Clutha River and follow that until you reach Lake Wanaka.

Kaikoura coastal cruising

Kaikoura is world-famous for having one of the most diverse marine ecosystems.

PureTrails runs e-bike tours through the region, starting at Christchurch and running along the coast to Kaikōura.Hanmer Springs has thermal hot pools to relax in after a day’s cycling.

Then head along the Pacific Coast Highway in in just over a day you’ll reach Kaikoura.

Whanganui country coasting

Call at E Bikes Wanganui to discover the Whanganui River Road from Pipiriki back to Whanganui. The trail runs through several small settlements such as Ranana (Maori for London) and Parikino, to see Māori pa and marae and meet locals.

“This scenic route is all gentle hills, lush ferns and trickling rivers – perfect for a slow and relaxing day of cycling.”