Best Bike Tours in Auckland

Auckland, with its hills and wide streets, is an ideal place to visit by bicycle. Here I tell you about the best alternatives for you to cycle around the city.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

Best Bike Tours in Auckland

Bicicleta cerca del rio |©Dmitri Ogleznev

If you are one of those who prefer to know the cities you visit by pedaling, then in Auckland you will feel at ease, since its urban layout, its hills and its wide streets are the ideal place to make an excursion by bike, either through the old town or the outskirts of the city.

Some of the best things to see and do to get to know Auckland by bike include taking a half-day tour of the city's main attractions, getting to know the most picturesque neighborhoods on an express electric bike tour, taking a night tour with the assistance of a local guide, visiting Karangahake Gorge and pedaling along the city's beautiful waterfront.

1. Half-day bike tour of Auckland's main attractions

Auckland City bike|©Jim Evans
Auckland City bike|©Jim Evans

If you want to get to know Auckland in an effective and fun way, a half-day bike tour of the main sites could offer you the solution. During the tour you will be able to discover the best routes and landscapes and also some of the most iconic areas of one of the most visited destinations in New Zealand.

Among the attractions you can visit are the Waitemata Harbour, which is the departure point for Auckland cruises, Albert Park, the Parnell district and the SkyCity Tower. At the harbor, you will also have access to spectacular panoramic views of the city.

In Albert Park the cityscape fades away and the trees and green gardens become the center of attention. In this park you can find some of the main attractions of the city such as the Art Gallery and the National Museum, which is one of the best museums in Auckland.

In the neighborhood of Parnell, meanwhile, you can meet one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods of the city. There you will come across fashion and art stores, as well as a variety of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious local dishes. In addition, you can stop at St. Stephens Cemetery, home to some of Auckland's oldest graves.

A half-day bike tour is a great way to enjoy the main attractions in an active and healthy way. In addition, you can also opt for tours tailored to different levels of ability and interest, so you are sure to find an alternative that suits your expectations. You can also combine this tour with a food tour in Auckland.

Details of interest

  • Price: these tours have an initial cost of approximately 74 euros per person, including the bike and the assistance of an expert local guide.
  • Duration: approximately 6 hours.
  • Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the main sites of the city in a comfortable and fun tour.
  • Disadvantages of these excursions: in general you will have little time to rest and the lunch stop is short.

Book a bike tour in Auckland

2. Express electric bike tour of Auckland's neighborhoods

Man on electric bike|©KBO Bike
Man on electric bike|©KBO Bike

If you're looking for a quick way to explore Auckland's most interesting neighborhoods, an express electric bike tour might be just what you need. On these small group tours you'll get to see some of the city's main neighborhoods, including Ponsonby, Herne Bay and Grey Lynn.

With the help of the electric bike, you can easily ride up Auckland's steep hills and quickly reach Herne Bay, a seaside neighborhood full of elegant villas and golden sandy beaches.

From there, you can continue on to Grey Lynn, one of the most eclectic places in the city, where you can find thrift stores, local produce markets and a variety of bars and restaurants, which is why it is often included in the itineraries of the best tours of Auckland.

With the help of a local guide and the power of the electric bike, you can discover some of the most interesting and surprising places in the city in record time. These tours are also ideal if you are planning a short stay in the city. If that is your case, here is a list of activities you can discover in Auckland in 3 days.

Details of interest

  • Price: these tours have an initial cost of approximately 81 euros per person, including the bike and the assistance of an expert local guide.
  • Duration: approximately 2 hours and a half.
  • Advantages of these tours: you will be able to see several of the main sites of the city in a short time.
  • Disadvantages of these excursions: it can be an expensive excursion.

Book an Auckland bike tour

3. Night bike tour of Auckland

Bicicletta on the streets by night|©Tharrin
Bicicletta on the streets by night|©Tharrin

A night bike tour of Auckland can be an unforgettable experience if you are looking to discover the most fascinating corners of the city after sunset. During this tour you will be able to contemplate the sights of the city and enjoy a unique atmosphere, especially when you pass through the most emblematic sites.

These tours usually start at the harbor, where you can see the lights of the city reflected in the water. From there, you can take a scenic drive to the famous Harbour Bridge, which offers a breathtaking view of the skyline, especially if you plan to visit Auckland during the summer.

On Devonport Island, which is one of the most popular places for tourists, you will be able to take some of the best pictures towards Mount Victoria, an ideal place to contemplate the skyline of the city from the height. You can also visit Devonport's harbor, Waitemata and see the Rangitoto Volcano in the background.

After Devonport, you will also visit the picturesque neighborhood of Parnell, where you can see the famous St. John's Anglican Church, illuminated by the city lights. You will also be amazed by the colonial architecture of the neighborhood, as well as the houses and gardens with decorative lights.

The tour will end at the SkyCity Tower, one of the tallest buildings in New Zealand. From there you can access panoramic views of Auckland and its surroundings. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best activities to do during the night in the city.

Details of interest

  • Price: these tours have an initial cost of approximately 66 euros per person, including the bike and the assistance of an expert local guide.
  • Duration: approximately 1 hour and a half.
  • Advantages of these tours: you will be able to visit the city during the night in a tour that will take you through the main points of the city.
  • Disadvantages of these tours: it can be a very short tour, lasting less than 2 hours.

Book an Auckland bike tour

4. Full day private bike tour of Karangahake Gorge

Bike near the tunnel|©Glen Carpenter
Bike near the tunnel|©Glen Carpenter

The Karangahake Gorge full day private bike tour is an interesting adventure for nature and history lovers. Karangahake Gorge is a gorge located in the Waikato region that offers unmissable panoramic views, ancient caves and a wealth of natural scenery. This private bike tour is the best way to explore all that this site has to offer.

The tour will usually start with a pick up from your accommodation in Auckland and a 1.5 hour drive to the Waikato region. Once there, you will be taken on a 3-hour bike ride of approximately 14 kilometers. The experienced guide will take you through the gorge and give you information about the geology and ecology of the area.

During the tour you will visit the abandoned Talisman gold mine, where you can explore the dark cave and see the old mining tools. There you can take pictures and afterwards you can discover waterfalls, crystal clear rivers and beautiful scenery. The bike tour is suitable for cyclists of all levels, with gentle trails and moderate terrain, making it one of the best full day tours from Auckland.

These tours usually include lunch and you can also choose to do an optional hike to the top of Mt. Karangahake for panoramic views. The hike takes approximately 1.5 hours and is suitable for anyone with a moderate level of fitness.

Details of interest

  • Price: these tours have an initial cost of approximately €190 per person, including round-trip transfers with hotel pick-up, bicycle and the assistance of an expert local guide.
  • Duration: approximately 10 hours.
  • Advantages of these tours: you will get to know one of the most beautiful places around Auckland.
  • Disadvantages of these tours: not compatible with a short stay in the city.

5. Bicycle tour along the Auckland waterfront

Bicycle tour on the Auckland waterfront|©Antoine
Bicycle tour on the Auckland waterfront|©Antoine

One of the most common bike tours is the Auckland waterfront tour, which allows you to explore the natural beauty and vibrant culture of the city from a unique perspective. Auckland is known for its waterfront views and its promenade is one of the most popular places to enjoy them.

The tour will usually start in downtown Auckland, where you will meet your guide and ride your bike. After a short safety briefing, you will start pedaling along the waterfront. The route is approximately 10 kilometers long and lasts about 2 hours, so you can also combine it with the city's best food tours.

During the tour, you will discover the Waitemata Harbour skyline and see some of the city's most distinctive sites, such as the Sky Tower, Westhaven Marina and the Auckland Harbour Bridge. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the city, as the guide will share interesting information about the places you will visit and tell you interesting facts about the Maori tribes that inhabited the place.

The tour includes several stops at points of interest, where you can take pictures and enjoy the view. You will also have time for a break at a local coffee shop to enjoy a delicious New Zealand coffee and some pastries. If you prefer, you can also opt for a beer tour.

Details of interest

  • Price: these tours have an initial cost of approximately 66 euros per person, including the bike and the assistance of an expert local guide.
  • Duration: approximately 3 hours.
  • Advantages of these tours: you will be able to see the best views of Auckland.
  • Disadvantages of these tours: you will not visit the suburbs, which have some of the main attractions of the city.

How to book a bike tour in Auckland?

three men smiling at the laptop|© Priscilla Du Preez
three men smiling at the laptop|© Priscilla Du Preez

You can either book the tours in advance online or opt to book a bike tour directly when you are in the city, although you should be aware that if you plan to visit Auckland in December or during the summer months, being the peak season, you may lose your place on the tours.

Keep in mind that in New Zealand prices are dynamic, so if you book at the last minute you may suffer price increases and changes in the date and time you want to choose to make the experience.

Book a bike tour in Auckland

What will I see on this type of tour?

Harbour with boats on the sea|©Ashley Meyer
Harbour with boats on the sea|©Ashley Meyer

You will be able to discover the main panoramic views of the city, especially during the tours along the waterfront or the natural sites on the outskirts of Auckland, but you will also get to know in depth the city center and the most picturesque neighborhoods, in a comfortable, simple and faster way than walking.

A bike tour will also be ideal if you have planned a short stay in the city, because you will be able to see a greater number of attractions in a better time. If that is your case, here is a list of activities you can do to discover Auckland in 3 days.

Book a bike tour in Auckland

Tips for a bike tour in Auckland

Woman with comfortable clothes|© Danilo Ćalić
Woman with comfortable clothes|© Danilo Ćalić

If you are planning to take a bike tour in Auckland, here are some tips to help you make the most of the experience:

  • Dress appropriately: make sure you wear comfortable, bike-friendly clothing such as shorts or leggings, a light t-shirt and sneakers. Also bring a light jacket and a hat to protect you from the sun and rain.
  • Bring sunscreen: Auckland can have very strong sun, especially during the summer. Wear sunscreen to avoid sunburn and protect your skin.
  • Follow safety rules: Respect road safety rules such as wearing a helmet and obeying traffic signs. Also pay attention to traffic and pedestrians at all times.
  • Take your time: don't rush and enjoy the views along the route. Take the time to take pictures and stop at places that interest you, but always stay on track.
  • Bundle up: if you plan to visit Auckland in winter, take a coat and a raincoat with you, as the coldest months may also be the rainiest of the year.

Why is it advisable to take a bike tour in Auckland?

Man on a bike|© Priscilla Du Preez
Man on a bike|© Priscilla Du Preez

Taking a bike tour of Auckland is an interesting way to explore the city, but it is also the ideal way to see a greater number of sites, as during such a tour you will be able to visit places that would otherwise be difficult to reach by car or public transport. You can access pedestrian areas, alleyways and parks that are not accessible by motorized vehicles or the city's hop on-hop off tour bus.

In addition, you will learn more about the history and culture of Auckland, as during your tours with an expert guide, you will visit places of tourist interest, while enjoying a fun experience.

Finally, a bike tour will allow you to discover the natural beauty of Auckland while interacting with the city in a unique way. Are you up for a bike tour of Auckland?

Book a bus tour of Auckland