Wanaka and Lake Dunstan Bike and Shuttle Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions, we hope this helps!
How do I book?
- Click the book now button above or email hello@wanakbiketours.co.nz
- Online is the safest way as we need your credit card number as well as your contact details, and heights
- All trade bookings are done via invoice
- Agent and ITO bookings can be done via Rezdy or by emailing hello@wanakbiketours.co.nz
How hard is the ride Hawea or Albert Town trips?
- Its grade 1-2 trail, 1.5-meter wide gravel path, there is a small section that is shared with runners and walkers which is “bumpy”, if you have young children we do recommend that you dismount and walk this small section and enjoy the areas of the river.
- Hawea is higher than Wanaka and you do follow a river downstream but its still an undulating ride
- the Lake Dunstan ride is harder and slightly more technical and is grade 3
How long will it take?
Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka Cycle Trail Ride – You will start your ride approximately 30 minutes after we pick you up. The ride itself should take 3hrs on an e-bike or 4hr on a standard bike. There are many areas along the way to stop and rest so please make sure you do not race back to the finish too fast. The trail never ends so you can actually go further around Lake Wanaka before returning back to finish.
It takes 2 hours to walk 15kms and it seems to take our bikes that length of time because you are taking your time and stopping along the way.
Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail Ride – You will start your ride approximately 60 minutes after leaving Wanaka or 75 min. if you start from Clyde. The ride itself should take 4hrs on an e-bike. There is the halfway lunch stop to consider, we advise a maximum of 30-minutes rest before you keep going as history have shown us that participants that arrive back late have taken a lunch break that was too long 🙂
How long have we got the bikes for?
- Bikes must be returned by 5pm at the latest as we do need to clean and prepare these bikes for the following day. Bikes that are late will be charged $25 for every half-hour late.
What bikes do we use?
- Latest-model front suspension bikes.
- Hard Tail E-Bikes XS, S, M, L, XL and step through ebikes which are S/M and M/L
- XS, S, M, L, XL Standard bike sizes
Do you have female Bikes?
No our standard bikes are unisex bikes, however, we do have step-through bikes from kiwi e-bike brand Sinch.
What time should we be there?
- 15 minutes before your departure time.
- Please remember to park in all-day parking before waiting for us.
How far is Hawea? 30km
How far is Gladstone Track + Hawea? 36km
Albert Town? 15km
It’s actually shorter if people only finish in town and not extend their riding by riding to waterfall creek and back.
What if I have my own car?
You still need your car for when you finish so you can not drive to Hawea. If you are staying in Hawea and wish to not drive to Wanaka, we can meet you in Hawea and transport you back from Wanaka to Hawea, however, the cost is $25ea.
What’s an ebike?|
Our e-bikes are the latest model bikes. They are pedal-assist bikes so you still need to pedal and there is no throttle.
What if I have my own bike?
$60 for transport between Wanaka and Hawea and $65 for Lake Dunstan shuttles between Clyde and Cromwell, we can send you a pay now credit card link or you can bring cash for driver.
Can you pick us up from our accommodation?
Yes, but you may still need to leave your bike at our finish point so your best to meet us at the start so you have your car to then drive home in.
What do you provide?
We provide a shuttle service to the beginning of the trail, a thorough briefing, hand you a detailed route map, give you a bike lock to use, a late model bike and a helmet.
Do you provide locks?
Yes!
Do you provide carrier bags or baskets?
No! We recommend you bring a small backpack.
What should I wear or bring?
- Comfortable / active / sporty type clothing.
- Most guys wear shorts.
- A windbreaker jacket and a spare layer just in case.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses.
- 700ml plastic water water bottle fits into our bottle cages or your back pack.
Where should I park?
In Wanaka for the Lake Hawea ride, park in the all-day parking which is along the lakefront. Do this and then walk 10 minutes to your meeting location. In Cromwell, there is free parking at our meeting point by the Junction lookout
Can we call if we need to be picked up?
We trust you have picked the correct distance to begin with but our drivers always go over times and distances prior to any trips beginning to minimise problems. Our driver will give you his mobile number for any breakdown call, however he may be busy with another group.
Is it guided?
Our Bike & Shuttle trips are self-guided.
Can I finish at the winery? Or where do I finish?
Feel free to visit Rippon Winery, or Maude but you will need to eventually return your bike to the start where we picked you up from.
Can I go to the lavender farm?
Not really, While it’s a great destination, this would involve biking along the road which we do not recommend.
Are we riding on the roads?
All your riding is off-road and on a purpose-built trail. Lake Hawea has a road crossing by the Albert Town Bridge, however, it is a safe area to cross, just wait for the lights to change on the bridge.
What are your minimum numbers to do a trip?
Lake Hawea 3 people for Standard Bikes or 2 people for e-bikes. Lake Dunstan minimum requirement is 4 people.
Do you just do bike hire?
We do. We have a range of standard bikes including e-bikes at Edgewater Resort which you can hire. It’s nice because you can drive there and begin your ride away from the busyness of town.
Do you have kids attachments?
Yes, trailers and various types of bike seats Please make a note of this when you are, making your booking
Refunds and Cancellations-
Refer to our terms and conditions