The Ultimate Wānaka Experience – John Creek, Gladstone to Wānaka

The Ultimate Wānaka Experience – John Creek | Lake Hāwea | Wānaka Lakeside Trail Incl. Shuttle – Regular MTB with e-bike upgrade option.

BOOK YOUR CYCLE RIDE TODAY!

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The Ultimate half-day bike ride in the Wānaka lakes area will take you on an adventure through a number of local cycle tracks. Starting in the hidden haven of John Creek, nestled among trees in the south-east corner of Lake Hāwea, this self-guided cycle ride will lead you all the way back to the township of Lake Wānaka.

The ride begins along the Gladstone Track, a section of the Te Araroa Track and the newest track in the area, offering some of the most scenic views of Lake Hāwea. The total distance is 37km, but you can add extra distance by continuing along the Lakeside trail towards Waterfall Creek once you reach Wanaka.

Our experienced local support crew will collect you from outside the Wanaka iSite and deliver you to the start. If we have on-board riders for our Lake Hawea to Lake Wanaka experience, we will drop them off first.

The self-guided tour begins at the edge of Lake Hawea. You’ll follow the signs from John Creek through to the township of Hawea, then head along the Hawea River, Upper Clutha, and Te Araroa trails, leading you back to Wanaka township. The 37km ride is relatively flat with a few rises.

Included with this tour is bike hire, a safety briefing, a helmet, a bike lock, a guide map, on-call breakdown service, and bike pickup at the end of the day. Your bike will have a bottle cage, but please note that a water bottle is not included. We recommend a plastic water bottle as metal bottles fall out of the bottle cage.

Please note that the Pembroke Patisserie in Albert Town usually closes at 2 pm. Refreshments are available at the Albie Tavern next door or a local takeaway. If you’re hungry at the start, our driver can make a quick stop for you to buy food. The Hook Wanaka is open Wednesday through to Sunday.

Remember to bring water, a backpack, sunscreen, and a mobile phone. We provide well-maintained bikes ready for your adventure.


WHAT WE PROVIDE

  • Shuttle from Wānaka to John Creek (Via Hāwea), trips leave daily at 08:30am & 10.30am from outside the Wānaka iSite.
  • Latest-model mountain bike, helmet & bike lock
  • Thorough trial briefing with guide route map
  • 37km ride / Grade 1-2 trail (Grade system 0 – 6)
  • Visit local cafes and patisserie as well as ‘The Hook’ (note: The Hook is open Sun-Wed)
  • Ride across the swing bridge!
  • See #thatwanakatree

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING

  • Day bag/back pack
  • Plastic water bottle (fits inside bike bottle cage)
  • Shorts, T-shirt
  • Sturdy footwear (closed-toe)
  • Windbreaker jacket
  • Sunglasses/sunscreen
  • Phone/Camera


YOU NEED TO KNOW

Duration:Take your time, Full-Day Hire, most people complete the ride in 3-4 hours. All riders need to finish by 5pm at the latest. E-bike riders usually ride this route in 2.5hrs and Regular MTB riders take a little over 3.5-hrs to complete the ride.
Difficulty:Easy, however, some rutted areas which require concentration and consideration. We do not generally suggest that children under 13-years complete this ride.
Fitness level:Moderate fitness required.
Distance:37km (plus more if you ride along the lakeside track in Wānaka
Terrain:Smooth easy mainly flat tracks most of the way, some rutted paths closer to Albert Town
If you would like help with your Shuttle booking please send us an email hello@wanakabiketours.co.nz

For more details, please call or email us at hello@wanakabiketours.co.nz.

For groups of 8 or more, we can arrange custom private tours. Please email us for more information.

Pre-bookings are essential.