Biking New Zealand's Epic “Great Cycle Trail”: ‘Around the Mountains’

Join us on an epic 4-day biking and hiking adventure through New Zealand’s spectacular Southern Alps, as we explore the “Around the Mountains” trail, one of the country’s official Great Cycling Trails.

Starting in Kingston, we follow historic routes, cross scenic farmlands, and ride over suspension bridges before camping at the iconic Mavora Lakes, a stunning filming location from The Lord of the Rings. With breathtaking alpine views, challenging climbs, and an unforgettable finish at Walter Peak Farm on Lake Wakatipu, this journey is a must-see for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts alike!

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Chapters:

Introduction 0:00

Kingston - 5 Rivers 2:02

We embark on an epic 50km ride from Kingston to Five Rivers, starting the famous “Around the Mountains” cycling trail. Following the historic Kingston Flyer railway, we cross suspension bridges, pass through New Zealand’s most inland village, and ride solo through farmland filled with sheep, cows, and deer!

Mossburn - Mavora Lakes 14:53

I return to tackle the final stretch of New Zealand’s “Around the Mountains” cycling trail, this time joined by my buddy Rhys. Starting in Mossburn, the deer farming capital, we fuel up with venison pies and ride through scenic countryside, meeting up with friends for an overnight camp at the stunning Mavora Lakes, a famous Lord of the Rings filming location.

Mavora Lakes Hiking 28:26

We enjoy a well-deserved rest day between two 50km+ rides after a night of camping at the picturesque Mavora Lakes. Hiking the South Mavora Lake Trail, we soak in stunning views of the lake and towering red beech trees before returning to North Mavora for a relaxing afternoon, then share beers by the campfire as Rhys heads out for deer hunting.

Mavora Lakes - Walter Peak Farm 35:55

This is easily our most epic and breathtaking yet challenging cycling adventure! Starting from South Mavora Lake, we ride through the vast valleys to Mt Nicholas Station, battling intense headwinds as we climb to Von Pass and descend into stunning valleys. With gale-force winds, we push on to Lake Wakatipu before finally cruising with the wind at our backs toward Walter Peak Farm, where we celebrate with a few well-earned drinks before sailing back to Queenstown on the historic TSS Earnslaw.

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