Family Friendly Bike Rides
Embark on a family adventure in the Southern Way on two wheels! Discover the region's beauty as you pedal along family-friendly trails with wide, smooth, and flat paths or explore one of the exciting bike parks it has to offer. For more options, check out Trail Hub
Waterfall Creek Track
Wanaka
1 hour return - Easy
This scenic journey is guaranteed to help the kids release their boundless energy. Begin your adventure from town and follow the Millennium track with the lake on your right. It's an ideal path for the little ones, offering a completely flat and generously wide route.
For those who are up for it, or for slightly older kids, you can continue all the way to Glendhu Bay or venture as far as you're comfortable before retracing your ride along the same picturesque path.
Clutha Gold Trail
Roxburgh to Pinders Pond
10km - Easy
Enjoy a leisurely 5km bike ride along the Mata Au | Clutha River from Roxburgh to Pinders Pond.
Pinders Pond offers a perfect and safe swimming spot during the summer, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing picnic. Make sure you try a famous Jimmy's Pie! In season, indulge in local fruits from the roadside stalls.
No swimming in the Mata Au Clutha River due to its swift and hazardous currents.
Oamaru Reservoir
Ōamaru - Waitaki
5km - Easy
Ōamaru Reservoir caters to riders of all skill levels, making it an ideal destination for the entire family. It boasts a dedicated area where young mountain bikers can sharpen their skills on a purpose-built loop, while the main trails are suitable for riders of all abilities. While you won't encounter any steep hills, there are some gentle undulations, along with optional jumps and drops to keep things exciting for more experienced riders.
To embark on a fun 5km loop, simply follow the markers from the Reservoir Rd carpark in an anti-clockwise direction.
Redwoods Track
Wakari Creek - Dunedin
2 km Loop track - Easy
The Redwood Loop is the easiest track in the Wakari Creek Trail system, and it's a fantastic ride that is fun for all abilities.
Anticipate a gentle, well-graded ascent, leading to exhilarating banked turns on the way back down. The trail is consistently smooth, with occasional passages between the towering redwood trees being the only potential challenge for newcomers.
While riding, be on the lookout for a few playful elements like teeter-totters and other surprises concealed amidst the enchanting woods.
Queenstown Gardens to Frankton Marina
Queenstown
1-2 hours - Easy
For this great family bike ride, begin in the Queenstown Gardens and head towards Frankton beach on the Queenstown Trail. Stop along the way for paddles or tree climbs, and take a break for a delicious treat at the quaint Boat Shed at Frankton Marina. Head back, journeying around the periphery of the beautifully landscaped gardens, and take in spectacular views across the lake to The Remarkables and across Queenstown Bay towards Walter Peak.
Ivon Wilson Park
Te Anau
8km Loop - Easy to Intermediate
This 35-hectare park is perfect for families, with marked biking tracks for all skill levels. An 8-kilometer circuit includes easy, medium, and technical sections, most of which are family-friendly.
The track winds through the beautiful scenery of the park, with a highlight being the stunning Lake Henry. Lake Henry is specially designated as a children's fishery and is regularly stocked with rainbow and brown trout.
Young anglers can obtain free fishing licenses for children from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre.
