When you come to New Zealand, chances are you’re looking forward to getting close to nature and saturating your senses in our scenery.

On two wheels you can cover a lot of ground and still see, hear and smell the natural world around you. Wanaka has some great cycling options, which cater for all types of riders and take in paddocks of sheep, acres of vines, rivers, mountains and of course beautiful Lake Wanaka.

The lodge has mountain bikes and helmets that guests are able to use at no additional cost. There are several bike rental shops in Wanaka and a map of the bike tracks of the area is available. For those seeking something a bit different, they can enjoy the best and most scenic mountain biking in New Zealand.

The Contact Epic is about circumnavigating the shores of Lake Hawea near Wanaka. It is a 125 km journey of discovery about the land, about your bike and about yourself. It is a once a year opportunity to be part of race and a great day out riding through the Hunter Valley and Dingle Burn stations of Lake Hawea which is only achieved through special permission from the land owners. The course is undulating and varied with river and stream crossings, short climbs and long descents. There is a 95km option for those not ready to take on the whole lake, this time.

Another option is the Motatapu Icebreaker which follows a 50 kilometre route through three remote and spectacular high country properties between Wanaka and Arrowtown.