Keen to explore somewhere new, away from the crowds, in great company and with an experienced guide? These two North Island tracks each stand on their own, and work beautifully together if you have the time for both.

If you’ve been looking at our cycling tours and wondering which one is right for you - you’re not alone. It’s a question we hear all the time. Here we’re comparing two of our cycling tours to help you decide. Both are in the South Island. Both are on Ebikes. Both start in Queenstown. But they’re very different rides.

We know it’s not easy to choose – especially when all four tours offer stunning scenery, small groups, home-style meals, and that special Sidetracks mix of fun, freedom, and feeling looked after. To make it a little easier, we’ve written up a short guide to help you decide.

When you picture yourself on a hike of 5–7 hours, do you wonder: Will I really manage the whole day? The truth is – yes, you can! With a few simple steps you’ll feel stronger, steadier, and ready to enjoy every view (not just the next rest stop).

After a long winter it’s normal to wonder: Will I still cope with hours in the saddle? Maybe you’ve already booked your cycling tour and the big question now is: Am I fit enough? The good news is – yes! You don’t need to be “super fit” to enjoy our cycling tours. With a few gentle steps now, you’ll be ready for spring rides that feel good rather than sore.

Looking for your next adventure? Choose from five guided hikes across New Zealand, designed for women like you who value support, comfort, and nature.

Booking early means more than just saving money – it helps us plan better, confirms your spot sooner, and keeps your travel stress-free. In this blog post, we explain how our Early Bird offer works, why it’s worth it, and how it benefits everyone involved.

Let us give you some insight into what this sign stands for and how QEII Covenants safeguard New Zealand’s ecological treasures.

How do you choose the perfect cycling tour?

A quirky and wonderful place awaits you near the half-way point of the Banks Peninsula Track.

Find out why this trail is one of our favourites! It's not only the spectacular views...

The Kaikoura Coastal Track offers more than just stunning views. Learn more about its story here.

We think there is no more beautiful, wild, wonderful and adventurous place in New Zealand than the West Coast of the NZ.

Wondering how challenging your cycle tour will be? Find all info you'll need about our simple grading system here.

Which bike suits me? An important question as cycling is only fun if your bottom is still ok after a few hours in the saddle.

Let us flatten the slopes and overcome headwind for you, and move your joints without the strain! Electric assisted bikes (Ebikes) are easy to understand and easy to ride. You will be able to ride much bigger distances and keep up with the fittest riders. They have a range of 35 – 80 km on one battery charge and you can recharge them anywhere overnight if needed. The main bike trails on the Lakes, Fiords & Mountains tour are the multi-day Around the Mountains Trail near Que

Electric Bikes have made cycle touring possible and pleasurable for a wide range of people. They are simple to operate and eliminate much of the cycling strain from legs and knees. Ebikes are included on all Sidetracks Women cycle tours. On the Explore Otago Cycle Tour you will be on an Electric Bike like this: Perfect for the Otago Trails Our European-designed Ebikes are built with comfort and ease of operation in mind, and feature unisex frames, 29” wheels, front suspension

A bike that fulfills the terrain requirements and is the right size for your frame is a prerequisite for cycling to be a pleasure.

Outdoor enthusiasts love the natural gem that is the volcanic Banks Peninsula, just a stone’s throw from Christchurch. On the last day, of our guided hiking tour on the stunning Banks Peninsula Track we walk through an extra special part of the peninsula, called Hinewai Reserve. This is not only a fabulous tramping experience, it also has a fascinating story behind it which speaks to the awesome regenerative power of nature. A reclamation success story! Established in 1987 b

Wondering how ‘physical’ your hiking tour will be? Our grading system makes it easy to see! Post updated May 2026 What will you experience on a Sidetracks Women hiking tour? The term ‘hiking tour’ can throw up different images for different people. While some may picture a gentle stroll through a flat and sheltered forest, others may have images of scaling steep mountainsides, wandering along icy, windswept ridges and wading chest-deep into raging rivers! So which image is c