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.

You’ve found a tour you’d love to join… but then you read “shared room” - and suddenly you’re hesitating. Totally normal. We’ve talked to so many women who felt the same at first. That’s exactly why we started our little Room Talk series - to answer the questions you might not want to ask, but still wonder about. Here’s a quick roundup - honest, practical, and with a bit of humour too.

We get asked this more and more: “I’d love to come – but with my food intolerances, will I even be able to eat with the group?” We understand – and you’re not the only one. For many women, food isn’t “just food.” We get it – and we care.

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.

October 2025 marks a very special milestone for me – it’s been 30 years since I first landed in New Zealand to work as a tour guide. Here I share with you not only how my journey unfolded, but also my personal favourite months of travelling in beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand.

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.

If you’ve ever considered joining a women’s group tour as a solo traveller, chances are these questions have popped into your mind. In this honest and friendly guide, we’re answering all those quiet concerns – from snoring to shared bathrooms – and showing what rooming on our tours really looks like. Spoiler: no one shares a bed (unless you ask to 😉). 👉 Curious? Here’s what to expect – and why so many women end up saying, “That wasn’t nearly as scary as I thought!”

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.

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

There is a great offer that makes decisions much easier to commit to your next cycling or hiking adventure!

My experiences on a Sidetracks tour as a single hiker. Signing up to do a guided small group hike with a bunch of women I didn’t know, was a first for me. I had some spare time and thought I’d do something different and interesting, but what? I came across Sidetracks Women online and thought it was serendipitous a tour was starting in the next couple of weeks. Without thinking too hard about it, I signed up. After getting all my gear sorted, I met part of the group at the des

Who is Sidetracks Women - how it all began