Exploring New Zealand’s Great Rides
with a Wheelchair
New Zealand’s Great Rides are world-renowned for their scenery, variety, and sense of adventure. But how accessible are they for riders using adaptive bikes, trikes, or wheelchairs? At Roll2Explore we set out to answer this question by riding several of the iconic trails with Nick, who uses a wheelchair. Our journey took us along the Otago Central Rail Trail, the Alps 2 Ocean, trails around Queenstown and the Around the Mountains route.
What we discovered is encouraging: while every trail comes with its own challenges, there are now more resources than ever before to help adaptive riders plan their adventures.
Otago Central Rail Trail (152 km)
📍 Location: Central Otago, South Island
📏 Accessible Section: Wide gravel path, gentle gradients (max 1:50), well-maintained, many flat sections.
⚠️ Challenges: None major; long distances between towns; the Tiroti bridge between Daisybank and Hyde requires a short detour off the trail.
🗺️ Itineraries: We would recommend a multiday itinerary. For a day trip, definitely the highlight of the trail is the Auripo to Lauder section, passing through two long tunnels and the dramatic Poolburn Gorge. The Omakau to Lauder section is another standout, offering classic Otago scenery with minimal grade. Or try Omakau to Chatto Creek for a fun downhill ride ending at a welcoming country pub.
🚲 Rentals: Trikes available in Clyde & Alexandra
ℹ️ Access Guide: Otago Central Rail Trail Accessibility Guide
The Otago Central Rail Trail is often considered the most accessible of the Great Rides. Its wide gravel path, gentle gradients (no more than 1 in 50), and steady surface make it suitable for a range of adaptive bikes and trikes. We rode several sections with Nick, and found the trail to be forgiving and rewarding, with historic tunnels, viaducts, and small towns to break up the ride.For those planning multi-day trips, the trail is well-served by accommodation providers familiar with adaptive riders, and trike rentals are available in Alexandra and Clyde.
West Coast Wilderness Trail (132 km)
📍 Location: West Coast, South Island
📏 Accessible Section: The full length of the trail is suitable for handcycles.
⚠️ Challenges: Narrow points (as little as 900 mm); some steep gradients; the guide meticulously rates each section with a 1-5 difficulty rating for adaptive bikes, noting max gradients and narrowest points.
🗺️ Itineraries: The Hokitika to Kaniere section is a must-do. It’s largely flat, follows a historic rail line, and ends at the beautiful Lake Kaniere.
🚲 Rentals: Local bike shops in Hokitika & Greymouth
ℹ️ Access Guide: West Coast Wilderness Trail Accessible Ride Guide (PDF)
The West Coast Wilderness Trail combines history, rainforest, and coastal views. A recently updated Accessible Ride Guide highlights the trail’s narrowest points (as little as 900 mm) and steeper sections.
While some riders will need support in places, there are also long flat stretches that are perfect for adaptive cycling. Highlights include the old tramways near Kumara, Lake Kaniere, and Hokitika’s wild coastline. E-trikes or handcycles with good gearing make the experience much more manageable.
Alps 2 Ocean (315 km)
📍 Location: Canterbury to Waitaki, South Island
📏 Accessible Section: Varies; check specific sections.
⚠️ The Big Challenge: Squeeze Barriers. Landowners have installed these to deter motorbikes. They are a significant barrier for wider adaptive bikes and people in wheelchairs. Adjacent bypass gates are available! You must contact Alps 2 Ocean in advance for padlock codes. Planning is non-negotiable here.
🗺️ Itineraries: The Benmore Dam to Aviemore Dam section (22 km, on asphalt road) is relatively flat and very scenic, though riders should watch for heavier traffic during the holiday season. With Nick we cycled from Tekapo to Lake Pūkaki (35 km) – this ride includes squeeze gates (which may require assistance) and a long downhill stretch that finishes at the lake’s stunning turquoise waters.
🚲 Rentals: Contact trail providers for adaptive rental support
ℹ️ Access Info: Alps 2 Ocean Official Site
Stretching from Aoraki / Mt Cook all the way to the Pacific in Oamaru, the Alps 2 Ocean is epic in both scale and scenery. However, it does present specific challenges for adaptive riders. Landowners requested squeeze barriers to block motorbikes. While these barriers may restrict wider adaptive cycles or wheelchair users, the trail managers have added bypass gates with padlocks nearby. Riders simply need to contact the trail managers in advance to receive access codes. Sections around Lake Pukaki and the Waitaki Valley offer more open riding, while steeper grades along Benmore Lake may require assistance or shuttles.
The trail isn’t uniformly accessible, but with some planning, adaptive riders can enjoy unforgettable stretches of alpine landscapes, glacial lakes, and rural backroads.
Queenstown & Around the Mountains (186 km)
📍 Location: Queenstown to Walter Peak, South Island
📏 Accessible Section: Varies; check specific sections/trails.
⚠️ Challenges: The main accessible sections are paved or well-compacted gravel, but the full trail includes very steep, rugged, and remote sections that are not suitable for adaptive bikes. Narrow points can occur on shared paths, and seasonal weather can affect surface conditions.
🗺️ Itineraries: For a scenic lakeside ride, consider the paved Queenstown to Frankton Arm trail (10 km). Alternatively, the Gibbston River Wine Trail (9 km) offers a gentle route with vineyard stops. The Centre Hill Shelter to Mossburn section of Around the Mountains provides a peaceful rural experience.
🚲 Rentals: Standard bikes and e-bikes are widely available for hire in Queenstown. For adaptive trikes or trailers, it’s best to contact specialized providers in advance.
ℹ️ Access Info: Queenstown Trails Trust (Check for latest updates on surface conditions)
Queenstown’s network of cycle trails connects lakeside paths, vineyards, and riverside rides. These trails tend to be well-maintained, though sharp turns and occasional narrow bridges can be a factor for trikes or wheelchairs. One of the highlights is the Queenstown to Frankton Arm trail (approx. 10 km one way). It’s mostly flat, fully paved, and offers breathtaking views across Lake Wakatipu to the Remarkables mountain range. Another accessible option is the Gibbston River Wine Trail (9 km), which combines gentle riding with the chance to stop at wineries along the way.
The Around the Mountains Trail offers a longer adventure, circling through Southland farmland, Mavora Lakes, and small towns. Its gravel surface is mostly smooth, though some steeper climbs and descents may require extra care. Adaptive riders often choose to tackle the easier lakeside and rural road sections, creating shorter but rewarding itineraries. With Nick, we also enjoyed cycling much of the Centre Hill Shelter to Mossburn section – a quieter stretch through wide open valleys and farmland.
Motu Trails (whole network 121 km)
📍 Location: Eastern Bay of Plenty, North Island
📏 Accessible Section: Dunes Trail (9 km one way, easy grade), Waiōtahe Trail (10 km) and Waipaoa River Trail (9 km)
⚠️ Challenges: Well-formed, wide trails with very gentle gradients. The main challenge may be squeeze gates, which sometimes require assistance.
🗺️ Itinerary: An out-and-back ride on the Dunes Trail allows you to choose your distance, with sweeping ocean views as a constant reward.
🚲 Rentals: Limited local options, best to bring own adaptive cycle
ℹ️ Access Guide: Motu Trails Accessibility Flier (PDF)
The Motu Trails offer a unique combination of coastal and riverside riding in a relaxed, small-town setting. The Dunes Trail is particularly popular for adaptive riders, with its wide, flowing path right alongside the beach – you’ll often spot surfers, seabirds, and endless Pacific views. The shorter Waiōtahe and Waipaoa River Trails provide quieter rides with a more local feel, passing farmland and river landscapes. Together, these accessible sections are a great way to sample the East Cape’s scenery at your own pace, whether you’re looking for a gentle family outing, a short spin before a swim, or a longer return ride to stretch the legs.
Roxburgh Gorge Trail (34 km total)
📍 Location: Central Otago, South Island
📏 Accessible Section: Alexandra to The Narrows (approx. 6 km, wide gravel trail, manageable gradients)
⚠️ Challenges: Beyond The Narrows, the trail to Doctors Point becomes narrower with steeper drop-offs, which may not be suitable for adaptive cycles or wheelchair riders.
🗺️ Itinerary: We cycled with Nick from Alexandra to The Narrows. It’s a spectacular ride alongside the Clutha Mata-au River, with dramatic gorge scenery and historic gold-mining remnants. The views of the gorge are absolutely breathtaking. For those comfortable with narrower tracks, the section toward Doctors Point offers even more dramatic landscapes, but it may require caution or assistance.
🚲 Rentals: Available in Alexandra
ℹ️ More Info: Roxburgh Gorge Trail official guide
The Roxburgh Gorge Trail is often described as the “Grand Canyon of New Zealand”, and it’s easy to see why. Towering schist cliffs, turquoise waters of the Clutha Mata-au River, and the sense of remoteness make it a ride unlike any other. Even cycling just part of the trail, such as Alexandra to The Narrows, offers a rewarding experience with dramatic views and plenty of photo stops. For riders seeking a longer adventure, the trail can be linked with the Otago Central Rail Trail to form part of a multi-day journey through Central Otago’s most iconic landscapes.
Planning Your Adaptive Ride
Across New Zealand, more trail organisations now publish accessible ride guides, detailing width restrictions, gradients, surface types, and tricky sections. Many also provide contact numbers for padlock codes or alternative access points.
Adaptive trikes and handcycles can be rented in several hubs, including Queenstown, West Coast, and Central Otago. When planning your itinerary, factor in daily distances that account for terrain and rest time—especially on multi-day rides.
Final Thoughts
Our rides with Nick proved that New Zealand’s Great Rides are increasingly open to adaptive cyclists. Some trails require planning, support, or the use of bypass gates, but the reward is immense: alpine lakes, lush forests, wild coastlines, and the joy of sharing these landscapes on wheels. With more guides and better infrastructure emerging every year, the dream of cycling the Great Rides is becoming more accessible to all.
Ready to explore more accessible cycling adventures? Discover the stunning wheelchair-friendly trails of Poland’s countryside and Italy’s scenic Alpe Adria route.