Guided bike tours with our expert riding team here at Chris Jolly Outdoors are a magic way to spend time with your team, friends or loved ones on a trip away. Whether you're an adventure chaser or pleasure seeker, we've got you covered.
Cycle your way through the spectacular wilderness that Taupō and the Central Plateau of New Zealand’s North Island have to offer. The Chris Jolly Outdoors guided biking tours are a fantastic way to explore either the lakes edge, dense mountain trails or high alpine ridge lines. Mountain biking offers another dimension to being in the outdoors, providing a sense of freedom and adventure. It can be everything from the relaxed slow pace, too fast, technical and physically challenging.
Trip Highlights
Beginner, middle or expert skill level rides in the beautiful central North Island.
What’s Provided
Hard tail full suspension and e-bikes
Guided biking is a buildable addition to any of the other Chris Jolly Outdoors activities.
Catered options
Transport and Timing
Choose between a half or full-day of guided biking. Transport is available both to and from your accommodation.
Enjoy the adventures of the amazing cycle trails on offer in this beautiful region.
Biking in the Central Plateau
Here in Taupō we are home to some of the best biking in the country, with a wide range of trails for all abilities, there’s something for everyone.
For families, there are plenty of grade 1 and 2 options such as the Great Lake Walkway where on a clear day you can see the mountains across the lake and even enjoy a quick swim. Then at the other end of the scale, we have Craters of the Moon mountain bike park which features over 60 tracks including some technical grade 5 stuff for the more adventurous people.
Derived from one of the greatest volcanic eruptions ever known, the regions free-draining pumice soil means excellent riding conditions year-round – even in mid-winter.
From easy to advanced, here’s a selection of our favourite places to cycle in the region.
Aratiatia to Huka Falls
This ride is timed to coincide with the opening of the flood gates at the Aratiatia dam providing a stunning view of the rapidly rising water. The ride back along the mighty Waikato River takes you through native bush, flora and fauna before ending at the awe-inspiring Huka Falls.
The gates open at 10.00 am and 2.00 pm so you will be collected 30 minutes prior. The ride time is approximately three and a half hours long and requires medium fitness levels.
Bike and Coffee
A two-hour scenic ride along the shores of Lake Taupō starting in the central township and riding out past hot water beach, past some of Taupō’s iconic architecturally designed batches on a gentle cobbled trail to Wharewaka Point.
Our guides will provide you with a running commentary along the way, what could be more relaxing! On the return ride, you will be rewarded with a coffee stop where you can stretch your legs, sit and soak up the vistas of our impressive trio of mountains.
Waihaha to Waihora Bay
Slated as “The best Grade 3 ride in New Zealand.” Waihaha to Waihora bay is an extraordinary and scenically beautiful ride with expansive views of Lake Taupō and the majestic volcanoes of Tongariro National Park as your backdrop.
Ride amongst vast sands of Kamahi and volcanic rock formations then descend down to Waihora Bay. The entire journey is 30km and will require a high level of fitness to complete successfully. We allow about 6 hours for the round trip, including a catered lunch stop.
The Taupō region has some of the best mountain biking in New Zealand, with internationally recognised, purpose-built trails to suit every type of bike rider.
Why Choose a Guided Biking Package?
We will tailor a ride for your level of fitness, and organise everything from the transport to your bike hire, right down to your snacks for the trip.
Let us take care of you while you are here, all you need to do is decide where you would like to go in the region, and we will pick you up with the bike rack on and the helmets packed, all you need to do is say go.
Half-Day and Full-Day Packages
We offer half-day or full-day biking packages with a variety of different cycling experiences on offer.
Full day or half day packages – alpine, bush or lakeside.
Family or group tours with an easy rolling ride
Beginner level through to expert level
Combine your package into a multi-day activity tour (including biking, boating and paddle boarding).
Private charter boats with catering/bar/fishing equipment and crew
Access to private land, water and know-how of local’s secret spaces
Functions, corporate events & team building
Reliable & Experienced
Over forty years in the central North Island tourism industry
We’re a family business, with local Taupō knowledge
Our staff are experienced adventure experts
Adventure Qualified
5 Star Rated Gold Qualmark
Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guides
Trip Advisor’s Travellers Choice 2023
Partnered with Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Your Taupō Activity Partner
From beautiful lake views, to fishing crystal pools, to scenic hikes in the central North Island wilderness; Chris Jolly Outdoors are the go-to guides to tick off that bucket list.
In Taupō, the adventure possibilities are truly endless. We guarantee one thing – we’ll create a memorable experience for you that you’ll treasure forever.
You can book a trip with Chris Jolly Outdoors by either calling us on +64 7 378 0623, emailing us at bookings@chrisjolly.co.nz or filling out the form to make an enquiry. If you want to book a cruise to the Māori Rock carvings, head over to the experience page to book direct.
Do you have transport available?
Yes. Some of our trips include transfers but we can arrange helicopter or road transfers from anywhere in the country. Our guided fishing adventures have heli transfer options, with our grounds being either a 90 minute drive or a 25 minute flight from Taupo CBD.
Are there any native birds around Taupō?
Tuī, pīwakawaka and korimako are amongst the beautiful birds that serenade lake Taupō’s verdant native bush. If you’re looking for a bird watching trip, let us know when you book!
Does it get cold in Taupō?
Taupō’s temperature can vary between lows of 0°C to highs of 15°C in winter, with icy winds coming straight off the Central Plateau mountains. It is best to pack woolly layers and definitely a wind/waterproof jacket. In summer, temps vary from lows of 10°C to highs of 30°C, so you’ll definitely need to bring water and sunscreen!
Does anything dangerous live in or around Lake Taupō?
No, Taupō, and New Zealand, in general does not have any native or imported predators. There are very small poisonous spiders called the whitetail and katipo, but a quick GP visit and some antibiotics after a bite and you’ll be right as rain.
What should I bring when hiking in Taupō?
The Essentials
Day pack with a waterproof liner
Drink bottle – 2 litres of water per day you will be out.
Packed lunch and snacks – if you are coming on a guided hike with us, we can cater your hike
Fully charged mobile phone
Personal medication, eg antihistamines, asthma inhalers
Extra base layer and socks
Rubbish bag
Map of the area you’ll be walking – if you are being guided you will not need this, we will direct you
Emergency equipment:
Our guides carry the following items
Basic first aid kit including hand sanitiser, sunscreen and insect repellent
Head torch/torch and spare batteries in case you take longer than intended
Survival blanket to keep you warm in an emergency
Whistle in case your split up or need help
Extra high energy snack food
What risks are involved in your activities?
All our activities include some level of risk. Your guides takes all practicable steps to ensure your safety, and with any activity in the outdoors you acknowledge an element of risk involved.
Scenic Cruise / Private Charters are operated on Lake Taupō, which is a deep and exposed body of water, with its inherent risks.
Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous sport.
Hiking in the outdoors is an inherently dangerous activity.
Fly Fishing is a water based activity, and that with water, risks are increased.
bookings@chrisjolly.co.nz
07 378 0623
Berth 4, Taupo Boat Harbour, 
