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.

Get in touch with us now, your journey awaits.
Guided Bike Adventure With Chirs Jolly Ourdoors

What your guided biking tour can include:

  • Hard tail full suspension and e-bikes
  • Mountain Biking, Alpine biking or lakes edge biking
  • Choose between a half or full-day of guided biking
  • Beginner, middle or expert skill level rides
  • Guided biking is a buildable addition to any of the other Chris Jolly Outdoors activities.
  • Catered options
  • Transport is available both to and from your accommodation

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Aratiatia Dam to Huka Falls Guided Biking Experience

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.

Bikes 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.

Hiking on New Zealand's Alpine ridge lines guided by Chris Jolly

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.

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"Share and celebrate the adventure and wonder in nature" - Orvis
Bike Adventure At Huka Falls With Chirs Joly Outdoors

Privately Guided Biking Packages

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.

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"Blown away by the location"
Guided Bike Adventure On The Tongariro River Trail In Taupo With Chirs Jolly Ourdoors

Biking Half-Day and Full-Day Packages Available 

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 or bush
  • – 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).

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Let the team at Chris Jolly Outdoors guide you on a biking experience that will remain unforgettable for years to come. Enquire now to start your journey with us.

What We Offer

  • 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have transport available?

Yes, we have helicopter transfers available from anywhere in NZ but can also arrange vehicle transfers from Auckland International or Taupo domestic terminals. Our hunting and fishing guided tours have helicopter options to them, with our hunting grounds being either a 90 minute drive or a 25 minute flight from Taupo CBD.

Are there any native birds around Taupō?

Tui, Fantail and wax eyes are amongst the beautiful birdsong that serenades lake Taupō’s verdant native bush.

Does it get cold in Taupō?

Taupo can get to -1 or 2 degrees celsius in Wintertime, with icy winds coming straight off the central plateau mountains. It is best to pack woolly layers and definitely a wind/waterproof jacket.

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 clothing is best for hiking, hunting, fishing or being outdoors in Taupō?

Conditions are changeable in Taupō, so it’s best to be prepared! The locals joke that Taupō can have four seasons in a day!

  • Hiking boots with good ankle support and grip, or other sturdy footwear
  • Sun hat or warm beanie – pack one and wear the other
  • Sunglasses – wear or pack, NZ has harsh sunlight
  • Gloves in polypropylene/wool – wear or pack for winter
  • Socks in polypropylene or wool (a spare pair is always a good idea)

Layer up your clothes:

  • Base layer – top and leggings in polypropylene/wool, quick dry shorts or pants
  • Mid layer – long-sleeved top in wool or polar fleece – wear or pack depending on the weather
  • Exterior layer – Wind and waterproof jacket with hood – wear or pack depending on the weather (waterproof overtrousers optional)
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

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