6 Most Highly Rated Bike Tours In Akaroa

Akaroa, with its charming French-influenced village, rugged coastlines, and dramatic volcanic scenery, is a top spot for cycling enthusiasts. Its mix of gentle roads and challenging climbs makes it an ideal location to explore on two wheels. We particularly love tours that combine scenic views with a touch of local culture—like the Electric Mountain Bike & Sea Kayak Tour, which offers a multi-sensory experience paddling and pedaling through stunning landscapes. If you’re after a quick but comprehensive taste of the area, the Akaroa Explorer is a perfect choice for a 2-hour ride that covers coastlines and crater rims. For those seeking a more immersive adventure, the Lava Loop takes you up an extinct volcano with electric bikes—an energetic way to see one of New Zealand’s most striking volcanic features.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the 6 best bike tours in Akaroa to help you find the perfect ride, whether you’re after a quick scenic spin or a multi-activity day.

1. Lava Loop – Guided electric mountain bike tour in Akaroa

At number one, the Lava Loop offers a truly energetic ride that’s as soulful as it is scenic. For around $192, you’ll spend about 3 hours exploring the slopes of an extinct volcano — a highlight for anyone wanting to combine adventure with impressive views. The tour is fully guided, so even if you’re new to mountain biking, the electric assist makes climbing hills a breeze. What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to ride up a dormant volcano that looms over the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific. The terrain is varied, with some technical sections, but the e-bike makes it accessible for most fitness levels.

Guests rave about the experience, with a perfect 5-star rating from 34 reviews. Many mention how the combination of physical activity and breathtaking scenery creates a memorable day. The guide’s expertise and the smooth ride make this one of the top options for active travelers who want a challenge but also want to enjoy the view.

Bottom line: If you’re craving a vigorous but manageable ride that delivers a volcano summit view, this tour is hard to beat. It’s especially suited for those wanting a full-bodied experience in a relatively short time.

2. Guided Electric Mountain Bike & Sea Kayak Tour in Akaroa

For a multi-activity day that combines pedal power with paddling, the Guided Electric Mountain Bike & Sea Kayak Tour is a standout. Priced at around $192.38 per person, this 5.5-hour adventure offers a balance of land and sea exploration. You’ll start by cruising around the hillside and crater rim on electric bikes, which makes conquering the hilly terrain easy. Then, the tour shifts to kayaking along the coast, where you might spot penguins, dolphins, or even seals.

The tour’s highlights include learning about local ecology from your guide and receiving photos of your day — a thoughtful touch that enhances the experience. Reviewers mention how kayaking in the blue waters and riding with the turbo e-bikes creates a perfect harmony of physical activity and relaxation. The tour is best suited to moderately fit, active travelers who want variety.

Bottom line: This tour offers a well-rounded day of adventure, ideal for those who want to maximize their time in Akaroa with both biking and paddling. It’s perfect for those who appreciate wildlife viewing and scenic coastlines.

3. Akaroa Explorer – Guided Electric Bike Tour in Akaroa

At number three, the Akaroa Explorer provides a quick, 2-hour journey through the town and surrounding countryside for about $83.78. This tour is designed for those who want to see the highlights without dedicating a full day. The electric bikes make it easy to tackle hills and long stretches of coast without exhaustion. Your guide will take you through the charming streets of Akaroa and along the coast, with stops at scenic viewpoints and the crater rim.

What sets this tour apart is its affordability and focus on personalized attention, as the group size is limited to 7. It’s ideal for cruise ship passengers or travelers with limited time who still want to enjoy Akaroa’s scenic beauty. The reviews are glowing, with one guest saying, “This needs to be on your ‘must do’ list,” highlighting the well-organized nature and stunning views.

Bottom line: Perfect for those on a tight schedule who want a straightforward, fun ride with intimate guidance. Great for first-time e-bike users and cruise visitors.

4. Guided Electric Mountain Bike Tour – Akaroa Explorer

This Guided Electric Mountain Bike Tour is a solid choice for those with some mountain biking experience and a basic fitness level. Lasting approximately 2.5 hours and costing about $96.19, it’s designed for active travelers who want to explore more than just town streets. The tour includes cycling around Akaroa and its surrounds, with stops at key points of interest like the crater and local sights.

What makes it appealing is the balance of challenge and ease, thanks to the electric-assist bikes. One reviewer mentioned, “Navigation was very easy, and the scenery was awesome,” emphasizing how accessible this ride is for newcomers and seasoned bikers alike. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate guided tours that focus on local stories and natural features.

Bottom line: This is a good pick if you want to go a bit deeper into the landscape without a strenuous ride. It’s best suited for those with some mountain biking background and a desire to learn about the area.

5. Akaroa Explorer: Guided Electric Mountain Bike Tour

At number five, this tour offers a straightforward two-hour ride along scenic coastal roads and around Akaroa village. The Akaroa Explorer emphasizes cultural insights and local landmarks like the historic lighthouse. Powered by high-performance e-bikes, it’s designed to help riders conquer hills easily while enjoying the fresh air and impressive views.

Although it has a slightly lower review count, the feedback remains positive, with comments on how the powerful bikes make hill climbing effortless. It’s an excellent option for travelers wanting a relaxed yet informative experience with some exercise thrown in. The guide’s local knowledge enriches the ride, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

Bottom line: Best for visitors who want a leisurely exploration with educational points and scenic coastlines. Suitable for those who prefer guided rides with cultural flavor.

6. Electric Mountain Bike & Sea Kayak Tour in Akaroa

Rounding out our list is the Electric Mountain Bike & Sea Kayak Tour, a 5.5-hour adventure that combines cycling and paddling. For $176.86 per person, you get a full day’s worth of exploration, including riding to the crater summit to enjoy panoramic views and kayaking along the coast, where marine life like dolphins and penguins are often seen.

This multi-activity tour is ideal if you want to pack your day with diverse experiences and see Akaroa’s natural beauty from multiple angles. Reviewers mention how getting close to marine animals and enjoying the views from the crater are highlights. It’s best suited for active travelers who have some fitness and want an immersive, memorable day.

Bottom line: The perfect choice if your goal is a comprehensive day of adventure combining biking, paddling, and wildlife viewing in stunning surroundings.

How to Choose the Best Bike Tour in Akaroa

When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your fitness level, time availability, and interests. If you want a quick introduction, the Akaroa Explorer is ideal. For a full-day adventure with kayaking, the Sea Kayak & Mountain Bike is excellent. Those eager for a challenging climb should consider the Lava Loop. Budget-conscious travelers will find the Guided Electric Bike Tour offers great value, especially for cruise visitors.

Booking early is wise, especially in peak summer months, as these tours tend to fill up quickly. Think about what experience will excite you most—whether it’s summit views, wildlife encounters, or multi-sport days—and pick accordingly.

In summary, Akaroa offers a range of bike tours suited for various tastes and fitness levels. From the energetic ascent of a dormant volcano to relaxing coastal rides, there’s something for all. The top choices include the Lava Loop for thrill-seekers, and the Sea Kayak & Bike for those who want a multi-activity day. Whichever you pick, these tours promise a memorable, active way to experience the stunning landscapes of Akaroa. Don’t forget to book early to secure your preferred date—and enjoy your ride!