Cromwell’s 6 Top Bike Tours (With Prices)

Cromwell is a standout destination for anyone looking to combine cycling with stunning scenery and a touch of local culture. Located in Central Otago, this small town offers more than just vineyards — it boasts purpose-built trails, historic sites, and opportunities for unique adventures. Among the many options, the Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Trail Bike Rental and Luxury Shuttle is a favorite, thanks to its perfect blend of comfort, scenery, and engineering marvels. Whether you’re pedaling along purpose-built tracks or relaxing in a luxury shuttle, Cromwell’s bike tours are designed to give you a memorable day on two wheels.

We’ve put together a list of the best bike tours in Cromwell that highlight different styles and interests — from self-guided e-bike adventures to guided boat and wine experiences. If you enjoy riding with spectacular views, like exploring wineries, or want a mix of adventure and relaxation, there’s something here for you. Read on to find your perfect match.

1. Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Trail Bike Rental and Luxury Shuttle

At number 1 on our list, the Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Trail Bike Rental and Luxury Shuttle offers a seamless day out. This official NZ Great Ride covers 42km of purpose-built trail along Lake Dunstan, featuring stunning views and impressive engineering. What sets this tour apart is the inclusion of brand-new, well-maintained bikes—you can choose from bike, e-bike, or gravel bike options. The experience is supported by a Qualmark Gold-accredited operator, ensuring quality and safety.

The day begins at the Junction Lookout in Cromwell with a safety briefing, followed by a 2.5-hour ride through scenic landscapes. The shuttle service makes it easy to relax and enjoy the views, stopping at Carrick Winery for a short break and photo opportunity. After a quick visit to Clyde, the shuttle returns you to Cromwell, completing a relaxed yet active 5-hour adventure. Reviewers praise the stunning vistas and smooth logistics, calling it a “brilliant one-day experience” perfect for families or groups seeking effortless scenery and comfort.

Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for riders who want a well-supported, scenic ride with plenty of stops and no worries about logistics. It’s perfect for those new to cycling or travelers looking for a hassle-free adventure.

2. Ultimate Lake Dunstan Bike Hire, Shuttles And Boat Return

For a more comprehensive day, the Ultimate Lake Dunstan Bike Hire, Shuttles And Boat Return takes the cake. With a 6.5-hour itinerary, it combines cycling with a scenic boat cruise across Lake Dunstan. This tour is a fantastic choice if you love variety and want to experience different modes of transport while soaking in Central Otago views.

It kicks off at 5 McNulty Inlet, where you’ll meet your vehicle and transfer to Cromwell for a 30-minute briefing. The ride includes a stop at Carrick Winery for about 20 minutes, giving you time to taste regional wines and snap some photos. The highlight is a 2-hour guided tour from Clyde, finished off with a 45-minute boat cruise back across the lake, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. Reviewers call it “a brilliant one-day experience including shuttles, bikes, and a boat,” noting the impeccable logistics and scenic diversity.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a full day of activity without feeling rushed, this tour combines cycling, sightseeing, and relaxing on the water—all with expert support.

3. Lake Dunstan Trail eBike Adventure (inc Shuttle)

At number 3, the Lake Dunstan Trail eBike Adventure offers a self-paced exploration of the trail with the ease of electric bikes. This 6-hour trip allows you to enjoy the scenery on your own terms, linking the towns of Clyde and Cromwell along the beautiful Lake Dunstan.

This tour includes premium e-bikes and a support shuttle, making it accessible even if you’re not an avid cyclist. You’ll pass over engineered clip-on bridges bolted to the rock face, with opportunities to stop and enjoy local wineries or just take in the stunning landscape. The itinerary emphasizes flexibility and comfort, perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace. The tour is endorsed by a Qualmark Gold operator, ensuring quality and safety.

Participants recommend this for confident riders who appreciate good scenery and a relaxed pace. The one potential downside is that it’s not suitable for children under 10, so plan accordingly. The overall experience is best suited for those who want to combine scenic riding with wine tasting and sightseeing.

Bottom Line: This is an excellent choice if you want the freedom of self-guided riding with added support and stunning engineering marvels.

4. Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Boat & eBike Tour with Winery Lunch

This all-in-one experience, Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Boat & eBike Tour with Winery Lunch, is perfect for travelers who want a balance of adventure and relaxation. Starting with a scenic boat cruise across Lake Dunstan, you’ll take in panoramic views before hopping onto a premium eBike. The journey links Cromwell and Clyde, with stops at Carrick Winery for a wine tasting and a delicious regional lunch.

The day’s itinerary emphasizes flexibility and indulgence, with a 4-hour bike ride supported by shuttle service. The boat cruise provides a leisurely perspective on the landscape, making it a favorite for those who enjoy diverse experiences. The tour has garnered praise for its smooth logistics and the chance to experience Lake Dunstan from multiple angles. A reviewer notes, “The combination of boat and bike is a fantastic way to see the region without feeling rushed,” emphasizing its value for a relaxed yet active day.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a multi-modal day with scenic boat rides, wine tasting, and biking, all in a well-supported package.

5. From Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Trail E-Bike Hire & Shuttle

The Lake Dunstan Trail E-Bike Hire & Shuttle offers a guided ride on New Zealand’s most exciting cycleway, with a focus on stunning mountain views. This 5-hour tour is perfect if you want to experience the cliffs and engineered sections of the trail at your own pace, riding on e-bikes supported by a shuttle service.

Highlights include two climbs to 150m, stops at floating cafes or burger bars, and breathtaking views of Lake Dunstan, the Pisa Range, and Central Otago. The flexibility makes it suitable for confident riders who enjoy a bit of challenge and scenery. Keep in mind, this tour is geared towards those with a good fitness level and riding experience, as it involves some climbs and technical sections. Reviewers comment on the “thrilling cliffside sections” and the spectacular scenery.

Bottom Line: Best suited for active cyclists comfortable with elevation changes and looking for a guided, scenic e-bike experience.

6. Bannockburn Winery eBike Tour & Private Carrick Winery Lunch

Finally, the Bannockburn Winery eBike Tour & Private Carrick Winery Lunch combines wine tasting with leisurely cycling through Central Otago’s premier wine region. This 6-hour self-guided experience starts at Kiwi Journeys Central Otago and takes you into Bannockburn, where you’ll explore some of the most acclaimed wineries, including Carrick.

The tour emphasizes wine and food with an exclusive lunch at Carrick’s cellar door and garden. Riding on e-bikes, you’ll enjoy the scenic Lake Dunstan Trail at a relaxed pace, with plenty of stops for tastings and sightseeing. The experience is ideal for wine lovers who want to combine their passion with light cycling. Reviewers note the “quiet, easy rides” and the opportunity to sample some of New Zealand’s best wines. It’s not suitable for children under 16, so plan accordingly.

Bottom Line: Perfect for adults who want a gourmet experience combining wine, scenic riding, and a peaceful day in one of New Zealand’s top wine regions.

How to Choose Your Ideal Cromwell Bike Tour

When selecting a bike tour in Cromwell, consider your fitness level, interests, and time available. For those seeking a hassle-free, supported experience, the Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Trail Bike Rental and Luxury Shuttle is ideal. If you prefer self-guided adventures with flexibility, the Lake Dunstan Trail eBike Adventure offers great value. For a mixed day with scenic water views, the Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Boat & eBike Tour with Winery Lunch combines multiple modes of transport.

If you’re an experienced cyclist craving a challenge, the Lake Dunstan Trail E-Bike Hire & Shuttle might suit you best. Lastly, wine lovers should consider the Bannockburn Winery eBike Tour & Private Carrick Winery Lunch for a relaxing, wine-focused day.

Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, as these tours tend to fill up, and some are highly rated for their quality and scenery.

Final Thoughts

Cromwell offers a diverse range of bike tours that cater to different interests and fitness levels. Whether you want a supported, scenic ride, an all-in-one day of water, wine, and riding, or a challenging e-bike adventure over engineered bridges, there’s something here for you. Two standout options include the Cromwell: Lake Dunstan Trail Bike Rental and Luxury Shuttle for beginners and families, and the Bannockburn Winery eBike Tour & Private Carrick Winery Lunch for wine enthusiasts.

With a little planning, you can find a tour that matches your pace, interests, and sense of adventure. Early booking is recommended to secure your spot during busy periods. Whatever your choice, Cromwell’s scenic trails and delicious regional offerings promise a memorable cycling experience.