Pre-Tour Information for Guided Tours
Thank you for choosing to join Pacific Cycle Tours on an unforgettable adventure, designed for you.
For your information and safety, please read the details below, which are intended to help you prepare for and understand the tour. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
1. Arrival and Departure1.1 Transfers
Please arrange your own transportation to and from the start of the tour.
Taxis are usually available outside the airport, with a transfer time of approximately 20 minutes to the hotel.
We can assist with pre-booking a shuttle, which may be a more economical option. Please contact us before your tour begins. Additional costs will apply.
The same applies for your departure transfer.
Ensure your pre- or post-tour accommodation is booked and confirmed.
1.2 What to Expect on the Tour
Tour Briefings:
Each day, the guide will review the upcoming day’s itinerary and notify you of any changes due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Please be punctual and ready at the scheduled start time.
Itinerary:
The itinerary may vary from the printed schedule depending on weather, group ability, or unexpected issues. We reserve the right to modify routes as necessary.
Guides and Support Crew:
A support vehicle will accompany the group throughout the tour. The size of the vehicle will depend on the group size. A guide will lead on the trails, with a separate driver managing the support vehicle.
2. Bikes2.1 Rental Bikes & Equipment
General Information:
Our Small and Medium sized Ebikes are the eBIG Tour 400 EQ. Our Large and Extra Large Sized Ebike are the eBIG NINE 400 EQ. For our Extra Small riders, we offer the eBIG Seven 400 EQ. We also have a limited number of step-throughs available – The Espresso CC 500 EQ.
Feel free to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding seatpost). Please notify us in advance if you plan to do so.
Included in Bike Hire:
Maintenance and wear and tear parts (tubes, tyres, brake pads, etc.)
Pannier (to replace a daypack) — attachable to the rear carrier
Hi-vis vest, multi-tool, spare tubes and tires, & bike pump
Not Included:
Costs for damage caused by falls or accidents (these will be billed to the hirer)
Helmets:
Helmets are mandatory in New Zealand and on our tours.
You can bring your own, or we can provide a used helmet free of charge.
3. Personal Information3.1 Clothing & Equipment
Luggage & Allowance:
Limit to one main bag (suitcase or soft bag) plus a small daypack. Please help look after our guide’s backs by keeping the weight under 20kg per bag.
Pack adaptable clothing suitable for four seasons in one day. Evening attire should be smart casual.
Clothing & Footwear:
Lightweight hiking or trail running shoes with stiff, grippy soles or regular running shoes
2 pairs of bike shorts + 1 pair of long cycling pants or leg warmers
Bike jerseys/tops: base layers, warm top, long-sleeve lightweight top, thermal long-sleeve
Gloves: windproof pair (long and short options). We have gloves for purchase on the fitting day.
Warm hat or buff for under helmet
Waterproof/windproof jacket and bike pants
Additional Equipment:
Helmet (mandatory; we can supply a used one or you may bring your own)
Water bottles (one provided; bring additional if desired)
Optional: own saddle, pedals with cleats (flat pedals supplied by PCT)
Gaiters (recommended if sensitive to pedal contact)
Travel Essentials:
Personal toiletries, first aid kit, medications (bring prescriptions)
Small day or hydration pack (pannier provided)
Sunscreen, sunhat, insect repellent, lip balm
Swimwear (optional!)
Laundry Facilities:
Ohau Lodge: on-site laundry
Queenstown: hotel laundry service or laundromats
Wanaka: self-service laundry
Fox Glacier and Hokitika: guest laundry facilities
3.2 Travel Documents
Travel Insurance: Ensure comprehensive coverage.
Please also ensure you are aware of the entry requirements into New Zealand. Some good websites to visit if you haven’t already are:
https://www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz
https://www.newzealand.com/int/visas-and-immigration/
3.3 Health & Medications
A basic first aid kit will be available. Please carry your medications for health issues or allergies.
Health Tips:
Consult your doctor beforehand for prescribed medicines.
Practice good hygiene, wash hands thoroughly.
Do not share water bottles.
Stay hydrated and use sunscreen and insect repellent as needed.
Avoid swimming alone; swim between flags at patrol beaches.
Seek medical attention if unwell after returning home.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does it matter if I’m travelling alone?
A: Not at all. Many of our guests travel solo and find it a wonderful way to meet like-minded people.
Q: Are cash machines available every day?
A: Yes. ATMs are widely available throughout New Zealand, and cafés, bars, restaurants, and tourist attractions accept credit cards.
Q: Is cellphone coverage available during the whole tour?
A: Coverage is generally good if you have roaming, but some rural areas – even along main roads – may have no reception.
Q: Do I need to bring my own water bottles or hydration pack?
A: We’ll provide one water bottle. You’re welcome to bring an additional bottle or a hydration pack if you prefer.
Q: I’m vegetarian/vegan/have other dietary requirements – is that a problem?
A: Not at all. As long as you let us know in advance, we can accommodate most dietary needs. Restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options.
Q: Can I access the internet?
A: Yes. All of our accommodation providers have Wi-Fi.
Q: Do I need to be fit?
A: Bike fitness helps, but it’s not essential. Our e-bike tours are designed for enjoyment, not endurance. The motor provides assistance on flats and hills, and we encourage plenty of stops to take in the scenery. Remember, e-bikes have a maximum assistance speed, so you’ll still be pedalling at your own pace.
Q: What training should I do beforehand?
A: The best preparation is simply spending time on a bike. If you can train on an e-bike, that’s helpful but not necessary. We’ll provide a thorough briefing on how to use the e-bike at the start of the tour. To avoid saddle soreness, we recommend gradually increasing your time in the saddle and consider bringing a gel seat cover (we can supply a used one free of charge if needed). Practising on local cycle trails – especially gravel ones – is excellent preparation.
Q: What if I can’t ride the whole trail or don’t feel confident on certain sections?
A: Always ride within your ability. If a section feels unsafe, simply hop off and walk. There’s no rush – your safety and enjoyment come first. You’ll also have the option to join the support vehicle if you’d prefer not to cycle part of a trail.
Note: All rides are graded 1–2 (easy) or 3 (intermediate).
Q: Am I required to tip the tour guide and driver?
A: Tipping is not customary in New Zealand, and our guides and drivers are paid fairly and professionally. There is absolutely no expectation to tip at any point on the tour.That said, if you feel someone has gone above and beyond and you wish to show appreciation, that’s entirely optional — but please know it’s never expected and never pressured
5. Safety & Riding Practices on Tour5.1 Recommendations
Your Tour Guide will provide specific safety guidance before and during the trip, but please keep the following in mind:
Helmets (correctly fastened) are compulsory on all rides.
Observe road rules and stay visible to other road users. Remember, New Zealanders drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Control your speed and ride within your ability. Be aware of potential hazards such as uneven surfaces, potholes, sharp bends, railway crossings, roadworks, single-lane bridges, livestock, loose gravel, rocks, or sudden weather changes. Never hesitate to walk your bike.
Be courteous to other cyclists and road users.
Stay hydrated and carry water and snacks in your pannier (the support vehicle carries extra supplies).
Do not ride alone – always stay with the group.
Dress for changing weather conditions.
Follow all instructions from your Tour Guide(s).
Most importantly: have fun!
5.2 New Zealand Mountain Biking Code (Adapted for Our Tours)
While our tours are not technical mountain biking trips, we follow the spirit of New Zealand’s Mountain Biking Code:
Give way to non-motorised trail users.
Slow down and signal clearly when approaching or overtaking others.
Ride in control at all times, especially on corners.
Stay on designated trails to protect vegetation and prevent erosion. Avoid muddy tracks and never cut switchbacks.
Respect wildlife, livestock, and the natural environment.
Never litter – take only photos and leave only tyre prints.
Respect property, signage, and gates (leave gates as you find them).
Be prepared: carry sufficient water, snacks, clothing, and basic repair tools.
Do not ride alone.
Follow the Road Rules when on public roads.
Practise minimum-impact riding and enjoy the experience.
Thank you once again for choosing Pacific Cycle Tours.
Unforgettable Adventures, Designed for You