New Zealand has some of the best places to bike in the world. From breath taking off road trails to purpose built urban routes, we are becoming spoilt for choice.

The NZ’s Favourite Places to Ride Awards are part of the Government’s commitment to making cycling a safer and more attractive transport option for New Zealanders. The public were asked to share their favourite routes to help encourage more New Zealanders to ride their bikes for every day trips.

Nominations are now closed, the winning routes were announced in June 2017.

Read the official announcement(external link)

Category winners

Top Town Award

Winner: Christchurch

Second place: Rotorua

Third place: Wellington

Urban Ride

Taupō’s Great Lake Walkway Wellington 'Around the Bays' New Plymouth Coastal Pathway Port Hills Christchurch Harbour Circuit Dunedin

Nga Haerenga – The New Zealand Cycle Trail

Otago Central Rail Trail Old Ghost Rd Great Lake Trail Timber Trail Hawke's Bay Trails

Off road or adventure ride

Whakarewarewa – The Redwoods (Rotorua) Christchurch Adventure Park Craters Mountain Bike Park (Taupō) Makara Mountain Bike Park (Wellington) Port Hills (Christchurch)

Community facility