Bike Hire in Taupō: A Local’s Guide to Bike Hire Companies around Lake Taupō
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Are you looking for a fun and exciting way to explore Taupō? Taupō bike hire is becoming increasingly popular, with more and more people taking advantage of the ever-growing network of tracks, trails and footpaths dedicated to two-wheeled exploration.
I’ve lived in Taupō for 20 years and I’ve witnessed the boom in mountain bike tourism especially over the past 5 years or so. I can offer unique local advice about which companies have been around the longest and which have the best reputation to ensure you have an easy and pleasant hire experience.
Whether you’re a beginner cyclist or an experienced mountain biker, this blog post will give you all the information you need about bike hire in Taupō.
🚴♀️ Bike Hire Taupō: Full List of All Hire Companies
With options ranging from beginner-friendly services to experienced mountain biking rentals, this comprehensive list of bike hire companies in Taupō will make sure that you find the perfect rental company for an enjoyable cycling experience in Taupō.
If you’re looking for bike hire in other centres such as Kinloch or Tūrangi, or for specific trails (such as the Timber Trail) use the table of contents to navigate to the information you need.
🏆 Best All-Round Taupō Bike Hire: FourB Bike Hire
FourB Bike Hire is my top choice for bike hire in Taupo. This Taupō owned and operated company has been providing mountain biking experiences for well over 5 years. Comprised of a team of local experts (who live, work and play on the local trails year-round) you can rest assured you’re safe in the hands of trusted advisors to help you pick the perfect bike for your adventure. With options for the whole family and all equipment included with every hire (such as helmets), FourB takes care of everything you’re likely to need.
Read more reviews here.
Their half and full-day bike hire is perfectly suited for exploring short local trails like the Craters Mountain Bike Park or Huka Falls River Trail. But there is also plenty of support, hire and shuttle options for multi-day excursions on longer rides such as the Great Lake Trail and Timber Trail. Located at the heart of mountain bike central in Taupō on Huka Falls Road, they also have a fantastic cafe on site for that much-needed post-ride refreshment!
FourB Bike Hire Taupo Prices
| Hire Type | 1/2 Day | Full Day | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Bike Hire | from NZD85 | from NZD115 | |
| E-Bike Hire | from NZD115 | from NZD135 | |
| Kids Bike Hire | from NZD35 | ||
| Bike Tours | from NZD400 | ||
| Road Bike Hire | from NZD125 |
Check all FourB bike hire prices and packages by clicking here >>
🏆 Best Local’s Choice: Pack and Pedal Taupo
Of all the bike hire companies on this list, Pack and Pedal has been around the longest. Pack and Pedal is a kiwi owned and operated business that has been around since aaages ago (well, 1975 at least). It’s a stalwart in the Taupō outdoor retail space, providing knowledgeable and experienced staff with a great selection for all ages and abilities. Renowned as one of the top bike repair shops in Taupō, you can trust that they know their stuff!
All equipment is included in the bike hire price such as helmets, a bike lock, a pump and even permits for Craters MTB Park. So if you’re looking for a reliable, experienced and well-stocked bike hire service, you can’t go past Pack and Pedal Taupō. With their long history in the area and local knowledge, you can trust them to make sure you have the best biking experience possible!
Read more reviews here.
Find out more about bike hire from Pack and Pedal Taupo by clicking here >>
🏆 Best for Round Town & Lakefront: Torpedo 7 Taupō
Torpedo 7 is a well-known nationwide outdoor gear company, and the Taupō storefront has been substantially expanded in the last few years to cater for the growing mountain biking culture in the Central Plateau region. Torpedo 7 is particularly good for those looking for short-term hire for a quick ride around the local township or perhaps along Taupō’s stunningly scenic Lion’s Walk / Rotary Ride.
Read more reviews here.
Whether you’re looking for an easy round-town ride or something a bit more challenging, they have plenty of options for either short or long-term hire. Traditional cross-country, hardtail and full suspension bikes are available (including e-bike options) and all bike hire includes a helmet and repair kit for your safety and convenience. Discounts are available for multi-day rentals as well as larger groups and students, so be sure to check in with them when considering your options!
Torpedo 7 Bike Hire Taupo Prices
| Hire Type | 1/2 Day | Full Day |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Bike Hire | from NZD39 | from NZD59 |
| E-Bike Hire | from NZD79 | from NZD99 |
| Kids Bike Hire | NZD25 | NZD39 |
Check all Torpedo 7 Bike Hire prices and book your bike hire by clicking here >>
🏆 Best For Bike Shuttles & Hire: Taupo Kayaking Adventures
I know what you’re thinking but bear with me – Taupo Kayaking Adventures is not just a kayak hire company! They also mountain bike hire!
Catering to all ages and experience levels, TKA’s predecessor originally offered kayak trips to the Māori rock carvings before being taken over by the current owner and transformed into a more well-rounded outdoor adventure company. In addition to bike hire, TKA can also hire out bike racks if you prefer to self-drive to the trails, but they also have the most extensive range of mountain bike shuttle options of any other provider on this list.
For a more interesting and immersive experience, TKA offer the opportunity to book a local guide for your adventure. These people are highly experienced in the local environment but also mountain bike safety to make your trip a breeze. Plus, you’ll get heaps of local information and history along the way!
Taupo Kayaking Adventures Bike Hire Prices
| Hire Type | Full Day | Other |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Bike Hire (Hardtail) | NZD60 | |
| Transport Shuttles | from NZD35 (min. 2 pax) | |
| Mountain Bike Guides | from NZD180 (1 pax), NZD90 (2 pax), NZD55 (4 pax) etc. | |
Check more prices and book bike hire from Taupo Kayaking Adventures by clicking here >>
E-Bike Hire in Taupō
Not all mountain bike hire companies in Taupō offer e-bike hire, so if cruising along with less effort is more your style you’ll want to know which companies to approach.
An electric bicycle is a great option for those wanting to enjoy a leisurely ride and take in the stunning lake views. With e-bike hire, you can experience all the same trails as regular mountain bikes but with less effort due to its motor-assisted pedalling system. Whether it’s a half-day or full-day trip, there are numerous companies offering quality e-bike hire services at competitive prices so you can make the most out of your adventure.
You can expect to pay from as little as NZD80 to as much as NZD160 or more for e-bike hire in Taupō and the surrounding regions, depending on the suspension setup you prefer and how long you want to hire for.
Here are some helpful links to companies offering e-bike hire in Taupō:
- FourB e-bike hire
- Torpedo 7 e-bike hire
- Tongariro Mountain Bikes e-bike hire
- Timber Trail e-bike hire
What You Can Expect to Pay: Taupō Bike Hire Prices
Prices for mountain bike hire in Taupō can range from as little as NZD30 to NZD120 or more depending on suspension setup and rental duration, so it pays to do some research before making a decision.
Expect to add on another NZD40-50 for e-bike hire, with some full suspension e-bikes costing as much as NZD200 for full-day hire.
You’ll generally pay less for a bike with hardtail suspension, versus a bike with dual or full suspension. Some companies offer 2 hour hire as a cheaper option for the budget conscious, but 4 hour (1/2 day) and 8 hour (full dire) hires are more common.
Although most bike hire companies will provide basic safety equipment like a helmet, spare tubes and a pump included in the hire price, bike rack hire or shuttle transport to/from your preferred trail will come at an extra cost. The cheapest shuttles start from as little as NZD35 per person, but prices vary wildly depending on the distance you need to travel.
Some of the larger bike hire companies around Lake Taupō (such as Taupo Kayaking Adventures, FourB and Tongariro Mountain Bikes) also offer multi-day hire and guided tour options for specific trails. Again, the prices for these services vary depending on your needs so make sure to contact the hire companies directly for more information.
Bike Hire Near Taupō
Tūrangi & Tongariro National Park
Tongariro Mountain Bikes
My top pick for bike hire in the Tūrangi, Kaimanawa and Tongariro National Park areas, Tongariro Mountain Bikes dedicate their service to providing bike hire for some of the Central Plateau’s most spectacular (and most underrated) mountain bike trails, including Tree Trunk Gorge, Fishers Track and the iconic 42 Traverse.
Tongariro Mountain Bikes is the sister company of popular adventure tourism operator Tongariro River Rafting. With a long history of outdoor tourism in the southern Lake Taupō region dating from 1987, you can be sure Tongariro Mountain Bikes have seen it all and are well equipped to deal with any issue that may arise. Whether you’re looking for traditional mountain bike hire or E-Bikes to explore the Tūrangi and southern lakes region, they’ve got it all!
If you’re looking for an epic ride through pristine native bush and among active volcanoes, look no further than Tongariro Mountain Biking. And as a special bonus, they offer guided mountain bike trips which provide an even more immersive experience with a private overnight wilderness tour available too.
Tongariro Mountain Biking Hire Prices
| Hire Type | 2 Hours | 1/2 Day | Full Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Bike | NZD35 | NZD45 | NZD65 |
| E-Bike (Hardtail) | NZD45 | NZD80 | NZD130 |
| E-Bike (Full Suspension) | NZD55 | NZD100 | NZD160 |
| Guided Hire & Tour | from NZD85 | ||
| Shuttle & Hire | from NZD115 |
Check more prices and book your bike hire with Tongariro Mountain Bikes here >>
Central Plateau Cycles
At Central Plateau Cycles in Tūrangi, you’ll find friendly local staff who are passionate and knowledgeable about cycling and can offer plenty of suggestions for how to explore the trails of the Tūrangi, Southern Lakes and Central Plateau region. Ideally placed to offer advice on trails such as the Tongariro River Trail, Tree Trunk Gorge and 42 Traverse, you’ll be safe in the hands of knowledgeable locals to help plan your trip.
Read more reviews here.
Central Plateau Cycles have an excellent range of bikes and sizes for all the family, so everyone can enjoy a great ride. Hire includes all the other basics like helmets and spare tubes, so you don’t need to worry about anything else. And if you need help planning your trip before you arrive, there is heaps of helpful info on their website about the local trails! For all your Southern Lake Taupō biking needs, don’t hesitate to visit the Central Plateau Cycles base in Tūrangi.
Central Plateau Cycles Bike Hire Prices
| Hire Type | 2 Hours | 1/2 Day | Full Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Bike Hire | NZD25 | NZD45 | NZD60 |
| Kids Bike Hire | NZD20 | NZD30 | NZD50 |
| Multi-Day Hire | POA (discounts available) |
Check all Central Plateau Cycles bike hire prices by clicking here >>
Kinloch Bike Hire
Due to Kinloch’s proximity to popular trailheads for the Great Lake Trail (i.e. the Kinloch to Kawakawa Bay Track “K2K”, and Whakaipo to Kinloch Track “W2K”), many Taupō-based mountain bike hire companies also hire bikes and offer shuttles out to Kinloch. Contact the individual providers to find out more about bike hire and shuttles to Kinloch.
During the busier summer months, FourB Pop Up Bike Hire Kinloch has previously operated from the shelter at the Kinloch Domain carpark. It’s not clear whether this service has continued in recent years due to Covid, so get in touch with FourB directly if you’re interested in using this service.
Making the Most of Your Bike Hire: Bike Trails Taupō
🚵 Timber Trail
The Timber Trail is a renowned two-day mountain bike ride through the heart of the Central North Island. The Grade 2-3 four-season ride stretches a total distance of 85km and features remarkable views of diverse New Zealand landscapes, including lush native forests and crosses 35 bridges! The trail begins with a gradual climb to Mount Pureora but then is predominantly flat or downhill.
- Timber Trail Shuttles Bike Hire – 2 day hire from NZD120
- FourB Timber Trail Bike Hire – Transfer and accommodation packages from NZD450
- Camp Epic Bike Hire – Shuttle, hire and accommodation packages from NZD195
🚵 Great Lake Trails
Taupō’s Great Lake Trails offer an unparalleled mountain biking experience for all levels of riders. Totalling over 90 kilometres, the trails are challenging enough for experienced bikers, but also accessible for riders of all skill levels. The trails are designed to provide an exciting and unique experience – taking you through volcanic terrain, lush native forest, and stunning lakeside scenery. Renowned for their exciting single track routes with cambered berms and fun switchbacks, the four trails can be ridden over two to three days and require some logistical organisation and local knowledge to successfully organise.
- FourB Great Lake Trail Bike Hire – Transfers only from NZD139, transfers plus bike hire from NZD345
- Taupo Kayaking Adventures – Fully guided 2-day tour on the Kawakawa & W2K sections
🚵 Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge
The Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge, held annually in November, is a premier cycling event which attracts cyclists of all ages and abilities from all over the world. The challenge offers cyclists the chance to take on the spectacular scenery of the Waikato region, with routes ranging from 16km easy rides along the lakefront section to an epic 160km circumnavigation of Lake Taupō!
If you’re looking to take part, you may be wondering how you can ensure you have a great bike for the event. FourB Bike Hire offers full carbon bike hire options for the Cycle Challenge from NZD365 for the day. Contact them for more info.
🚵 Tongariro River Trail
Located on the shores of the mighty Tongariro River in Tūrangi, the Tongariro River Trail is a mostly flat easy Grade 2 ride suitable for all the family. Learn about the history of trout fishing on the Tongariro River as you ride along its banks, and watch the fly fishers in action! Featuring excellent views of the river from high banks and a couple of exciting swing bridges to cross, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With multiple entry points you can make the ride as short or as long as you like.
- Central Plateau Cycles – Bike hire from 2 hours to full day from NZD20
- Tongariro Mountain Biking – Guided tour including bike hire for NZD85 per person
🚵 Tree Trunk Gorge
With its spectacular views and challenging terrain, it’s no wonder that Tree Trunk Gorge is such a popular spot for mountain bikers! Winding its way through native beech forest in the Kaimanawa Forest Park, this track is full of exciting downhill and challenging uphill riding, crossing two major gorges and some small streams along the way. Approximately 5km one way, you should allow 1 to 1.5 hours for this ride.
- Central Plateau Cycles – Bike hire from 2 hours to full day from NZD20
- Tongariro Mountain Biking – Guided tour including bike hire for NZD125 per person
🚵 42 Traverse
The 42 Traverse in Tongariro National Park is a popular destination for mountain bikers. This Grade 3 trail offers some amazing backcountry riding through remote volcanic landscapes with excellent views. At 46 kilometres in length, it will take a full day to complete the ride and due to its remoteness and lack of cell reception should only be attempted unguided by experienced riders. Luckily Tongariro Mountain Biking offers a fully guided e-bike tour for NZD299 per person (includes hire and transport).
- Tongariro Mountain Biking – Full day self-guided bike hire from NZD65
- Central Plateau Cycles – Full day self guided bike hire from NZD60
Final Thoughts: Bike Hire Taupō
Taupō and the Central Plateau region offer some amazing backcountry riding experiences, from remote volcanic landscapes to thrilling singletrack trails. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a novice looking for a taste of adventure, there are plenty of bike hire options available in this area.
With this list of Taupō bike hire companies recommended by a local who’s lived in the Taupō region for two decades, you can explore the Central Plateau on two wheels effortlessly and with confidence.
No matter which option you choose, get ready for a memorable biking experience that will leave lasting memories!
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