A lakeside bike ride without road worry.

This is a trail-only ride that shuttles you from Wānaka to Hāwea, then sends you back along the newly completed Gladstone Track, with sections running right by Lake Hāwea. I like that the route is built around easy flow and big views, with no cars, no road crossings to stress over, just paths and trails you can actually enjoy.

I also like the way the team sets you up. On the ride out, guides like James or David help with the route overview and make sure your bike, helmet, and fit are right before you roll. One consideration: it’s self-guided, so you will want to pay attention to directions and keep your phone ready for support if you need it.

Key things I’d bet on before you book

• New Gladstone Track section along the shoreline of Lake Hāwea, resurfaced and built for trail riding
• No-road route on paths and trails, so the ride feels relaxed even in busy holiday times
• Quality bike fleet with trail-ready setups, plus easy help if something goes wrong
• Real human support (not a drop-off) including a direct contact number and on-trail assistance if required
• Good food timing with a stop at Pembroke Patisserie in Albert Town before it closes at 2pm
• eBike recommended to help your group stay together and keep the fun factor high

Gladstone Track and trail loops: why this ride feels so good

The big draw here is simple. You get a 34 km ride that mixes the fresh, shoreline-style magic of the Gladstone Track with the fun factor of the Hāwea and Wānaka trail network.

It’s also a ride that works in all seasons. In summer you get that full lake effect, in winter you still get the same trail access, plus the scenery changes every few weeks as the light and weather do their thing. The operator frames it as family-friendly grade riding too, and the terrain matches that promise: grade 1 to 2 with small rolling hills and plateau crossings.

Getting started in Wānaka: the shuttle and the safety setup

Your day begins at 103 Ardmore Street, meeting the nzbiketrails vehicle at the loading bay near Wānaka’s i-Site. Then you jump into the shuttle for about 25 minutes to Lake Hāwea, where you get a safety briefing (around 15 minutes).

This part matters more than it sounds. If you’re new to using the gears on a trail bike, or you haven’t ridden an eBike much, that short briefing helps you avoid the start-of-ride frustration. Guides like James and David are known for taking the time to get helmets and bike fit sorted and to explain what you should expect on the route.

Practical tip: bring a charged smartphone and expect to use it. The ride is self-guided, but you still have a direct contact number for the host if you need support, and having your screen ready is smart.

The Gladstone Track: 6 km by Lake Hāwea

Once you’re on the bike, the Gladstone Track is the headline segment. It’s about 6 km running along the shoreline of Lake Hāwea on a newly resurfaced section designed for ride comfort.

Why I think you’ll love this stretch:

• You’re constantly aware of the lake on one side, which makes time go faster.
• The trail layout keeps you out of road traffic stress.
• Even with weather changes, the views keep working.

Drawback to plan for: because it’s scenic, you will naturally want more stops. Some riders wish they had extra time to linger, and if you’re the type who takes photos every 5 minutes, you’ll feel that urge. The upside is you can move at your own pace, and on an eBike you can expect around 2 hours of actual riding time, leaving room for pauses.

Hāwea and Wānaka Trails back: flowing trails, gentle effort

After the Gladstone Track, the route connects into the Hāwea and Wānaka Trails for the return to Wānaka. This is where the ride earns its relaxed reputation.

Terrain-wise, you’re not dealing with steep climbs. The route crosses plateaus and includes small rolling hills, which means you’ll work a bit, but it won’t turn into a grind. Many riders describe the ride as mainly flat, with only a couple of gentle inclines.

Also: you avoid roads. The entire route is on trails and paths, which is a huge comfort win. It makes the experience feel more like exploring than commuting, and it keeps the vibe calm even if the weather makes everything a little moody.

Navigation reality check: since the ride is self-guided, it’s worth being alert at trail junctions. One rider mentioned losing the way a bit around Lake Hāwea, and locals were kind and helpful. Your best move is to follow the route briefing closely and use that host phone number if something feels off.

Break at Pembroke Patisserie: the food stop that keeps you human

Right after just over an hour of riding, you’ll reach a planned break at Pembroke Patisserie in Albert Town. It’s a classic recharge moment, coffee and cakes or even lunch depending on what you feel like.

A key detail: Pembroke Patisserie closes at 2pm. If you’re riding at a slower pace or taking extra detours for photos, keep an eye on the time so you don’t roll up to a closed door.

What I like about including this stop is that it matches the ride rhythm. You’ve had lake scenery and trail time, and then you get a proper break rather than the usual grab-and-go culture that leaves you hungry later.

The #ThatWanakaTree photo stop: quick, fun, and easy

Before you finish, the route includes a brief photo stop at #ThatWanakaTree. It’s short, around 5 minutes, which is enough time for a couple of shots and to enjoy the moment without stretching your schedule too far.

This is the kind of stop that makes sense for a trail day. It’s not a long detour into a different activity. It’s more like a bookmark at the end of your bike loop, a small reminder that you’re in Wanaka, not somewhere else.

Bikes and eBikes: what you get and how to choose

You’re not just renting any bike and hoping for the best. The bikes are designed and set up for trail riding, and the fleet includes:

• Sinch e-bikes, lightweight and NZ-made for NZ trails
• Specialized Rockhopper or Trek Marlin regular bikes

I’d choose an eBike if:

• You want the group to stay together without waiting for slower riders.
• You haven’t been cycling consistently and you want to keep your legs fresher for the views.
• You simply want more time to enjoy stops instead of arriving tired.

You will also get a rear rack bag, plus a helmet with impact protection, and a basic repair setup including a pump, repair kit, and a lock. That’s the practical safety net that keeps a small mechanical issue from turning into a ruined afternoon.

Kids and height limits matter here. The ride is not suitable for children under 8, and the minimum height is 130 cm. For younger riders who meet the height requirement, nzbiketrails uses specialist lightweight e-bikes with different wheel sizes. If your child likes riding, they can really enjoy this trail instead of being forced into an adult pace.

Timing, distance, and energy planning (summer or winter)

The full experience runs about 210 minutes, around 4 hours from pickup to finish. You’ll bike for roughly 2.5 hours as scheduled, with the shuttle and safety briefing built in.

If you’re on an eBike, actual riding time is about 2 hours, which leaves breathing room for photo pauses and the patisserie stop. On standard bikes, you should still expect a manageable effort because the route is grade 1 to 2, but you may feel a bit more on the rolling sections.

Good to know about the ending: bikes are returned by 1600 hours. If you want extra photo detours, you can ask for flexibility, but don’t plan on disappearing into the trails past return time.

Value check: is $86 per person worth it?

At $86 per person, you’re paying for more than the bike. You’re also getting the shuttle from Wānaka to Hāwea, helmets and trail-ready bike setup, route and bike briefings, and a host who stays available by phone. You’re also getting the included bike support gear, plus photos taken at the start of the ride.

On a day like this, that value adds up because it removes the biggest friction points:

• You don’t have to drive your own car to the start.
• You don’t have to guess which trails connect cleanly.
• You don’t have to worry about basic bike issues turning into a catastrophe.

Food is not included, but the planned patisserie break is built into the experience. If you were going to buy coffee anyway, you’re not losing out.

What to bring so the ride feels easy

This is a trail ride, so pack like you’re going outside, not like you’re going to a museum. Bring sunscreen and water. A charged smartphone matters because you’re self-guided and support is available if needed.

Gloves are recommended, which is smart for cold days and also for keeping comfort high if the ride is brisk. Wear weather-appropriate clothing, because Wanaka weather can change fast even when the ride still runs.

Should you book the Gladstone Track ride?

I’d book this if you want a scenic Wanaka highlight that avoids roads and keeps the effort friendly. It’s especially strong for first-time eBike riders, people who want a gorgeous lake-and-trail route without complicated planning, and anyone who values solid bike quality plus real support.

I’d think twice if you hate self-guided routes or you’re the type who wants lots of signposting and zero uncertainty. Even though the host provides direct contact support, you will still need to follow the route briefing and stay aware at junctions.

If you’re deciding today, here’s my simple rule: if you want maximum views with minimum logistics, this one is a good bet. If you want a guided, turn-by-turn narration every second, you might find self-guided riding a little more demanding.

FAQ

How long is the Wānaka Gladstone Track and Wanaka Trails bike ride?

The experience is about 210 minutes, around 4 hours total. The scheduled bike tour time is about 2.5 hours, and on an eBike actual riding is approximately 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the shuttle and start?

Meet at the Loading Bay outside 103 Ardmore Street in Wānaka, near the i-Site.

Do I ride on roads during the route?

No. The ride is on trails and paths only, with no roads to ride on.

Is the ride fully guided, or self-guided?

It is self-guided. You get bike and route briefings, and you have a direct contact number for support if needed. The team also provides support during the ride if required.

What bikes are available?

You can choose an eBike or a standard bike. The standard bikes are Specialized Rockhopper or Trek Marlin, and the eBikes are Sinch e-bikes.

Is there a stop for food or coffee?

Yes. After just over an hour of riding, you stop at Pembroke Patisserie in Albert Town for coffee and cakes or lunch. It closes at 2pm.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, water, a charged smartphone, gloves, and weather-appropriate clothing.

What type of rider does this work for?

The ride is grade 1 to 2 and described as family-friendly. It is not suitable for people who cannot ride a bike, children under 8, or riders under 130 cm. There is also a weight limit of 120 kg.

FAQ

Where do I park before meeting?

If you need to park, there is free parking on either side of Pembroke Park, close to the pickup point. Parking is a 5 to 10 minute walk away from 103 Ardmore Street.

What’s included in the price?

You get a bike (eBike or standard), a helmet with impact protection, a rear rack bag, repair kit, pump, and lock, plus bike and route briefings. The price also includes the shuttle from Wānaka to Hāwea and photos taken at the start, along with trail donations to the Local Trail Trust.

What time do bikes need to be returned?

Bikes are returned to the pickup point by 1600 hours.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price. The patisserie stop is part of the experience, but you pay for what you order.