NZ MTB RALLY TOURS
13-20 MARCH 2027
ALL THE ADVENTURE
…BUT WITHOUT THE PRESSURE OF RACING
RIDE, NOT RACE
WHAT IS A RALLY-TOUR?
If epic point-to-point riding through some of New Zealand’s finest backcountry trails is what you’re dreaming of, chances are you’ve already heard about the NZ MTB Rally. But we know that racing against the clock for six days straight isn’t everyone’s idea of the perfect mountain bike trip.
Maybe you’d rather experience the incredible journey of the Rally at your own pace — with the reassurance of riding alongside the people who created the event, and with a dedicated shuttle vehicle taking care of the logistics all week.
If that sounds more like your style, the NZ MTB Rally Guided Tour might just be the bucket-list mountain bike adventure you’ve been looking for.
You’ll ride the same legendary trails and routes that make the NZ MTB Rally so special, but without the pressure of racing. No timers, no stress — just incredible riding, spectacular landscapes, and the freedom to enjoy every descent.
We take care of the details: guiding, shuttles, logistics, and support along the way. So instead of worrying about navigation, transport, or fixing a mechanical deep in the backcountry, you can focus on what really matters — riding world-class trails and soaking up the full Rally experience…but at your own pace.
JOIN SOLO OR WITH FRIENDS
A REFRESHING TAKE ON THE FAMILIAR ‘TRANS-ENDURO’ FORMATWITH PROPERLY RAD LOGISTICS:
HELI-DROPS
BOAT ACCESS
4×4 SHUTTLES
REAL BEDS (NOT TENTS) CABINS, LODGES & HOSTELS 3 BASECAMP LOCATIONS IN PRISTINE ENVIRONMENTS QUALITY CATERING & PLENTY OF KIWI CRAFT BEERS
NO TIMES,
MEANS
GOOD TIMES!
RALLY TOUR VS THE RACE
Firstly, a RALLY TOUR not a guided tour-group in the classic sense that you won’t have an actual guide leading your group. You’ll follow the exact itinerary of The Rally, which is fully signposted by us (so no navigation is required). We’ll have a tour co-ordinator (not a guide) sweeping at the back of your group to make sure everyone gets off the mountain safely each day, and to offer support and advice should you need it. As necessary they can also co-ordinate with our dedicated medical and vehicle support crew, in case you need to take an early finish.
As for everything we do both in New Zealand and in Europe, Ali will personally be overseeing every aspect of your week out on the trails, and Gabi will be personally managing all hospitality aspects of the package.
In fact, you’ll get the full experience of the main event, because you’ll be following along immediately behind the main race! The benefit of this setup means you really do get the full Rally experience including the heli-drop, deep backcountry off-road shuttles, and our bespoke boat-ride: Frankly, these elements would be impossible (or prohibitively expensive) to arrange as a stand-alone package.
SMALL GROUP,
BIG ADVENTURE
SOLO OR WITH FRIENDS
Within your Tour group of 20, you can split into smaller ride-buddy groups as you wish. If you’re solo, you won’t be for long – quickly meeting new friends is guaranteed when you are riding, sharing shuttles, and eating together all week. If you want to push on to get through the day quickly, you don’t need wait for others in your group unless you want to. (This is one big advantage of riding fully-supported, but without a dedicated guide). Having said that, our feedback from 20+ years of arranging package tours in Europe tells us that meeting like-minded people from around the world and sharing the experience with new friends as well as old ones, is a big part of what makes such an adventure a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Imagine having your own low-pressure group of riding buddies – doing your own thing, but still feeling fully included in the fun and festivities of the main event. Yes, that includes our famous mountainside feed stations and BBQs, post-ride beers, and meeting friendly like-minded folk from all over the world. And the added support of dedicated medical crew and professional mountain support – which you can’t get on any ‘regular’ guided tour.
FEEDBACK
Some of the best trails I’ve ever ridden
This was one of the best weeks on a bike I have had! Great atmosphere, amazing riding and the organisation was also top notch! I'll be back!
$4395 NZD
TOURS INCLUDE
Heli-Drop
Subject to flyable weather conditions (back-up options in place)
Boat Access
Specially commissioned catamaran 90-minute scenic boat charter
4x4 Shuttles
Mutliple shuttles per day in Land Cruisers and 4x4 Minibuses, with custom, secure MTB trailers
Medics
Doctors, paramedics, and dedicated rescue vehicles on-site each day, with Heli-evac options on standby
Route Guide
Dedicated 'Road Book' with detailed directions, trail notes, historical info and more
Sunshine
NZ's statistically sunniest region, at a settled autumnal time of year? Yep, that's us.
Catering
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner every day, all quality meals, served at local restaurants or via professional caterers
Room & Bed
Real Beds in shared rooms. Basic Dorm-style, cabins, bunk-rooms & hostels. Bedding Provided
Room Upgrade
Optional Upgrade to ensuite accommodation in basic but comfortable shared rooms; regular beds, no bunks.
Mechanic Support
We've got basic tools & 2 Mechanics; but this is a Rally, and we're often remote: Some self-sufficiency is required.
Logistics
Coach transfers between locations, inc transport & storage of your luggage & bike bag
Inbound Airport Transfer
Departures from Nelson Airport and Nelson City
(circa 30 mins transfer)
Swag
Custom NZ MTB Rally Ride Jersey plus other useful swag from our sponsors
Beers & Snacks
Decent food on the go, served trail-side. Heaps of complimentary local craft beers & ciders
Course Marking
Trust us on the Course marking. We know, it's super important to get it done...properly
Trail Karma
Trails prepped & restored to 'better than before'. Via direct action and $$ donations to local clubs
Media
Free access to all photos & other media (Individual images not guaranteed)
After Party
We've booked a Nelson after-party that matches the stoke of our trails. Good times!
SKILL & FITNESS LEVEL
We’d recommend only experienced trail & enduro riders consider this trip. A solid level of technical ability, confidence on exposed trails, general mountain awareness, self-sufficiency in bike-maintenance, and a sustainable day-to-day endurance are needed to get around safely and with a smile on your face. Our ‘Regular’ and ‘Extended’ route options each day give ample choice for both intermediate and expert riders alike to test their limits, but without pushing yourself too far.
If you’re not sure you are up to it, just drop Ali & Gabi an email right now, and let’s talk it through.
But first, be sure to check out this page for more info:
CAMARADERIE GUARANTEED WELCOME TO THE NZ RALLY TOURING CLUB YOU & 25 NEW FRIENDS-FOR-LIFE
CONTACT US
