Flying With A Bike?

Bikes must be correctly disassembled and packed in a bike box or bike bag. 

Check your airline's requirements for travelling with a bicycle well before you fly. Pay particular attention if you have an electric bike, as there are strict regulations regarding batteries.

Here are links to the oversized baggage policies for Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia.

Check the weight of your packed bike and accompanying gear to avoid surprises at the check-in counter. Depending on your airline's rules, you might be charged for extra weight.

If you need to book an extra bag, you are likely to save money by doing that in advance.

For those flying direct from Australia, you will need to collect your bike before clearing biosecurity screening. 

New Zealand takes biosecurity seriously, so if you're flying in from overseas, make sure your bike is clean, with no muddy tyres.

Both international and domestic arrivals will find their bikes at the oversized items collection areas beside the baggage reclaim belts.

By now, you're probably impatient to get started on your cycling adventure. Outside the terminal, just through the Arrivals door, you will find two bike assembly stands, fully equipped with tools.

If you no longer want your bike box, the Queenstown Airport staff at the Information Desk will be happy to take it and pass it on to another cyclist.

Lockers are available if you want to store a soft bike bag or other gear.

Famous for their picturesque lakes and magnificent mountains, the Queenstown Lakes District and neighbouring Central Otago are a magnet for cyclists and the region's extensive network of trails is continuously being improved and expanded.

Flying in with your bike will allow you to choose from a vast choice of adventures. Take on the world-class mountain biking trails, meander from Arrowtown to the Gibbston Valley wineries, tackle the multi-day Otago Central Rail Trail or the thrilling new Lake Dunstan Trail –  the possibilities are endless. But how to choose?

The Queenstown Trail, which criss-crosses the Whakatipu Basin, is a great place to start. You can ride directly on to it from Queenstown Airport and the 130-kilometre network of cycleways passes through beautiful countryside, skirting around lakes and along rivers, connecting the communities of this area. It has been designed for everybody to enjoy and it's free! It can be ridden in short sections or in more demanding full-day forays.

If mountain biking is your thing, this information will help you plan your trip. You'll find your tribe at the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club. And you'll find lots of  of inspiration among the Queenstown and Wānaka Mountain Bike Dirt Reports.

A little further afield, there is plenty of biking for novices and experts alike around Wānaka and the Upper Clutha area.

The 152-kilometre Otago Central Rail Trail is New Zealand's original Great Ride and can be ridden in any season. Running from Clyde to Middlemarch, it follows an old railway line, so has a gentle gradient and is entirely offroad, making it ideal for recreational cyclists.

Popular with those looking for a new adventure, the Lake Dunstan Trail links the heritage towns of Cromwell and Clyde and features an 86-metre suspension bridge and dramatic rock walls. However, it also covers some remote and challenging terrain, so is only recommended for confident, experienced cyclists. If you are considering this ride, first read this safety information and watch this short video.

Central Otago also boasts the Roxburgh Gorge Trail and the Clutha Gold Trail.

Choose your adventure, then strap on your helmet and get pedalling!   

Bikes must be correctly disassembled and packed in a bike box or bike bag. 

If you want to break your bike down at the airport, you will find tools and bike assembly stands beside the bike racks in front of the terminal.

Air New Zealand has bike boxes for passengers to purchase, subject to availability, or the Queenstown Airport staff at the Information Desk might be able to give you a recycled box.

Check your airline's requirements for travelling with a bicycle well before you fly. Pay particular attention if you have an e-bike, as there are strict regulations regarding batteries.

Here are links to the oversized baggage policies for Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia.

Check the weight of your packed bike and accompanying gear to avoid surprises at the check-in counter. Depending on your airline's rules, you might be charged for extra weight.

If you need to book an extra bag, you are likely to save money by doing that in advance.

Once you're checked in, take your bike to the oversized items and cargo counter at the far left of the check-in area and send it on its way.

If you also want to take bike tools with you, check what is allowed on an aircraft before putting them in your carry-on bag. It might be better to put them in your checked luggage rather than risking confiscation.