The Gisborne RailBike Adventure
The Gisborne RailBike Adventure
The Gisborne RailBike Adventure
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About
The amazing new tandem 'Railbike' that rides on the actual rails! Very scenic and easy to do Voted New Zealand's best new outdoor activity. Available year-round, come and experience the magic and freedom of the great Gisborne Railbike Adventure – discover hidden gems and never before seen landscapes along historic railway lines in Tairāwhiti the land of the first light.
Gisborne, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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The Gisborne RailBike Adventure
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
124 reviews
Excellent
115
Very good
6
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Julie J
Wellington, New Zealand31 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We came up to Gisborne specifically to try the rail bikes, and it completely lived up to our expectations. Even though it rained on and off during our ride, we had a great time and really enjoyed the stunning scenery along the way. You start in farm land, go through forests, and end up overlooking the coast, all the way down to Mahia. Beautiful!
The bikes were easy - can’t believe we did 30k, didn’t feel like it at all.
The bikes were easy - can’t believe we did 30k, didn’t feel like it at all.
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnnePJones
Sydney, Australia22 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
My friend and I visited Gisborne last week and had a very interesting and beautiful ride along the old railway track with Geoff, the developer of this innovative idea. The bikes are tandem and attached securely together and to the railway tracks.We rode through farmland, across viaducts, through tunnels and came out onto the beautiful coastline just south of Gisborne. It was peaceful and lovely to be in such wilderness. We had the option of riding normal bikes or e bikes and chose the easiest option - comfortable and no effort required. Our fitter and younger travel companions chose the normal bikes - and did more work than us especially as the track winds gently upwards during the first part of the 32km round trip. Our trip took four hours and we enjoyed the experience very much.
Written 22 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CharlieOscarPapa
Dunedin, New Zealand546 contributions
Apr 2021
Excellent half day trip on the beach loop. Well organised and professionally run, Geoff is a great guide and trip leader. Even though the weather wasn’t perfect, we thoroughly enjoyed the morning and would heartily recommend this. Hopefully, the trip will extend next year, which would also be a very worthwhile trip.
Written 3 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your great feedback!
We are still working on the extensions but will update the website when it's ready to go.
Written 19 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MissTinkerbelle
Christchurch, New Zealand169 contributions
Feb 2020
My partner and I did the 3 hour beach loop trip on e bike. (You have the option of e and non e. Being past the first flush of youth we decided to take the help on offer :))
It was a perfect day for it being just slightly overcast though this had burned off towards the end of the journey.
The journey starts by riding across the Gisborne plains through the cornfields, up through the bush and then through a 1 1/2 km tunnel which is one of the highlights.
We stopped for morning tea at the highest point of our journey with a stunning view of the coast.
Then it was largely downhill for the return journey (you know those times as a kid when you would free wheel? Multiply by 50!)
The e bikes were so easy to use, assisting when needed, with 3 power levels. You only need a low/ moderate level of fitness with these bikes. Those "in the economy section" got a good workout but were able to easily keep up as there is a speed limit.
Our guide Geoff, who is the owner of the business, was friendly and informative about the local history and the journey of the venture.
This is an utterly unique experience and I highly recommend it. It is not the cheapest adventure around but is worth every cent!
It was a perfect day for it being just slightly overcast though this had burned off towards the end of the journey.
The journey starts by riding across the Gisborne plains through the cornfields, up through the bush and then through a 1 1/2 km tunnel which is one of the highlights.
We stopped for morning tea at the highest point of our journey with a stunning view of the coast.
Then it was largely downhill for the return journey (you know those times as a kid when you would free wheel? Multiply by 50!)
The e bikes were so easy to use, assisting when needed, with 3 power levels. You only need a low/ moderate level of fitness with these bikes. Those "in the economy section" got a good workout but were able to easily keep up as there is a speed limit.
Our guide Geoff, who is the owner of the business, was friendly and informative about the local history and the journey of the venture.
This is an utterly unique experience and I highly recommend it. It is not the cheapest adventure around but is worth every cent!
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeatherG488
Tauranga33 contributions
Aug 2020
We started out with a few spots of rain, by the 5km mark it was lightly drizzling, but this soon turned into constant rain. But we continued on, and made it to where there was supposed to be a fantastic view. We could see a little of the ocean, which was fantastic. .
What a fun trip, even though we were cold and soaked to the skin. Thank goodness for the e-bike option and the thermos flask we took with us so we could have a hot drink at the top of the hilll to warm up.
Our guide Geoff was great, and told us afterwards that that was the wettest trip he had ever had, and in hindsight perhaps he should have cancelled. But we took the chance and hoped it would stop raining. Will go back and do it again in summer.
What a fun trip, even though we were cold and soaked to the skin. Thank goodness for the e-bike option and the thermos flask we took with us so we could have a hot drink at the top of the hilll to warm up.
Our guide Geoff was great, and told us afterwards that that was the wettest trip he had ever had, and in hindsight perhaps he should have cancelled. But we took the chance and hoped it would stop raining. Will go back and do it again in summer.
Written 10 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
slipperyfish141046
Hamilton, New Zealand30 contributions
Dec 2019
We booked the ebike for our trip as we are both in the "older" category and what a blast we had. After realising we didn't have to worry about balancing as the two bikes are secured together, we set out with much more confidence. The trail was very picturesque, andslightly winding up hill. With the ebike this was hardly noticable, but still required some effort. Biking the 1.5 kms through the tunnel was spooky and chilly but amazing. Geoff is a wonderful "do it yourself" kiwi bloke, taking a concept and pushing through red tape and producing an excellent activity for the Gisboren Region. Very very highly recommended
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JohnPuzey
Hastings, New Zealand45 contributions
Mar 2020
Geoff who owns and thought up the idea, has utilised an 18 km section of the old Gisborne to Napier railway to create a fun way of seeing New Zealand bush you wouldn't see without a lot of walking. He has developed a rig which joins two bicycles to a frame, suitable to run on the railway track in perfect safety. You and your partner pedal as normal and travel through the bush, over rivers, under a road, through cuttings, and passed the beautiful NZ scenery. Towards the end of the run there is a 6 km tunnel (the bikes have lights) . Because it is a rail track the gradient is very gradual. When we got to the end we were all surprised how far up we had climbed. After a short break, Geoff and his helper turned all the rigs around for the return journey (mostly downhill). The rides are in groups with a guide, so there is always help and guidance on hand. The standard bikes have three gears, and there is an e-bike option (also with the three gears) for the less fit. It is good exercise without being excessive. The team control the pace of the ride and keep it very safe. It takes 3-4 hours return. Try it, you'll enjoy it.
Written 24 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JohnG-NZ
Auckland, New Zealand51 contributions
Jan 2021
We did the Beach Loop ride today. I didn’t like it, I LOVED IT. If you are visiting Gisborne then it is a must do. What a great concept and the best way to see the countryside you otherwise wouldn’t. We chose the e-bike and even though you still have to pedal it makes it a lot easier and enjoyable. Our guide, Geoff the owner was amazing and his knowledge and thoroughness made the whole journey effortless and memorable. Brilliant farmland scenery, neat bridge crossings and the amazing 1.4km tunnel that ends with spectacular coastal views. Though you don’t realise you are doing a ever so unnoticeable gradual climb getting to the halfway point it makes the return journey so easy. Highly recommend for all. Just read the FAQ page on their website to answer all your questions. So what are you waiting for, just do it.
Written 21 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the fantastic review John - so glad you enjoyed it so much and hope to see you again on the line!
Written 19 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BayAreaBrickMan
Fremont, CA9 contributions
Mar 2020
The ride and guide/owner are super! No problems with text communications. Web booking is a bit confusing. Only the shortest trip/tour is actually near Gisborne. Getting there for the short ride from Gisborne by 2pm was the challenge from the cruise pier, but successful via an expensive 15 minute taxi ride. Too bad there's no bus out past the airport. The Railbike ride itself is very flat, but scenic and fun, with a long bridge to cross. It takes a little more than an hour. Make sure your butt can handle the seat. Suitable for teens and older, even if you can't ride a bike, all you have to do is pedal. 'Wish we had time for the longer ride with the tunnel, etc. Highly recommended.
Written 13 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warren W
Blind River, Canada12 contributions
Jan 2020
...says my daughter. And I would agree if I used words like “cutest”. A truly unique way to see NZ. Geoff is super helpful and knowledgeable about the area. This is biking for people who hate biking. No balance, no steering, no noise, no traffic, just pedal and have a relaxed conversation. Very slight slope, surprisingly light weight, and virtually no resistance since you are actually ON the rail, so it’s easy going even if you decline the e-option.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the distance and best way to transport from the cruise port to the Gisborne Railbike Adventure?
Written 27 November 2023
i travel a lot by myself. I have been on all other rail adventures except this one. I will be in Gisborne area next Jan/Feb. I see it has to be two bikes together, could i ride an e bike by myself or be joined by a guide or put with another individual.
Written 27 May 2019
You can't be on a bike by yourself but you can share with the guide.
Written 5 March 2020
It was around $110 per person but you have to do it as a couple as two of you need to be on the bike. In my opinion it was well worth the money, and a real highlight of the trip to Gisborne as you only see parts of the country only accessible by rail.
Written 4 February 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.