The cycling wave has catapulted Central Otago into international recognition with its outstanding biking trails throughout the region and more in the pipeline.

The spin off for cycle company Bike It Now! which is based in Clyde, Cromwell and Wānaka and co-owned by Kathryn Fletcher (Fletch), Lisa Joyce and Duncan Randall has been immense.

“When we opened in Clyde in 2013 it was simply a bike hire business with one travel agent connection,” says Fletch. “For us all to live and work in Clyde successfully we needed the business to operate 12 months so that provided the motivation to expand and grow into Wānaka and Cromwell providing bike services all year round. Our local business is extremely important to us.”

Bike it Now! operates daily and multi day self-guided bike tours on local trails with a particular focus on the big four – Otago Central Rail Trail, Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail, Roxburgh Gorge Trail and the Clutha Gold Trail.

“Already in 2025 we’ve seen more international tourists return which is positive with many booking hire bikes and tours with us as they travel down the South Island,” says Fletch. 

“Our self-guided tours are an opportunity to personally discover Central Otago trails with our network of support, guidance, return or one way transport shuttles and expertise wrapped around it. Whether it’s a family of four, a group of guys on a trip or travelling couples we focus on the best fit for them underlining our motto ‘we’re all about you.’”

Each store offers high quality bike retail, bike tours, bike hire and workshop services.

“It’s been great having our new Cromwell store open beside The Gate as the only rental and retail shop in the town. Across all our stores our local customers are bringing their bikes in for servicing and buying new accessories like helmets, lights and clothing to extend their riding into winter. Looking forward we are excited to see the completion of the new Kawarau Gorge Trail at the end of 2025 adding to the dynamic mix of trails on offer locally.”

“We offer an eight-day trip which is a big loop that includes the Central Otago Rail Trail, then the Clutha Gold trail followed by the Roxborough Gorge Trail finishing with a ride on the Lake Dunstan Trail. It’s a mix of trail grades and excellent fun for all levels.”