Cycle Journeys operates on three of New Zealand’s Great Rides and offers end-to-end cycle trail experiences.

When Cycle Journeys started back in 2011, it was simple: two vans, three staff and 30 bikes stored in shipping containers in Twizel. The Alps 2 Ocean trail wasn’t even fully complete, but Cycle Journeys owner Geoff Gabites believed in what it could become, and in the kind of journeys he wanted to create.

“Back then, cycle tourism in New Zealand was still finding its feet,” he says. “There was no blueprint, no certainty, and no guarantee that people would travel across the world to explore these trails by bike. But we could see the potential – not just in the landscapes but also in the experience itself. Slowing down, connecting with places in a different way and creating memories through shared adventures.”

Fifteen years on, things look very different.

“We’ve grown into our third Twizel depot, home to more than 650 bikes supported by seven vehicles, 10 trailers and a team of over 40 passionate staff,” Gabites says. “We operate across seven trails with additional depots across the country – and even one in Samoa.”

But growth was never the only goal. What mattered – and still does – is trust.

“Early on we realised that great journeys are built on more than logistics,” Gabites says. “It’s not just about moving bikes and bags from one place to another. It’s about people feeling looked after, supported and confident in who they’re travelling with. For us, that came down to being knowledgeable, reliable, consistent, and genuinely caring about every rider’s experience.”

That’s where the Cycle Journeys mantra was born: ‘We know : We care’.

“It’s easy to say, but it was truly tested during Covid. When the world stopped more than half of our customers chose to leave their bookings and deposits with us, trusting that we would still be here when travel returned. That loyalty meant everything. It reinforced the importance of relationships, transparency and always putting people first.”

Cycle Journeys has continued to evolve alongside the changing needs of riders.

“We introduced long-haul shuttles to bridge gaps in public transport and make remote trails more accessible. We embraced e-bikes, opening up cycling holidays to an entirely new audience and allowing more people to experience New Zealand’s trails together, regardless of fitness or experience. We have discovered that trampers are cyclists, and cyclists are trampers. We expanded into the Pacific, creating off-season journeys in Samoa that combine adventure, culture and connection.”

And while the bikes, technology and destinations may have changed, the heart of Cycle Journeys hasn’t.

“We believe the best experiences come from local knowledge, genuine care and creating journeys that feel personal,” says Gabites. “We believe in supporting the communities and trails we work within through our ‘Leave Better’ sustainability programme. And we still get excited watching riders return at the end of the day with huge smiles, tired legs and stories to tell.

“Now, fifteen years in, we’re entering our next chapter. New ideas, new experiences, and new ways to connect people with the places we know and care deeply about.

“Fifteen years trusted. And we’re just getting started.”

Start your cycle trails journey at www.cyclejourneys.co.nz