Stewart Island Electric Bikes
The best way to explore Rakiura...
Frequently asked questions:
I haven't ridden a bike in a while, how difficult is it to ride an e-bike?
An electric bike is a fantastic way to get back into cycling after a long break.
Our pedal assist e-bikes are very simple to use. The brakes and the 10 speed gears work exactly the same way as on a regular mountain bike. The only extra thing to learn is how to turn the assist up and down.
There is a monitor on the bikes handle bar with a plus button and a minus button . Press the plus symbol for more boost , press the minus button for less . Its that easy!! There are four modes to choose from: eco, tour, sport , turbo.
If you are worried about your fitness level an electric bike is a great option to try provided you have some basic cycling ability.On turbo mode you still have to pedal to activate the bike but the assist will greatly reduce the level of physical effort you have to put in .
I have very limited biking experience, can I hire an electric bike on Stewart island?
It depends... the terrain here is not suitable for complete beginners. The island's roads are very hilly and many are unsealed.
Essentially an electric bike makes the fitness aspect of biking much easier. Electric bikes do not however make all aspects of cycling easier .
To keep people safe our riders are required to have some basic pre-existing bike skills - i.e : balance, braking, turning safely.
I am booking on behalf of a large group, how many bikes do you have?
What is the weight limit for your e-bikes?
Our largest e-bike can support a maximum rider weight of 135kgs.
This is a limit set for safety purposes by the bike manufacturer.
What is the minimum rider height?
Our smallest e-bike fits riders who are at least 135cm tall.
What is the minimum rider age?
Generally we only allow children aged 12+ to hire our e-bikes.
Please be aware that this is decided on a case by case basis.
Slightly younger children may be permitted to hire an e-bike if they are tall enough, have sufficient riding ability and demonstrate road sense .We get children to do a quick test ride on the day of hire to ensure suitability.
Customers under 18 must be supervised by a guardian at all times during their e-bike hire.
Do you have kids seats/trailers available?
Yes, we have a range of kids options from baby carriers to our cargo bike with a rear seat that suits kids from age 7-12 .
Please note : The minimum age for the baby seats/ burly bee trailer is 9months. You can find out more about our kids options by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom of the page .
Do you have regular non-electric bikes for hire too?
Yes, although we only have two medium sized trek mountain bikes in our fleet.
There is not much demand for regular bike hire here due to the island's hilly terrain .
Please email us at ebikes@landsea.co.nz if you are interested in renting one of these.
Do I have to wear a helmet on Stewart island ?
Yes, in New Zealand it is mandatory by law for cyclists and bike passengers to wear suitable helmets. Helmets are included with your bike hire and must be worn while riding.
Where am I allowed to bike on the island ? Are there bike lanes ?
There are no bike lanes on the island. People mostly utilize e-bikes to explore the Oban's road network, rather than walking or hiring a car. Our bikes are allowed on the main sealed roads as well as the shingle/gravel roads further out from town.
Bikes are not permitted on walking-only tracks (e.g., the Rakiura great walk).
Bikes are also not allowed on the beaches or the airport access road.
If you would like to explore the beaches or walking tracks, you are welcome to leave the bikes somewhere suitable—in the car park or on the roadside—and explore by foot.
Is there any off road riding on the island ?
Yes, although please be aware that these tracks consist of uneven, sometimes challenging terrain and are often muddy.
These routes are not recommended for inexperienced cyclists .
There are three off road tracks that bikes are allowed on :
Part of the Kaipipi track , part of the horseshoe track and back road.
Can I take the ebike to Ulva island ?
No. Ulva island only has walking tracks - most with lots of stairs.
Section Title
Section Subtitle