Hiking and cycling tours for women who don’t want to travel alone.
New Zealand is waiting. So are we.
Lace up your boots, hop on a bike, and experience New Zealand the way it deserves to be seen — on foot, in the fresh air, with a great group of women by your side.
Almost 30 years of New Zealand adventures. Five years specialising in women-only tours. We know how to create journeys that stay with you — and every detail is handled, so all you need to bring is yourself.
UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURES
Adventure doesn't have an age. Our tours are about more than beautiful landscapes — they're about moments that stay with you.
Whether you're cycling the quiet trails of Central Otago, hiking the breathtaking Island Hills Station, or exploring peaceful bush, you'll enjoy days filled with discovery, great company, and food worth talking about.
"This was my second trip with Sidetracks Women, and both have been such great holidays. From the brilliant golds and reds of autumn to the excellent food and warm accommodation, I'm already planning my next trip." — Miranda Welch
COMFORTABLE & THOUGHTFUL ACCOMMODATIONS
After a full day outdoors, comfort matters. We choose places with character — cosy cabins, welcoming lodges, and warm spaces where you can properly rest and unwind.
Wherever possible, we book accommodation that gives our group a space of our own — somewhere to gather, share a meal, swap stories from the day, and enjoy that easy end-of-day company that makes a good trip great.
"The accommodation was excellent — warm, clean, and just what you need after a long day of hiking or biking." — Kerrie Hollman
Every detail is chosen with care. That's just how we do things.
ECO-CONSCIOUS AND SUSTAINABLE
We travel through some of New Zealand's most precious landscapes — and we take that responsibility seriously.
That means e-bikes over engines, reusable lunch boxes instead of single-use packaging, refillable water bottles instead of bought plastic, and sourcing from local suppliers wherever we can. Small choices, made consistently, that add up to something meaningful.
We love these places. We want them here for the next generation of adventurers too.
TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE
Tours where you feel looked after, not left behind.
Our highly experienced, local guides know every trail, every hidden gem, and exactly how to make your journey smooth and memorable.
"The guide was a huge benefit — so knowledgeable and supportive, helping us overcome every challenge and ensuring we had a blast." — Elizabeth Bibby
Whether you're a first-time adventurer or a seasoned traveller, you'll be encouraged, supported, and never out of your depth.
DELICIOUS HOME-COOKED FOOD
Good days deserve good meals — and ours are a little different from your typical tour.
Some food is prepared at home before the tour even begins. On the road, your guide cooks for the group using fresh, healthy ingredients — real food, made with care, shared around the table at the end of a great day.
These meals have a way of becoming the heart of the trip. Conversation flows, stories are swapped, and somewhere between the main course and dessert, a group of women becomes a group of friends.
We love a helping hand too — whether that's drying a dish or setting the table, pitching in is always welcome and very much part of the spirit of travelling with us.
READY TO START YOUR ADVENTURE?
The hardest part is deciding to go. After that, we take care of everything. All you need to bring is yourself — and a willingness to have a good time.
"If you're thinking about it — do it! Highly, highly recommended." — Amanda N., Alps to Ocean
Everything's organised. You just come along.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Rated on Google
500+ women travelled with us. Almost half have come back for more. That says it all.
MADE FOR WOMEN TRAVELLING SOLO
At Sidetracks Women, you're in good company — whether you book alone or with a friend. Many of our travellers come solo, and most will tell you it's one of the best decisions they've made.
Many women arrive a little nervous. That feeling doesn't last long.
"You come as strangers and leave as friends." — Coral, cycle tour
"I was nervous about travelling alone, but Sidetracks Women made everything so easy. I met incredible women, felt totally supported, and had the time of my life." — Sarah, Auckland
No awkward logistics, no feeling like the odd one out. Just a warm group of like-minded women, great trails, and memories you'll be talking about long after you're home.
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ADVENTURE
Some journeys change more than your scenery. Whether you're new to e-bikes or returning to hiking after a break, we're here to help you grow, build confidence, and surprise yourself along the way.
"The trip was full of fun, laughter, and just enough challenges to keep it exciting. I left feeling more confident and ready for my next adventure." — Lynda Matthews, Alps to Ocean
25 YEARS SIDETRACKS
Founded in Christchurch in 2001, Sidetracks has spent 25 years guiding travellers through New Zealand's most beautiful places — by bike, on foot, and always in good company.
For nearly two decades, our tours welcomed international groups from around the world. Then, through earthquakes and a pandemic, everything changed.
For the past six years, we have focused entirely on women-only guided tours — and it has become the heart of everything we do.
Find your perfect New Zealand adventure.
From coastal walks to cycling through Central Otago — browse our tours and find the one that's yours.
