Wellington Electric Bike Hire & Tours – Switched on Bikes
Updated: 4 th July 2026
Explore Wellington by Electric Bike – Guided Tours & Bike Hire
Quick Facts:
- Location: Queens Wharf, Wellington Waterfront
- Best for: Sightseeing, couples, families and independent explorers
- Bike options: Electric bikes, city bikes and tandem bikes
- Tours: Guided city and bays tours or self-guided bike hire
- ✔ Premium electric bikes with pedal assist
- ✔ Guided tours led by knowledgeable local guides
- ✔ Scenic waterfront, bays and city lookouts
- ✔ Suitable for all fitness levels
Explore Wellington on two wheels with Switched on Bikes, offering premium electric bike hire and guided cycling tours from the heart of the Wellington Waterfront. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride along the harbour, a scenic adventure to Mount Victoria, or a fully guided tour of the capital’s highlights, pedal-assist electric bikes make exploring Wellington’s famous hills easy, comfortable and fun.
Conveniently located on Queens Wharf, just a short walk from Wellington’s i-SITE Visitor Centre and cruise ship shuttle stops, Switched on Bikes is the perfect starting point for discovering the city at your own pace. Choose from guided sightseeing tours led by knowledgeable local guides or hire an electric bike and follow one of the many recommended routes around the waterfront, Oriental Bay, Miramar Peninsula, Zealandia, or the city’s spectacular hilltop lookouts.
Whether you’re visiting Wellington for a day, spending a weekend in the capital, or looking for a fun outdoor activity with family or friends, cycling is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience the city’s unique blend of culture, coastline and scenic landscapes. With quality bikes, local advice and routes suitable for all fitness levels, Switched on Bikes helps you see more of Wellington with less effort.
Why Explore Wellington by Electric Bike?
Wellington is one of New Zealand’s most rewarding cities to explore by bike. Dedicated waterfront cycleways, picturesque bays and spectacular hilltop lookouts are all within easy reach, while electric bikes make even the city’s famous hills enjoyable.
Starting from Queens Wharf on the Wellington Waterfront, you’ll have easy access to many of the capital’s best attractions, including Oriental Bay, Mount Victoria, Te Papa, Wētā Workshop and the scenic Miramar Peninsula. Whether you choose a guided tour or prefer to explore independently, cycling allows you to experience far more of Wellington than you could on foot.
Choose Your Wellington Bike Experience
Guided Electric Bike Tours
Guided tours are ideal if you want local insight while covering more ground. Knowledgeable guides share Wellington’s history, culture, and stories as you ride past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Popular guided tours include:
City Highlights Tour – Ride past Wellington’s must-see attractions, including Parliament’s Beehive, Wellington Cathedral, and Te Papa
Wadestown to Zealandia Tour – Cycle through leafy suburbs to Zealandia Ecosanctuary, home to native wildlife
Wellington Waterfront Tour – Enjoy an easy, scenic ride along the harbour with skyline and coastal views
Self-Guided Electric Bike Hire
Prefer to explore at your own pace? Electric bike hire is available for independent riders, with a range of suggested routes from easy waterfront rides to more challenging hill climbs. Maps and route advice are provided to help you make the most of your time in Wellington.
Whether you’re visiting Wellington for the first time or rediscovering your own city, Switched on Bikes offers a relaxed, enjoyable way to experience more with less effort.
Guided Electric Bike Tour
Introduction to Wellington
Price: $145 per adult Teenager $100
Departs: Select time when booking
Duration: 2 to 2.5 Hours
Best for: First-time visitors, cruise passengers and anyone wanting an easy introduction to Wellington.
Perfect if you’re short on time, this relaxed guided bike tour introduces you to Wellington’s vibrant waterfront, cultural landmarks and fascinating history. Riding mainly on dedicated cycleways and flat waterfront paths, you’ll enjoy a comfortable pace while your knowledgeable local guide shares stories about the capital’s people, architecture and creative culture.
Tour Highlights
- Cruise along the scenic Wellington Waterfront and Oriental Bay.
- Visit New Zealand Parliament, the Beehive and Wellington Railway Station.
- Ride past Te Papa, Cuba Street and Wellington Stadium.
- Plenty of opportunities for photographs and local recommendations.
Regular bicycles are used for this mostly flat ride, with the option to upgrade to an electric bike for even greater comfort. Tours depart and finish at Switched on Bikes on Queens Wharf.
Guided Electric Bike Tour
Wellington Bays & Mt Victoria
Price: $195 per adult Teenager $125
Departs: Select when booking
Duration: 3 to 4 Hours
Best for: Visitors wanting to see more of Wellington’s coastline, scenic bays and spectacular viewpoints.
Discover why this is one of Wellington’s most popular cycling experiences. With the assistance of premium electric bikes, you’ll effortlessly explore the city’s picturesque bays, waterfront and the beautiful Miramar Peninsula before climbing to the iconic Mount Victoria Lookout for breathtaking panoramic views across Wellington Harbour.
Tour Highlights
- Scenic ride around Oriental Bay and Wellington Harbour.
- Explore the beautiful Miramar Peninsula.
- Relax with a café stop along the way.
- Enjoy spectacular 360-degree views from Mount Victoria Lookout.
Following a safety briefing and practice session, your guide leads the small group at a comfortable pace, ensuring riders of all experience levels can enjoy the journey.
City Bike Hire (Non-Electric)
Price: $60 per person
Hire period: Half Day (Upto 4 Hours)
Pick Up: from 8:30 am onwards & ride for upto 4 Hours, returned prior 5:30 pm.
Best for: Visitors wanting a relaxed ride along Wellington’s waterfront and bays.
Hire a quality city bike and explore Wellington at your own pace. Perfect for leisurely rides, sightseeing and visiting many of the capital’s best attractions without worrying about parking or traffic.
Popular routes include the scenic Miramar Peninsula, Oriental Bay, Lyall Bay, and Wellington’s bustling waterfront cafés.
Includes
- Helmet
- Bike lock
- Wellington cycle map
- Local route recommendations
Full-day hire is also available for $70 per person.
BOOK HERE Full Day Hire $70 per person
Tandem Bike Hire - Half Day
Price: $85 per person
Hire period: Half Day (Upto 4 Hours)
Pick Up: from 8:30 am onwards & ride for upto 4 Hours, returned prior 5:30 pm.
Best for: Couples, friends and families looking for a fun day out together.
Experience Wellington from a different perspective aboard a tandem bike. Whether you’re cruising the waterfront, riding to Shelly Bay or tackling a longer scenic loop, tandem bikes offer a memorable and entertaining way to explore the capital together.
Each hire includes a comprehensive safety briefing, helmets, lock and route maps to help you make the most of your ride.
Electric Bike Hire - Half Day
Price: $85 per person
Hire period: Half Day (Upto 4 Hours)
Pick Up: Anytime from 8:30 am onwards & ride for upto 4 Hours, returned prior 5:30 pm.
Best for: Visitors wanting to explore Wellington’s highlights in just a few hours.
Electric bike hire makes exploring Wellington’s hills and coastline effortless. With pedal assistance, you’ll comfortably reach attractions including Mount Victoria, Oriental Bay, Miramar Peninsula, Te Papa and many of the city’s best viewpoints.
Half-day hire gives you plenty of time to discover Wellington’s most popular cycling routes while enjoying café stops and waterfront scenery at your own pace.
Upgrade to a full day if you’d like to visit attractions such as Zealandia, Te Papa, or Wētā Workshop.
Electric Bike Hire - Full Day
Price: $99 per person
Hire period: Full Day (Upto 8 Hours)
Pick Up: Anytime from 8:30 am (9:00 am Weekends) onwards & ride for upto Hours, returned prior 5:30 pm.
Best for: Visitors wanting complete freedom to explore Wellington’s attractions, bays and scenic lookouts.
A full-day electric bike hire gives you the flexibility to experience Wellington without rushing. Use your e-bike as both transport and adventure as you cycle between the city’s iconic attractions, hidden bays and spectacular viewpoints.
Recommended full-day rides include Zealandia, Mount Victoria, Miramar Peninsula, Te Papa, the Cable Car, Wētā Workshop and the scenic South Coast. Thanks to pedal assistance, you can comfortably cover far more ground while enjoying one of New Zealand’s most bike-friendly cities.
Best Places to Explore by Bike in Wellington
One of the best things about hiring a bike in Wellington is the variety of places you can easily reach in a single ride. From scenic waterfront paths and sheltered bays to panoramic lookouts and purpose-built mountain bike trails, there’s a route to suit every ability and interest. With an electric bike, even Wellington’s famous hills become part of the adventure, allowing you to explore more of the city in less time.
Mount Victoria Lookout
Just a 10-minute ride from Switched on Bikes, Mount Victoria is one of Wellington’s most iconic viewpoints. Choose from a network of mountain bike trails ranging from easy to advanced, or simply ride to the summit and enjoy spectacular panoramic views across Wellington Harbour, the city skyline and Cook Strait.
Polhill Reserve & Brooklyn Wind Turbine
Only 15 minutes from the waterfront, Polhill Reserve offers an excellent mix of shared trails, flowing single-track and more challenging downhill sections. Ride to the famous Brooklyn Wind Turbine for sweeping views before enjoying an exhilarating descent back towards the city.
Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park
One of New Zealand’s premier mountain biking destinations, Makara Peak features an extensive network of purpose-built trails for all skill levels. Reach the park by taking your bike on the Wellington Cable Car before riding through the Botanic Garden and on to Makara. A full-day hire is recommended to make the most of this adventure.
Miramar Peninsula
A favourite ride for both locals and visitors, the Miramar Peninsula combines scenic coastal roads, quiet bays and gentle hills with fascinating film history. It’s also home to Wētā Workshop, making it a popular destination for movie fans exploring Wellington by bike.
Red Rocks & Wellington’s South Coast
For a rewarding longer ride, follow the coastline to the rugged South Coast and Red Rocks. The journey passes beautiful bays before reaching the dramatic shoreline, where you may spot New Zealand fur seals resting on the rocks during winter. A full-day electric bike hire is recommended for this unforgettable coastal adventure.
See Wellington Your Way on an Electric Bike
Whether you’re chasing viewpoints, coastal scenery, or off-road trails, an electric bike gives you the freedom to explore Wellington at your own pace — without worrying about hills or distance.
Frequently Asked Questions – Wellington Electric Bike Hire & Tours
Why choose Switched on Bikes for electric bike hire and guided tours in Wellington?
Switched on Bikes is a locally owned Wellington company offering premium electric bike hire and guided cycling tours from its convenient Queens Wharf waterfront location. With quality bikes, knowledgeable local guides and flexible hire options, it’s one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore Wellington’s waterfront, bays, scenic lookouts and popular attractions.
How do electric bikes make sightseeing in Wellington easier?
Electric bikes use pedal-assist technology to make riding Wellington’s famous hills and longer distances much easier. You’ll be able to explore more of the city while using less effort, making electric bikes suitable for riders of all ages and fitness levels. They’re perfect for visiting attractions such as Mount Victoria, Oriental Bay, Zealandia, Wētā Workshop and the Miramar Peninsula.
Are the guided electric bike tours suitable for beginners?
Yes. The guided tours are designed for riders of all experience levels and begin with a comprehensive safety briefing and practice session before setting off. Your guide sets a relaxed pace with regular stops for photos, local stories and sightseeing, ensuring everyone enjoys a comfortable and memorable experience.
What can I see on a self-guided electric bike hire in Wellington?
Self-guided electric bike hire gives you the freedom to explore Wellington at your own pace. Popular routes include the Wellington Waterfront, Oriental Bay, Mount Victoria, Miramar Peninsula, Polhill Reserve, Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park and Red Rocks on the rugged South Coast. Route maps and local recommendations are provided to help you make the most of your ride.
What is included with electric bike hire?
Electric bike hire includes a quality pedal-assist electric bike, helmet, bike lock and local route map. The friendly team at Switched on Bikes will also provide recommendations on the best cycling routes, scenic lookouts and attractions to suit the amount of time you have available.
Why choose an electric bike tour instead of other sightseeing options?
Electric bike tours offer a fun, flexible and environmentally friendly way to experience Wellington. You can cover much more ground than walking while enjoying fresh air, spectacular harbour views and easy access to many of the city’s top attractions. Whether you choose a guided tour or self-guided hire, an electric bike lets you discover Wellington at your own pace without worrying about steep hills or parking.