The Hāwea River Trail is a scenic and relatively easy mountain biking track of grade 1-2. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels. We booked this as a tour from Wānaka, so a shuttle transported us to Hawea first. This allowed us to do this as a one-way bike rice of about 30 km (18.6 mi).
You can book this shuttle and bike combination at 9 AM, 10;30 AM, or 12:30 AM. This is a 'self-guided' bike ride from Hāwea to Wānaka along the river trails. Your host will explain the route to be ridden on the shuttle out to Hāwea and will deliver a bike familiarisation, safety briefing and set your bike set up for you prior to you starting the ride.
This route includes riding along the Hāwea River trails to Albert Town. Stop and enjoy coffee and cakes (not included) at Albert Towns' Pembroke Patisserie (closes at 2:00 PM). Return to the bridge and you then pick-up the the Clutha River trail and follow this back all the way to Wānaka, through the Outlet and into the town where the bikes will be picked up from you when you have finished your days riding. The latest pickup is 4pm.