About
River Riders traces its roots back to 2017 in Ngāruawāhia, with a humble gazebo perched along the riverside and a few bikes to rent. This was the inception, a vision realised at the early stages of Te Awa ‘The Great NZ River Ride’. Since then, River Riders has developed into a vibrant cycling community. Now anchored at the iconic Hamilton Gardens, we have become more than a cycle tourism hub — we’re a conduit for electric adventures, cultural connections, and sustainable explorations along the mighty Waikato River. Join us as we pedal through history, culture, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Waikato, creating experiences that linger long after the ride ends.
We are River Riders
We’re a testament to the enduring spirit of family, beginning as a modest family venture on the weekends, River Riders remains under the dedicated ownership and operation of Dee and Dan. As a family-centric business, our values of connection and care extend to every aspect of our operation.
We strongly believe in Manākitanga – which is the process of showing respect, generosity and care for the people who use our services, their whānau and communities.
We take pride in providing not just high-quality bikes & e-bikes, but offering a gateway to electric adventures along the mighty Waikato River. With family in mind, we have options the whole family can enjoy. Our fleet is a blend of reliability, innovation, and sustainability, ensuring each ride is not only thrilling but environmentally conscious too.
We are River Riders
We’re a testament to the enduring spirit of family, beginning as a modest family venture on the weekends, River Riders remains under the dedicated ownership and operation of Dee and Dan. As a family-centric business, our values of connection and care extend to every aspect of our operation.
We strongly believe in Manākitanga – which is the process of showing respect, generosity and care for the people who use our services, their whānau and communities.
We take pride in providing not just high-quality bikes & e-bikes, but offering a gateway to electric adventures along the mighty Waikato River. With family in mind, we have options the whole family can enjoy. Our fleet is a blend of reliability, innovation, and sustainability, ensuring each ride is not only thrilling but environmentally conscious too.
River Riders Vision and Mission
Our vision is to transcend the conventional boundaries of bike rentals, transforming each journey into an unforgettable electric adventure. Rooted in family values and a deep connection to the Waikato region, our mission is to offer not just rides but a gateway to exploration and connection.
Our Commitment to Sustainability:
Sustainability is the cornerstone of our philosophy, not a mere buzzword. Nestled in the iconic Hamilton Gardens, our main base is more than just a cycle tourism hub; it’s a commitment to the preservation of the Waikato river and surrounding natural beauty. Operating on solar energy and utilising recycled rainwater, our cycle tourism hub stands as a testament to our dedication to eco-friendly practices. Every pedal with us is a step towards sustainable exploration, harmonising nature, family, and quality. Ensuring our future Whanau can enjoy it too. Think, responsible adventure meets the thrill of the ride.
Our mission is to make Hamilton a world-class cycle tourism destination. By collaborating with other operators along the Waikato River, we want to create a community offering that packages all the best there is to do, while being environmentally and economically responsible as a destination.
"Best service recovery experience. We booked 2 stepper bikes online and when we arrived, they were out of service. We were so disappointed as we wanted to try them out, but instead we were offered 2 x very nice e-bikes, valued at much more than we booked the stepper bikes for. The bikes were excellent quality, well maintained, and made our Te Awa River Ride a wonderful experience. They even let us drop the bikes off at the city shop, as it was closer to our hotel. Kia ora for making our short stay in Hamilton one to remember."
- Lisa R
"Dee was really helpful and sorted out everything smoothly (hired from Hamilton Gardens). 😊 The E-bike was great and you must take it if you are not a professional rider."
- Ashwyn Singh
"Loved it! We started this amazing adventure at Hamilton Gardens and cycling towards Ngaruawahia. The trail was a blast, offering beautiful river views with a nice mix of ups, downs, turns, and smooth stretches that kept the journey both interesting and relaxed. Dee and were super friendly and accommodating! I can't stress enough how much I recommend this experience."
- Tenaya Robertson-Russell
"Family friendly service - the river riders team were incredibly helpful, delivering a bike to me, making sure it was the right size and lots of helpful advice as we had a amazing experience cycling the Te Awa trail. Excellent service also from electrify in Hamilton who swapped a fully charged battery for me."
- Megan Henderson
Booking FAQ
How do I rent a bike from River Riders?
To rent a bike from River Riders, simply visit our website, go to the express booking and use our user-friendly BRM (Bike Rental Management) system.
Select your preferred bike, pick-up location, rental duration, and complete the booking process by providing your contact and payment details.
What types of bikes are available for rent?
What if I don't know how to ride an electric bike?
If you’re not familiar with riding an electric bike, no worries! We offer a safety induction before your ride to ensure you have the necessary knowledge and guidance for a comfortable and secure biking experience. Our team will provide instructions on how to operate the electric bike and share essential safety guidelines to get you started with confidence.
What are the rental rates for River Riders bikes?
Our rental rates vary depending on the type of bike, rental duration, and any additional services or accessories you may require. You can find detailed pricing information on our website by selecting your desired bike and rental options.
Do I need to make a deposit when renting a bike?
No, but we do require full payment to confirm your booking. This can be made via our booking system using our stripe payment service, or via bank transfer once you have received your provisional booking. We can also invoice you for your rental if required.
Can I extend my bike rental period if needed?
Yes, you can extend your rental period if the bike is available. You can do this by contacting our customer support team on 027 265 5504. Additional charges will apply for extended rental periods. You can also extend your rental on the day of your ride, should you decide to stay out on the trail longer, you can top up your hire on return. Subject to availability.
What is included with my bike rental?
Your bike rental includes the bike itself, a lock, and a helmet for your safety as well as a basic medical aid kit. If you need additional accessories, such as a bike rack, child seat, tag-along bike or suspension seat post you can add them during the booking process for an extra fee.
What is the cancellation policy for bike rentals?
Cancellations made with a notice period of 72 hours or more prior to the scheduled rental date will be eligible for a refund of 80% of the total rental fee.
Cancellations made within 72 hours of the scheduled rental date will not be eligible for a refund. The exact cancellation terms can be found on our website and during the booking process.
How do I pick up and return the bike?
You can pick up your bike at the designated River Riders location you selected during the booking process. To return the bike, simply bring it back to the same location or one of our other locations that we have pre-agreed upon, at the end of your rental period. We provide clear instructions for pick-up and return on our website and in your booking confirmation email.
What happens if I encounter issues with the bike during my rental?
If you experience any issues with the bike during your rental, please contact our customer support team immediately on 027 265 5504. We will provide guidance on how to proceed, whether it’s troubleshooting over the phone or arranging for a replacement bike. This rarely happens though.
Is there a minimum age requirement for renting a bike?
Yes, there is a minimum age requirement for renting a bike, children under the age of 18 have to be accompanied by a parent.
Can I rent a bike for a group or special event?
What is accidental bike insurance, and do I need it?
If you have any more questions or need assistance with your bike rental, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly customer support team on 027 265 5504 or through our website. Become an electrical explorer with River Riders!
How do I rent a bike from River Riders?
To rent a bike from River Riders, simply visit our website, go to the express booking and use our user-friendly BRM (Bike Rental Management) system.
Select your preferred bike, pick-up location, rental duration, and complete the booking process by providing your contact and payment details.
What types of bikes are available for rent?
What if I don't know how to ride an electric bike?
If you’re not familiar with riding an electric bike, no worries! We offer a safety induction before your ride to ensure you have the necessary knowledge and guidance for a comfortable and secure biking experience. Our team will provide instructions on how to operate the electric bike and share essential safety guidelines to get you started with confidence.
What are the rental rates for River Riders bikes?
Our rental rates vary depending on the type of bike, rental duration, and any additional services or accessories you may require. You can find detailed pricing information on our website by selecting your desired bike and rental options.
Do I need to make a deposit when renting a bike?
No, but we do require full payment to confirm your booking. This can be made via our booking system using our stripe payment service, or via bank transfer once you have received your provisional booking. We can also invoice you for your rental if required.
Can I extend my bike rental period if needed?
Yes, you can extend your rental period if the bike is available. You can do this by contacting our customer support team on 027 265 5504. Additional charges will apply for extended rental periods. You can also extend your rental on the day of your ride, should you decide to stay out on the trail longer, you can top up your hire on return. Subject to availability.
What is included with my bike rental?
Your bike rental includes the bike itself, a lock, and a helmet for your safety as well as a basic medical aid kit. If you need additional accessories, such as a bike rack, child seat, tag-along bike or suspension seat post you can add them during the booking process for an extra fee.
What is the cancellation policy for bike rentals?
Cancellations made with a notice period of 72 hours or more prior to the scheduled rental date will be eligible for a refund of 80% of the total rental fee.
Cancellations made within 72 hours of the scheduled rental date will not be eligible for a refund. The exact cancellation terms can be found on our website and during the booking process.
How do I pick up and return the bike?
You can pick up your bike at the designated River Riders location you selected during the booking process. To return the bike, simply bring it back to the same location or one of our other locations that we have pre-agreed upon, at the end of your rental period. We provide clear instructions for pick-up and return on our website and in your booking confirmation email.
What happens if I encounter issues with the bike during my rental?
If you experience any issues with the bike during your rental, please contact our customer support team immediately on 027 265 5504. We will provide guidance on how to proceed, whether it’s troubleshooting over the phone or arranging for a replacement bike. This rarely happens though.
Is there a minimum age requirement for renting a bike?
Yes, there is a minimum age requirement for renting a bike, children under the age of 18 have to be accompanied by a parent.
Can I rent a bike for a group or special event?
Absolutely! River Riders can accommodate group rentals and special events. Please contact our customer support team, on 027 265 5504 , in advance to discuss your specific requirements, and we’ll assist you in making the necessary arrangements.
What is accidental bike insurance, and do I need it?
Accidental bike insurance is an optional coverage that provides financial protection in case of accidents or damage to the bike during your rental period. While it’s not mandatory, we highly recommend considering this insurance for added peace of mind. It can help cover repair or replacement costs to the value of $500 in the event of an unforeseen accident or damage to the bike.
If you have any more questions or need assistance with your bike rental, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly customer support team on 027 265 5504 or through our website. Become an electrical explorer with River Riders!