Wānaka’s Ride for Change: Students Clock Over 8,400km of Active Travel
Since launching in April, Ride for Change has been picking up serious speed across Wānaka—powered by tamariki, whānau, and a town that’s embracing biking not just for fun, but for the future. Led by Wao Aotearoa, the three-month campaign has been bringing our community together with school workshops, after-school rides, themed fun rides, and a big vision: to create a safer, healthier, more connected Wānaka—one pedal stroke at a time.
So, what have we achieved?
8,466km of active travel logged by students from Wānaka Primary and Holy Family School—that’s the equivalent of riding from Wānaka to Auckland and back. Three times.
2 tonnes of carbon emissions avoided by choosing bikes, scooters, and walking instead of car trips.
$2,000 worth of new books—47 titles and counting—donated to school libraries through Bike 4 Books, a Wao-designed challenge that turns every active trip into points for books. Big thanks to Bateman Books for backing young readers and riders.
5 schools engaged in 'Love Your Bike' workshops, delivered with WORD’s Rob Barry and U19 NZ road champ Muireann Green—teaching tamariki the joy of fixing a flat, tuning a chain, and riding with confidence.
“The children all came back full of new information and skills which is going to be so helpful moving forward.”
— Fergus McLean, Associate Principal, Holy Family School
And we’re just getting started.
Every Tuesday this term, the Bike Bus has been rolling out from Holy Family School to the Recreation Centre—a supervised, set-route group ride that’s helping kids grow confidence on the road, make friends, and have fun on two wheels. With multiple pick-up and drop-off points, its active transport made simple. You can sign up your child at wao.co.nz/bikebus.
Next Stop: Matariki Fun Ride – 21 June
Following April’s Easter Ride (which brought 60+ riders together), we’re inviting the community to ride with us again—this time to celebrate Matariki. It’s free, it’s for all ages, and it’s another beautiful chance to connect through culture, community, and climate action. Join us for free hot chocolates! Register at wao.co.nz
This movement runs on collaboration.
We’re so grateful to our local champions:
– Racers Edge, for discounted bike repair kits for schools
– Fernway Bags, for awesome ride-day prizes
– Ocho Chocolate, for keeping our community riders powered up on our fun rides
Ride on, Wānaka. You’re leading the way.
Join the movement at wao.co.nz/ride-for-change