Ride for Change.
Celebrating Wānaka’s growing network of urban transport links, while igniting the communities love for bikes, with our tamariki leading the way. From epic community rides a Wānaka schools’ Bike Bus, a Bike 4 Books showdown, and Love Your Bike workshops—we’re pedalling our way to fun!
Faces of Change.
Faces of Change is all about celebrating our biking community—our young riders, families, and community members who are making a difference, one bike ride at a time. We want to hear your story! Share why you love to ride and how cycling is part of your everyday life. Whether it’s the freedom, the fun, or the impact on the planet, your story can inspire others to get involved.
How to get involved:
Post your photos or videos on social media or email us
Tag #RideForChange and #FacesOfChange
Tell us why you love to ride!
Mention @waoaotearoa
Email your photos and videos directly to kiaora@wao.co.nz
Help us showcase the incredible people pedaling Wānaka forward.
Ride for Change is a community-wide campaign running from 1 April to 30 June, designed to inspire Wānaka to embrace biking as a fun, everyday choice—led by our young people. Over three months, we’ll celebrate cycling through exciting school challenges, group rides, and hands-on workshops, all aimed at empowering tamariki and rangatahi to take the lead. By building skills, boosting confidence, and creating safer, more social ways to move around our town, Ride for Change is about more than bikes—it’s about shaping a connected, healthy, and climate-positive future for Wānaka.
Community Fun Rides.
Bike for Books.
Bike for Books is a fun and motivating challenge encouraging tamariki and rangatahi to swap four wheels for two by riding, walking, or scooting to school. Every trip earns points for their school, with the chance to win a stack of books for their library. It's all about getting kids moving, building positive habits, and creating friendly competition while supporting literacy and a love for learning.
Bike Bus.
The Bike Bus is a safe group ride from local Wānaka schools to the Wānaka Recreation Centre. Led by adult and senior student volunteers, the Bike Bus follows set routes, picking up young riders along the way—just like a regular bus, but on bikes! It’s a fun and supportive way to boost confidence, reduce traffic congestion, and help kids build lasting friendships while makes cycling safer and more social for tamariki and rangatahi.
Love your Bike Workshops.
Our Love Your Bike Workshops give young people the tools and confidence to care for their bikes. These hands-on sessions teach tamariki and rangatahi essential bike maintenance skills like fixing a flat, adjusting brakes, and keeping their ride in top shape. It’s about empowerment, independence, and making sure every young rider has the knowledge to stay safe and enjoy their journey.
Youth Empowerment.
At the heart of Ride for Change is the belief that young people are the drivers of a better future. We’re giving tamariki and rangatahi the skills, confidence, and support to make active transport part of their everyday lives—building independence and a deeper connection to their community.
Community Connection.
Ride for Change brings Wānaka together. From bike buses to community fun rides, we’re creating opportunities for kids, families, and the wider community to connect through shared experiences. Together, we’re making our streets safer, more vibrant, and welcoming for everyone.
Climate Action in Motion.
Every ride is a step towards a healthier planet. By encouraging cycling and active transport, we’re cutting carbon emissions and easing congestion. Ride for Change makes climate action simple, fun, and part of daily life—one pedal stroke at a time.
