JollyBikes is a locally owned bicycle hub, workshop, and cycle touring specialist based in the heart of Thames, New Zealand. Serving as the primary gateway to the renowned Hauraki Rail Trail and surrounding Coromandel cycling routes, it is the longest-operating bike shop and tour operator in the area.
Founded in 2015 by Matthias John and Elena Casares del Arco, JollyBikes began as an electric bike rental business and has evolved into a comprehensive cycling centre. The shop features quality traditional and electric bikes, gear and accessories, as well as an expert workshop staffed by skilled mechanics capable of handling everything from basic tune-ups to race preparation across all bike brands.
In addition to bike sales and workshop services, JollyBikes offers tailored Hauraki Rail Trail tour packages, standard and e-bike rentals, and flexible shuttle and luggage transport options. Recognized with a Silver Sustainable Tourism Business Award in 2022, JollyBikes is dedicated to delivering safe, healthy, and accessible cycling experiences for riders of all skill levels.
Nestled in the historic town of Thames at the foot of the Coromandel Peninsula, JollyBikes stands as the premier hub for cyclists venturing onto the Hauraki Rail Trail and exploring the scenic roads of New Zealand. Established in 2015, JollyBikes holds the distinction of being the longest-operating bike shop and tour company in the Thames area. What started out as a boutique electric bike hire service has grown into a full-scale retail emporium, full-service workshop, and bespoke tour provider dedicated to making cycling accessible and enjoyable for every rider.
The venture is 100% locally owned and operated by Matthias John, a trained general practitioner, and Elena Casares del Arco. Originally hailing from Europe, the couple relocated to Thames with their five children in 2010, driven by a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the wellbeing benefits of cycling. Combining medical insight with a passion for cycling, Matthias champions e-bikes as an empowering, low-impact, and sustainable mode of transport and recreation. In 2022, their dedication to sustainable hospitality expanded when they acquired Dickson Holiday Park on the northern end of Thames, offering an integrated base for hikers and cyclists exploring the region.
The Hauraki Rail Trail is celebrated as one of New Zealand's Great Rides, offering gentle gradients, historic railway tunnels, and expansive rural landscapes. JollyBikes provides the essential support framework to navigate the trail smoothly. Visitors can choose from a range of flexible tour packages or design their own self-guided adventure with premium rental gear.
JollyBikes maintains an extensive fleet of standard pedal bicycles alongside electric bikes. Electric assist levels allow riders of differing fitness and experience to comfortably cycle together across varying trail segments. To ease multi-day route planning, JollyBikes also runs an on-demand shuttle and transport service. Operating without the constraints of rigid timetables, shuttles can be scheduled around individual rider preferences, complete with door-to-door luggage transfers and high-quality pannier bags to carry day-trip essentials.
Beyond hire and tourism logistics, JollyBikes serves as a reliable repair and service centre for local and visiting cyclists. The on-site workshop is fully equipped to handle bicycles of any brand or style. Experienced mechanics take on everything from rapid safety checks and puncture fixes to complete component overhauls and pre-race servicing.
The retail floor carries a curated range of new bikes, e-bikes, and genuine replacement parts, making it easy to pick up essential trail accessories or upgrade equipment before setting off on a long journey. The shop's commitment to high standards earned JollyBikes the Silver Sustainable Tourism Business Award in 2022, reflecting its consistent track record of community involvement, green business practices, and customer care.
Whether planning a multi-day trip along the Hauraki Rail Trail, hiring an e-bike for an afternoon, or needing an urgent derailleur adjustment, JollyBikes provides the practical knowledge and mechanical reliability that cyclists need in Thames.