Forbury School principal Janice Tofia said a bike was beyond the family budget for many of the children, and those who were given a bike were "hugely excited".
Each of 16 schools nominated five children to receive a bike and they were also given a cycle helmet, high-visibility vest and a T-shirt.
"It's great to reward children who work hard at school and are good role models in their schools," said Ms Tofia.
Variety chief executive Lorraine Taylor said Bikes for Kids was now in its 10th year and aimed to reward deserving children from low decile schools with what was in many cases their first bike.
"This recognition not only benefits the child concerned, but provides an incentive for their peers to follow in their footsteps and become good school and community citizens."
Variety ambassador Mark Wright said yesterday was the start of a nationwide Bikes for Kids tour as the charity gave away 1000 bicycles across the country.
When the programme first started, 150 bikes were given away, but this year there had been a big push for sponsorship to conduct the largest tour yet to celebrate the charity's 20th anniversary.
Variety has distributed $11.7 million to sick, disabled and disadvantaged New Zealand children since its inception in 1989.
