New Zealand South Island Trail Bike Tour
Breathtaking scenery and pristine coastline are just a couple of reasons why New Zealand is a cyclist’s Trip of a Lifetime. But did you know that they also have an incredible network of traffic-free gravel trails? Our 10-day tour gives the perfect taste of the best trails in the South Island (~75% of the miles are unpaved). Pedal 2 days on the world-famous “Alps 2 Ocean” with views of New Zealand’s highest mountains and the region’s full symphony of color. Ride the stark beauty of The Roxburgh Gorge and its incredible river riding steeped in gold mining history. Check out the newly opened and most spectacular “Greatest Ride in New Zealand” – the Lake Dunstan Trail (an engineering feat that needs to be seen to be believed). Sample more serene beauty on the Queenstown Trail before heading to the rain forested “Wild West” for 2 days on the West Coast Wilderness Trail. Finish your tour with a spectacular train journey over Arthur’s Pass via the TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch. Sightseeing on two wheels has never looked so good!
Itinerary
Day 01
Meet in Christchurch and paddle a traditional canoe.
Lodging
Quest in Christchurch
Meals
– Dinner
After settling in at the hotel, we meet for the first time in the afternoon for a bike fitting and short test ride before jumping right into the history of New Zealand. Paddle a “waka” – a large traditional hand-built canoe – on the Ōtākaro Avon River while you learn about the culture of the Maori and their interactions with early European settlers (included in tour cost). Lodging tonight is in Christchurch at Quest Cathedral Junction.
Day 02
Marvel at lakes and mountain ranges along the "Alps 2 Ocean" trail.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Lake Ohau Lodge
Distance
35 miles (56 km)
Elevation
+1171 ft / -1208 ft
We leave Christchurch early and drive south (3.5-4hrs) through the Canterbury Plains heading Lake Pukaiki and Twizel for our first ride. Cycle along Lake Pukaiki with stunning views of Mt. Cook / Aoraki. Pass through the township of Twizel and continue along the Alps2Ocean trail to Lake Ohau. The Ben Ohau Range dwarfs all and sundry as we follow the lakeshore towards Lake Ohau Village – perfectly positioned for post-ride refreshments, and our accommodation for the night at Lake Ohau Lodge.
Day 03
Pedal a newer section of the Alps 2 Ocean today along Lake Benmore.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Lake Marsden Resort
Distance
32 miles (51 km)
Elevation
+1,498 ft / -2,010 ft
After breakfast at the lodge, we take a short drive (~1/2hr) to Omarama, where we will continue along another (and newest) section of the A2O. Cycling along Lake Benmore and then taking in the newly opened section from Sailors Cutting to Benmore Dam is an incredible experience with amazing scenery. Continue riding to Aviemore Dam, where the van will be waiting to transport the group (~2hrs) to Cromwell for the night. Lodging is at Marsden Lake Resort.
Day 04
The Lake Dunstan Trail, the historic town of Cromwell, and the Cromwell Gorge.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Oliver’s Central Otago
Distance
31 miles (50 km)
Elevation
+1974 ft / -2082 ft
Ride the Lake Dunstan Trail today, one of the newest trails in New Zealand. Follow the waterside most of the day as you pedal along the lake to the historic town of Cromwell and onward through Cromwell Gorge. The spectacular trail engineering and incredible views truly make this a one-of-a-kind route. The trail ends in Clyde, where we spend the night. Lodging is at Olivers Central Otago.
Day 05
Bicycle and boat Roxburgh Gorge on the way to Queenstown.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Copthorne Hotel Queenstown
Distance
35 miles (56 km)
Elevation
+1,400 ft / -1,621 ft
After another beautiful breakfast, we head out on our bikes to ride the stunning Roxburgh Gorge. The trail also incorporates a 45-minute boat ride up the river (included in tour cost). At the end of the ride, the group will be transported to Queenstown (~2hrs), our destination for the next 2 nights. Lodging is at the waterfront Copthorne Hotel.
Day 06
Enjoy Queenstown today!
Meals
No Meals Included
Lodging
Copthorne Hotel Queenstown
Today we’ll put our bikes aside to give you a chance to break free from the group and explore one or more of the many activities the Queenstown area has to offer. Maybe you’d like to take an excursion to Milford or Doubtful Sound, or a steamboat ride over to Walter Peak for a Farm Tour and afternoon tea or bbq dinner … the options are many and diverse! (All activities are optional and not included in the tour package.) Or you may just wish to relax and spend some time wandering the town exploring the cafes and shops along the waterfront. Enjoy another night at the Copthorne. All meals are on your own today in Queenstown.
Day 07
Cycle the Queenstown Trail to legendary Arrowtown and get dizzy at Kawarau Bridge - famous for bungy jumping.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Wanaka Hotel
Distance
25 miles (40 km)
Elevation
+1,368 ft / -1,261 ft
In the morning we’ll bike the incredible Queenstown Trail to the legendary gold mining town of Arrowtown. Then from Arrowtown, follow a cycle path to Kawarau Bridge. Home of AJ Hackett’s bungy center, we will stop and watch a few brave souls fling themselves from the bridge. Afterwards, we will be driven (~1hr) over the Crown Range, with a photo and refreshment stop at the famous Cardrona Hotel and then on to Wanaka where we will spend the night. Lodging is at the Wanaka Hotel.
Day 08
Lake Hawea, Mt. Aspiring National Park, and Fox Glacier - what a day!
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Lake Matheson Motel
Distance
16 miles (26 km)
Elevation
+728 ft / -495 ft
We jump on the bikes first thing this morning from the hotel and ride out to Lake Hawea for lunch. The van will then take us through the Mt Aspiring National Park to Fox Glacier for the evening (~4hrs). Time permitting, a short walk at Ship Creek is a great way to stretch the legs on the way. Lodging is at Lake Matheson Motel.
Day 09
Hokitika and the West Coast Wilderness Trail.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
Lodging
Beachfront Hotel
Distance
9 miles (14km)
[Optional PM Ride: 14mi (23km)]Elevation
+311 ft / -373 ft
[Optional PM Ride: +396 ft / -861 ft]The day begins with a pre-breakfast hike to the Lake Matheson lookout, offering spectacular views of Mount Tasman and Mt Cook/Aoraki. For those seeking an additional thrill, this morning presents an excellent chance to take a heli-flight over the glaciers (weather permitting, pre-booking essential, not included in the tour). After breakfast, we head north to start our first ride on the West Coast Wilderness Trail. We ride to Hokitika for lunch on the beach. After lunch, for those wishing to ride more, we drive up to Lake Kaniere for a thrilling downhill ride back to town. Lodging is at the Beachfront Hotel in Hokitika and dinner is on your own tonight.
Day 10
Enjoy more riding on the West Coast Wilderness Trail before hopping aboard the scenic TranzAlpine Train back to Christchurch.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Quest in Christchurch
Distance
18 miles (30 km)
Elevation
+340 ft / -593 ft
This morning head out on another stretch of the West Coast Wilderness trail – this time from Kumara to Greymouth. We arrive in time to board the TranzAlpine for your spectacular train journey over Arthur’s Pass and back to Christchurch for a farewell dinner. Lodging is inlcuded for your last night at Quest Cathedral Junction (same location as on Day 1).
