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. Our 10-day tour sweeps across the south end of the South Island, starting in Christchurch then curls up the west coast to Hokitika – from the Roxburgh Gorge trail through provincial farms, sheep stations and villages, along rugged coastlines and past ancient glaciers, finishing with a spectacular train journey over Arthur’s Pass via the TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch.
Itinerary
Day 01
Arrival in Christchurch
Lodging
Quest Christchurch
Meals
– Traditional Hangi Dinner
After settling into the hotel, the group meets for the first time in the afternoon. Time and weather permitting we take a short drive up the nearby Port Hills to the Sign of the Kiwi, where guests can enjoy a coffee with magnificent views (on a clear day!) We then travel across town to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for a guided kiwi tour and attend the Ko Tane Maori Cultural Experience which includes a traditional Hangi dinner.
Day 02
Christchurch to Twizel
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Mackenzie Country Hotel
Distance
34 miles (55 km)
Elevation
+850 ft / -1,698 ft
We leave Christchurch early and drive south through the Canterbury Plains heading towards Lake Tekapo where we get ready for our first ride on the Alps 2 Ocean Trail (A2O). Starting on the edge of the lake famous for its turquoise waters, the ride takes in golden tussock land, surreal blue canals, and one of the trail’s best lookouts over Lake Pukaki and the Southern Alps. We then ride to our destination of Twizel for the night.
Day 03
Twizel to Clyde
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Olivers Central Otago
Distance
24 miles (38 km)
After breakfast at the Hotel, we get on our bikes and continue on the next leg of the A2O to the edge of Lake Ohau. The Ben Ohau Range dwarfs all and sundry as you follow the lake foreshore towards Lake Ohau Village and its lodge – perfectly positioned for post-ride refreshments. After lunch we jump in the van and drive to Clyde.
Day 04
Clyde to Te Anau
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
The Distinction Luxmore
Distance
20 miles (32 km)
Elevation
+1,100 ft / -1,168 ft
We head out on our bikes first thing to ride the stunning Roxburgh Gorge. The trail also incorporates a 45 minute boat ride up the river (included in tour cost.). Then the van meets the group and drives to Te Anau, where we spend the evening.
Day 05
Te Anau to Queenstown
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Copthorne Hotel Queenstown
Distance
13 miles (21 km)
Elevation
+690 ft / -682 ft
We begin another day with a spectacular ride – this time on the Lake 2 Lake Trail that begins right out of Te Anau village. Pedal along rivers and lakes through a wonderland forest with a stunning mountain backdrop. The van then meets the guests and drives to Queenstown, where we will spend the next 2 nights.
Day 06
Queenstown
Meals
No Meals Included
Lodging
Copthorne Hotel Queenstown
Today we take a break from the bikes to explore one of the many activities Queenstown has to offer (all activities optional). We highly recommend an excursion to Milford or Doubtful Sound – all can be pre-booked prior to travel and paid for on the day of the activity. All meals are on your own today.
Day 07
Queenstown to Wanaka
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Wanaka Hotel
Distance
27 miles (44 km)
Elevation
+1,827 ft / -1,852 ft
In the morning you will cycle the incredible Queenstown trail to the legendary gold mining town of Arrowtown where you can visit old Chinese miner’s huts. From Arrowtown follow a cycle path to Kawarau Bridge and then be driven over the Crown Range for incredible views, past the famous Cardrona Hotel (a perfect place for a refreshment if time allows!) and then on to Wanaka where we will spend the night. Those with any energy left can take a walk along the lakefront to see the famous Wanaka Tree and continue along the Millennium track for more sensational views.
Day 08
Wanaka to Franz Joseph
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Lake Matheson Motel
Distance
22 miles (35 km)
Elevation
+775 ft / -688 ft
We jump on the bikes first thing this morning from the hotel and ride out to Gladstone, past Lake Hawea. The van will take us through the Mt. Aspiring National Park to Franz Josef for the evening.
Day 09
Franz Josef to Hokitika
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
Lodging
Beachfront Hotel
Distance
20 miles (32 km)
Elevation
+503 ft / -563 ft
This morning presents a great opportunity to take a helicopter flight over the Glaciers (weather permitting, pre-booking essential). For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, perhaps a dip in the hot pools or a visit to the kiwi house might be more your scene? Mid-morning, we head north to Ross where we hop on our bikes to start our first ride on the West Coast Wilderness Trail. We ride from Ross to Hokitika, our destination for the night, known for its production of Jade or Greenstone – a culturally significant stone to the Maori people.
Day 10
Last Day! Hokitika to Christchurch (via the TranzAlpine)
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Quest Christchurch
Distance
19 miles (31 km)
Elevation
+247 ft / -502 ft
It’s back on the bikes this morning for 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 included tonight.
