New Zealand South Island E-Bike Trail 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? Explore some of the best bike trails in New Zealand from the comfort of an E-Bike. Blast up hills with ease and let the scenery take your breath away instead! Our 10-day tour gives the perfect taste of the best trails in the South Island (~75% of the miles are unpaved). From the world famous Alps 2 Ocean with views of New Zealand’s highest mountains and the region’s full symphony of color, to the stark beauty of The Roxburgh Gorge and its incredible river riding steeped in gold mining history, 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), the serene beauty of the Queenstown trails and finally over to the Wild West – 2 days on the West Coast Wilderness trail riding through incredible rain forests and showcasing some of the area’s best scenery. We finish the tour with a spectacular train journey over Arthur’s Pass via the TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch. Sightseeing on 2 wheels has never looked so good, nor been so easy!
COMPARE! A SPECIAL LODGING NOTE: Our 10-day tour includes lodging for all 10 days of the itinerary!
Itinerary
Day 01
Arrive in Christchurch, go for a test ride, and paddle a "waka" while you learn about the cultural traditions and history of New Zealand.
Lodging
Quest Cathedral Junction (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 at Quest Cathedral Junction.
[NOTE: We apologize that the KoTane Maori Cultural Experience and traditional Hangi dinner we advertised previously for this day has been permanently closed.]
Day 02
Cycle from Lake Pukaiki to Lake Ohau with views of the Ben Ohau Range and New Zealand's highest peak.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Lake Ohau Lodge
or Lakes Motel
Distance
35 miles (56km)
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, or Lakes Motel.
Day 03
Ride the "Alps2Ocean" trail along Lake Benmore and Lake Aviemore.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Marsden Lake Resort
Distance
32 miles (52km)
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
Experience the Lake Dunstan trail, one of the most unique bike routes in the world!
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Olivers Central Otago
Distance
31 miles (50km)
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
Navigate Roxburgh Gorge by bicycle and boat before heading to Queenstown.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Garden Court
Distance
35 miles (56km)
Elevation
+1,400 ft / -1,621 ft
After another beautiful breakfast, 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). 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 Garden Court.
Day 06
Enjoy a relaxing layover day in Queenstown, or take an excursion to one the nearby wonders.
Meals
– Breakfast
Lodging
Garden Court
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. (All activities are optional and not included in the tour package). 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! 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 Garden Court. Lunch and dinner are on your own today in Queenstown.
Day 07
Take the Queenstown Trail through legendary Arrowtown to the equally renowned Kawarau Suspension Bridge.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Wanaka Hotel
Distance
25 miles (40km)
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
Pedal from Wanaka to Lake Hawea and enjoy a scenic drive through Mt Aspiring National Park to Fox Glacier.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Lake Matheson Motel or Heartland Hotel
Distance
16 miles (26km)
Elevation
+728 ft / -495 ft
We jump on the bikes first thing this morning from the hotel and ride out to Lake Hawea for a spot of 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, or Heartland Hotel.
Day 09
Enjoy Lake Matheson in the morning. Then cycle along the ocean on the West Coast Wilderness Trail to Hokitika in the afternoon.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
Lodging
Beachfront Hotel
Distance
21 miles (34km)
Elevation
+697 ft / -812 ft
This morning presents a great opportunity to take a sunrise hike around Lake Matheson with its reflective water views, or just relax in the beautiful surroundings. 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 today. Lodging is at the Beachfront Hotel, and dinner is on your own tonight.
Day 10
Last Day! After pedaling more of the West Coast Wilderness trail in the morning we board the TranzAlpine train for a spectacular journey over the mountains back to Christchurch.
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Quest Cathedral Junction (in Christchurch)
Distance
18 miles (29km)
Elevation
+340 ft / -593 ft
Spend your final morning in the “Land of the Long White Cloud” cycling 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 at Quest Cathedral Junction.
The following day (Day 11) is a departure day only. No meals or services are included.
