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 taster 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!
Itinerary
Day 01
Arrival in Christchurch
Lodging
Quest Cathedral Junction (in Christchurch)
Meals
– Traditional Hangi Dinner
After settling into the hotel, the group meets for the first time in the afternoon. The bike fitting will occur down at Hagley Park, which is in the same area as the beautiful Botanical Gardens – always worth exploring. After a little test ride, we put the bikes aside for today and head out to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for a guided kiwi tour and to attend the KoTane Maori Cultural Experience which includes a traditional Hangi dinner. (Included in tour cost). Lodging tonight is at Quest Cathedral Junction.
Day 02
Christchurch to Lake Ohau
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Lake Ohau Lodge
or Lakes Motel
Distance
24 miles (39km)
Elevation
+729 ft / -455 ft
We leave Christchurch early and drive south (3.5-4hrs) through the Canterbury Plains heading towards Twizel where we get ready for our first ride. Leaving Twizel township, we ride along the Alps2Ocean trail to the edge of 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
Lake Ohau to Cromwell
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Lake Resort Cromwell
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 Lake Resort Cromwell.
Day 04
Cromwell to Clyde
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Olivers Central Otago
Distance
26 miles (42km)
Elevation
+1,774 ft / -1,878 ft
No shuttles today! We head out right from the hotel on the Lake Dunstan Trail. One of the newest trails in New Zealand, it’s spectacular engineering and incredible views are truly breath taking. The trail ends in Clyde, where we spend the night. Lodging is at Olivers Central Otago.
Day 05
Clyde 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
Queenstown
Meals
– Breakfast
Lodging
Garden Court
Today we’ll take a break from cycling. You are free to explore one or more of the many activities Queenstown has to offer (all activities optional). Maybe 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? – all can be pre-booked prior to the tour and paid for on the day of the activity. Or you may just wish to relax and explore 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
Queenstown to Wanaka
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
Wanaka 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
Fox Glacier to Hokitika
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
Lodging
Beachfront Hotel
Distance
21 miles (34km)
Elevation
+697 ft / -812 ft
This morning presents a great opportunity to take a helicopter flight over the Glaciers (weather permitting, pre-booking essential, not included in tour) or maybe a sunrise hike around Lake Matheson with its reflective water views is 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 today. Lodging is at the Beachfront Hotel, and dinner is on your own tonight.
Day 10
Last Day! Hokitika to Christchurch (via the TranzAlpine train)
Meals
– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner
Lodging
Quest Cathedral Junction (in Christchurch)
Distance
18 miles (29km)
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 at Quest Cathedral Junction.
