"Great Cycle Tours since 1992"

 

Out from Queenstown we coach through to the old gold-mining town of Arrowtown, where we unload our bikes and cycle a short loop as a familiarisation ride. Strong riders can carry on biking towards the Crown Range, the rest of us head back to Arrowtown for morning tea. From here we travel by bus and bike over the Crown Range, with a lunch stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel. We continue cycling down the Cardrona Valley into the picturesque alpine village of Wanaka. Late afternoon you have the option of cycling on an easy local trail, the Fishermans Track which follows the banks of the Clutha River or enjoying some time in vibrant Wanaka. (L, D) 

Cycling distance – 45 to 78km / 28 to 49 miles

Day 2
An early cycle takes us to Lake Hawea. We drive to the top of the Haast Pass and enter the famous West Coast forests. We cycle down through the 'Gates of Haast' on sealed roads to the flats of the Landsborough River for lunch. Our route continues down the Haast River with its rainforest clad mountain slopes and numerous waterfalls until the days spectacular journey ends on the coast at Haast. An evening walk on the beach provides a chance to watch the sun set into the Tasman Ocean. (B, L, D)

Day 3
This morning we cycle peaceful forest roads to Bruce Bay and then onto Fox Glacier. The rest of the day is available for sightseeing in the township as well as providing the chance to take a scenic helicopter flight which is highly recommended. Maybe you would rather a trip to nearby Lake Matheson famous for its reflection views of the Southern Alps, or enjoy any of the local walks in the area. (B, L)

Cycling distance – 49 to 115km / 31 to 71 miles

Day 4
This morning we walk to the base of the mighty Fox Glacier. For those who want to challenge themselves an optional guided walk will take you onto the face of the glacier as it grinds down through the rainforest. The afternoon sees us cycling another West Coast challenge, the road between Fox and Franz Josef Glacier. (B, L)

Cycling distance –25km / 15.5 miles

Day 5
With some spectacular views as a backdrop, we cycle through the podocarp forests to hidden Lake Ianthe. Throughout the day we will cycle and explore the numerous lakes, valleys and gold mines, as we continue up the coast to the rainforests of Lakes Kaniere and Mahinapua and the quiet roads and tracks that surround them. (B, L, D) 
Cycling distance – 63 to 93km / 39 to 58 miles

Day 6
From Hokitika township we travel by bus and bike on quiet inland roads through native forests to Lake Brunner. There are stunning lakeside views and swims before more scenic quiet roads take us back the West Coast highway. Here we stop to enjoy lunch together at the recently restored historic Jackson’s Tavern. If you can drag yourself away from the ambience in the pub, there is the option to cycle some more through sweeping rural landscapes and beneath rugged mountain peaks to Otira. Here we board the TranzAlpine Express train for a leisurely scenic trip back into Christchurch where our coach will meet and deliver you to your accommodation. (B, L) 
Cycling distance –56km / 35 miles

Day 7
A rest day in Christchurch. A chance to explore the Garden City and relax before the start of the wonderful beech forests, lakes and wineries of the upper south island.(B)

Day 8
After a pick-up from your hotel we start with our cycle on the volcanic Port Hills above Christchurch. From a set up on the summit road, we cycle towards Sumner nestled on the coast. This ride provides spectacular views north to the Kaikoura ranges, and South to the Southern Alps. After a picnic lunch we drive and cycle the plains of Canterbury into the foothills. Edging onto the bushclad Lewis Pass and its mountain ranges is the thermal resort of Hanmer springs. At the end of this first day the hot pools are a welcome interlude.  (B, L) Cycling distance – 45 to 99km / 28 to 62 miles

Day 9
This morning the beautiful beech forests of the Lewis Pass beckon. By cycle and coach we gradually climb over the picturesque Lewis and Rahu Saddles, after each climb is a downhill rush with long sweeping corners. On beautifully sealed roads with lush temperate rainforest lining the roadside we ride until we reach the rugged beauty of the West Coast. Our accommodation for the evening is in the coastal mining town of Greymouth. (B, L, D) 
Cycling distance – 54 to 91km / 34 to 56 miles

Day 10
One of the trips many highlights is the coastal riding as we head northwards to Westport. From the Strongman Memorial through to the famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, the riding is pure quality – with enough hills to keep you honest. After a midday break we continue along the coast and finally reach our accommodation for the evening. (B, L) 
Cycling distance – 59 to 102km / 37 to 63 miles

Day 11
We cycle the sealed roads through the impressive Buller Gorge where the upper gorge landscape provides us with snapshot vistas of the Buller River whose white water attracts many a rafting and kayak enthusiast. There are plenty of photo opportunities on this scenic and gently undulating ride, before we board our coach for a final ride into St Arnaud, nestled in the heartland of the Nelson Lakes National Park.  We recommend that you take one of the many short walks around nearby Lake Rotoiti, this area is known as a "mainland island" and the results of the pest eradication program means that the native birdlife is flourishing. (B, L, D) 
Cycling distance – 46 to 72km / 28 to 44miles

Day 12
Early risers are encouraged to take a walk into the nearby native forest at sunrise to hear the native birds & their “dawn chorus” From behind St Arnaud we cycle the sealed forestry roads on a long mainly downhill ride towards the coast. The cycle then travels along a quiet road beside the beautiful Motueka river and through an area known for growing hops. We enter enter the township of Motueka and transfer by coach to nearby Nelson where we have time to explore the arts and craft capital of New Zealand. (B, L,)
Cycling distance – 44 to 97km / 27 to 60miles

 

By coach we motor over the steep outlying hills to arrive at the start of the beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive which skirts the Marlborough Sounds into Picton. From here it is a short hop over the hill to Blenheim, New Zealand's premier wine producing region. After a great lunch at one of the countries leading wineries, we head south down the dramatic East Coast to reach Kaikoura, home of New Zealand 's Whale Watch icon. (B, L, D) 
Cycling distance – 30 to 68km / 18.5 to 42 miles

Day 14
For the early risers, an optional chance to view one of the great natural sights as whales surface against the spectacular mountain backdrop of the seaward Kaikoura Mountains.   Swimming with or watching dolphins is also highly recommended.  Due to the popularity however it is essential to make a booking well in advance.  Following a late breakfast we head further south cycling some of the great back roads and enjoying the scenery as we eventually return to Christchurch and deliver you to your accommodation for the night. (B, L)
Cycling distance – 49 to 109km / 31 to 68 miles

(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)