Daily Tour Notes
An 18 day scenic cycle tour, fully accommodated. Some walking options with three free days in superb Queenstown and on the last afternoon into Christchurch we travel on one of the worlds great train trips, the TransAlpine express across the Southern Alps.
Day 1
The Port Hills overlooking Christchurch provide us with our first great ride with spectacular views over the city, the Pacific ocean and into Lyttleton Harbour. Our first cycle takes us along the summit ridge before dropping down to a small boutique winery for lunch. After this early familiarisation and exercise we drive onto the vast Canterbury plains and cycle on a very quiet road into the foothills before meeting with our farmstay hosts for the night. (L, D)
Cycling distance 50km/30 miles
Note: You will need to have an overnight bag packed for the first night of the tour. When staying at each farm you will be able to take a small bag and the majority of luggage will be secured in the vehicle. You will also need to pack an overnight bag for the 8th night on the Milford Mariner.
Day 2
 Early morning you are shown around the farm and after a hearty breakfast we drive via a beautiful wild flower fringed highway to nearby Lake Tekapo, known for its turquoise blue waters. Today’s ride is on a quiet road alongside the hydro-canal system, the vast MacKenzie Basin with its views of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps, provide an awesome backdrop. In the afternoon we go for an optional walk to the Mt. John lookout with its spectacular views of the lake & surrounding mountains or take a relaxing soak in the local hot springs (B, L)
Cycling distance:41- 66kms/25-41 miles
Note – today’s ride may be reversed to take advantage of the tail winds.
Day 3
This morning we drive to the alpine village of Mt Cook before hiking into the Hooker Valley. At the Hooker Glacier terminal lake, New Zealand’s highest mountain dominates with its steep glacial slopes regularly providing a spectacular sideshow. The prevailing wind should speed us along as the afternoon sees us cycling on the gradual downhill run from Mt Cook towards beautiful Lake Ohau and our lodge accommodation. (B, L, D)
Cycling distance: 55-77 kms/34- 47 miles
Note – today’s ride may be reversed to take advantage of the tail winds.
Day 4
An optional early morning lakeside cycle takes us away from the mountains into the tussock-covered hill country. Our main ride for today starts with a sweeping downhill before detouring onto a quiet back road circuit around picturesque Lake Aviemore. The lake is part of the impressive Waitaki Hydro Electric scheme & we ride across the two dams at either end of the lake. The afternoon sees us driving via Lindis Pass, past high country sheep stations into the historic gold mining areas of New Zealand's past, with our journey ending in the bustling alpine village of Wanaka. (B, L)
Cycling distance: 45-89 kms/28-55 miles
Day 5
Our day starts with a 25km cycle on a smooth sealed road, towards the historic Cardrona Hotel for a relaxing coffee or tea. Strong riders can cycle to the summit of the Crown Range, at 1076 metres its is New Zealand’s highest alpine highway, while those who want an easier option can drive to the top, before enjoying the magnificent downhill into the Queenstown basin. Via the scenic trails we cycle and explore Arrowtown, an old gold-mining centre before continuing on to Queenstown. (B, L, D)
Cycling distance – 45 to 78km / 28 to 49 miles
Day 6
Today is a rest day from the bikes and a chance to explore Queenstown. Known as an adventure capital there are many options available for clients on this day, including bungy-jumping, jet-boating, rafting, flying and many more. There are also some nice hikes in the surrounding area, some great shopping or perhaps just a day to relax and enjoy the scenery. (B)
Cycling distance 0km
Day 7
From Queenstown we cycle to Kingston at the end of Lake Wakatipu, the road is surrounded by spectacular mountains as it hugs the shoreline. After lunch we drive to Lake Manapouri and for the rest of the day we walk through native beech forests alongside the Waiau River section of the Keppler Track. There is an option for a gentle late afternoon ride of 20kms into Te Anau and our lakeside accommodation (B, L)
Cycling distance: 35-90kms/22-56miles
Day 8
This morning we drive into the Fiordland National Park amid the beech forests and mountains, that the region is famous for. The beautiful Milford road tracks through the wilderness and we stop to enjoy some of the short walks on the way, before a wonderful cycle down to the Humboldt Falls at the end of the very quiet & scenic Hollyford road. We coach through the Milford Tunnel and then enjoy the sheer delight of a 16km cycle descent down into Milford Sound and our accommodation for the night on the SS Milford Mariner. This boat takes us out of the Sound to the open seas beyond before returning to a sheltered spot for the night. By 9am the next morning we have enjoyed optional kayaking or swimming before returning to shore and the start of another day. (B, L, D)
Cycling distance: 37 kms/23 miles
Day 9
By bus we travel back to the Divide, stopping en route to explore the famous Chasm walkway. From the Divide we walk to Key Summit with its spectacular views of the Hollyford Valley and Humboldt & Earl mountain ranges. The late afternoon sees us cycling down the majestic Eglington Valley as we slowly return to our overnight in Te Anau. (B, L, D)
Riding distance: 24-89Kms/15-55miles
Day 10
Out of Te Anau we journey into the hidden Mavora Lakes site of the closing scenes from Lord of the Rings. We cycle on gravel roads by the lakeside and through the beech forest before continuing on to the isolated Von Valley for lunch. We farewell our supporting coach as we cycle on to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and down to Walter Peak station. Here we enjoy the hospitality of a farm show and farm-style afternoon tea before boarding the steam ship TSS Earnslaw to cruise across the waters to Queenstown where we pick you up from the wharf and deliver you to your Queenstown accommodation. (B, L)
Riding distance 36 to 58 km / 22 to 36 miles
Day 11
The first of two free days in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, and a chance to explore this alpine lake wonderland.
Day 12
Free Day in Queenstown.
Day 13
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 14
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)
Cycling distance – 48 to 105km / 30 to 65miles
Day 15
 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 16
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 17
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 18
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 our final meal 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
(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
|
