"Great Cycle Tours since 1992"

Daily Tour Notes

The below itinerary starts and finishes in Christchurch and is based on the combination of our Recreational Cycle tours in this order: Beech to Beach, Milford Wilderness and West Coast Escape.

This combination tour can also start and finish in Queenstown doing the tours in this order: West Coast Escape, Beech to Beach, Milford Wilderness. Or can also start and finish in Christchurch doing the tours in this order: Milford Wilderness, West Coast Escape, Beech to Beach.

Day 1
After a pick-up from your hotel we start with our first 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. (L)
Riding distance: 45-99kms/28-62miles

Day 2
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)
Riding distance: 54-91kms/34-56miles

Day 3
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)

Day 4
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)

Day 5
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 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)
Riding distance: 44-97kms/27-60miles

Day 6
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, NZ'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 NZ 's Whale Watch icon. (B, L, D)
Riding distance: 30-68kms/18.5-42miles

Day 7
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. 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)
Riding distance: 49-109kms/31-68miles

Day 8
The Port Hills overlooking Christchurch provide us with another great ride with spectacular views over the city, the Pacific ocean and into Lyttleton Harbour. Our second cycle in the Port Hills 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. (B, L, D)
Riding distance: 50kms/30miles

Day 9

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)

 

Riding distance:41- 66kms/25-41 miles
Note – today’s ride may be reversed to take advantage of the tail winds.

Day 10
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)

 

Day 11
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)

 

Day 12
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)
Riding distance: 45-78kms/28-49miles

Day 13
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

Day 14
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)

 

Day 15
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)

Day 16
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 17
Out of Te Anau we journey into the hidden Mavora Lakes site of the closing scenes from Lord of the Rings. We cycle 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: 36-58kms/22-36miles

Day 18
The first of two free days in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, and a chance to explore this alpine lake wonderland.(B)

Day 19
Free Day in Queenstown. (B)

Day 20
Out from Queenstown we head up to the Coronet Peak ski field car park and cycle down to Arrowtown where we explore this beautiful old gold-mining town. From Arrowtown we travel by bus and bike over the Crown Range, with a lunch stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel. We carry on down the Crown Range to our next ride. The Fishermans Track follows the banks of the Clutha River ending in the picturesque alpine village of Wanaka. (B, L, D)
Riding distance: 45-78kms/28-49miles

Day 21
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)
Riding distance: 48-105kms/30-65miles

Day 22
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)
Riding distance: 49-115kms/31-71miles

Day 23
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)
Riding distance: 25kms/15.5miles

Day 24
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)
Riding distance: 63-93kms/39-58miles

Day 25
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)
Riding distance: 56kms/35miles

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