"Great Cycle Tours since 1992"

 

 

A 6-day scenic cycle tour, fully lodge accommodated. Some walking options available. Taking in the highlights from the South Islands southern lakes. 

 

Day 1 Christchurch to Fairlie
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 / 30miles

 

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 Fairlie to Tekapo
Today has a relaxed start, 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 suggested ride is short, but spectacular 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 as you ride. There are options for those with our hybrid bikes to do some more riding on unpaved sections of the Alps to Ocean cycleway, which is currently under construction. For the paved road enthusiast a return loop to Tekapo is another option (be aware that the road can be busy at certain times of year). In the afternoon we go for an optional walk (or cycle for the mountain goats) 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 – Canal ride 21km / 13 miles – Canal/main road loop -  66km / 41miles
Note: Today’s ride may be reversed to take advantage of the tail winds.

 

Day 3 Tekapo to Lake Ohau
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)
Riding distance – 55 to 77km / 34 to 47miles
Note: Today’s ride may be reversed to take advantage of the tail winds.

 

Day 4 Lake Ohau to Wanaka
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)
Riding distance – 35 to 70km / 22 to 43.5miles

 

Day 5 Wanaka to Queenstown
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 to 78km / 28 to 49miles

Day 6 Queenstown
The tour finishes after breakfast today.  Leaving you 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)