Daily Tour Notes
This 8 day - 7 night exciting new itinerary combines awesome rides on quiet Southland roads and a two night magical Stewart Island, with the wildlife of the remote and beautiful Catlins Coast.
Note – apart from leaving & entering the main centers it is possible for strong riders to cycle the whole route on this tour. Less experienced riders can also be accommodated by using the support vehicle to leapfrog ahead or catch up with the group. On all our tours strong riders will get as much cycling as they want & slower riders always have the option of a ride in the support vehicle.
Pre Tour Night - Queenstown
Your guides will contact you at your local hotel late afternoon to arrange to visit you, for a fitting of your rental bike. They will also arrange pick-up times for the next morning.
Day 1 – Queenstown to Te Anau
An early morning start gets us on the road down the side of Lake Wakatipu and the rolling rural roads of upper Southland. The native red tussock covered hills lead us into the township of Te Anau, perched on the edge of the Fiordland National Park.
Stronger riders can be challenged by the possibility of a century ride today, for the rest the sag wagon is always available.(L, D)
Cycling distance – 176 kms/109 miles
Shorter Option – Queenstown to Five Rivers – 99kms/60 miles
 Day 2 – Te Anau to Otautau
The morning’s ride takes us alongside Lakes Te Anau & Manapouri before we head south through an ever-changing landscape. The stark arid mountains give way to more gentle pastures as we enter the productive Southland farm country. At Otautau we are met by our “Kiwi” farmer hosts who will take you back to their homes to enjoy some farm hospitality. A farm tour is included as part of your experience. (B, L, D)
Cycling distance – 106 kms/ 72 miles
Day 3 – Otautau to Invercargill
After saying goodbye to your new Kiwi friends the road heads further south through rural farmland and beech-forests. Small communities dot the landscape and the coastal riding becomes spectacular. This coast is exposed to southerly blasts creating some surreal windswept scenery. Gradually we quit the farmlands and approach Invercargill, NZ’s southern most city. At Bluff we board our ferry for the short voyage across Feauvoux Straight to Stewart island (B,L,D)
Cycling distance – 110 kms/ 68 miles
Shorter Option – Otautau to Riverton 65kms/43 miles
Day 4 – Stewart Island – Rest day
Known as a wildlife sanctuary, Stewart Island & the Rakiura National Park provide plenty of opportunities for exploration. Options include hiking on Ulva Island bird sanctuary or sea-kayaking in magical Patterson Inlet. There are some lovely beaches & local bus & boat tours provide information on the history of this special place. Fishing charters can take you to the great local fishing grounds and if all this is too much your hotel is a great place to relax. We do recommend you take the night Kiwi Spotting tour, a unique experience. (B)
Day 5 – Invercargill to Curio Bay
 The route today skirts the beautiful and undiscovered Catlins Forest Park and coastline. The roads are quiet and the scenery diverse as the coastline increasingly becomes spectacular. The ride ends at beautiful Curio Bay where we enjoy a leisurely picnic by the sea, walks along the beach, a swim for the brave & a visit to a petrified forest on the sea-shore. This is a renowned wildlife area & you are likely to see the rare Hectors Dolphins, Fur Seals & Yellow Eyed Penguins. (B, L, D)
Cycling distance – 92 kms/57 miles
Day 6 – Curio Bay to Owaka
More scenic cycling along quiet roads today as we continue along the Catlins coast. The cycling is tough with some serious climbs but the rewarding views of the coastline make the effort well worth it. Another picnic by the sea gives us the chance for a beach walk before we continue cycling on to Owaka. Late afternoon we drive out to Surat Bay for a yet another walk on a remote and beautiful beach to visit the resident Sea Lions. (B,L)
Cycling distance – 58kms kms/36 miles
Day 7 – Owaka to Dunedin
This morning we ride out to Nugget Point to a magnificent view point before continuing on to Balclutha for lunch. In the afternoon you have the option to drive over a busy highway section to Milton, from here a serious climb will challenge you before you drop down to the coast for the final gentle ride along the beach into Dunedin. (B,D)
Cycling distance – Owaka to Balclutha – 43 kms/26 miles
Milton to Dunedin – 54 kms / 34 miles
Day 8 – Dunedin – tour ends
Your Southern Cross tour ends today after breakfast. (B)
Optional Extra One Day Otago Peninsula Tour
Our guides are always keen for a ride & can easily be dissuaded from driving straight back to Christchurch. There is some lovely riding on a 71km loop around the spectacular Otago Peninsula and we invite you to extend your tour by one more day. The ride would include some wonderful coastal views, lunch at Larnach Castle and a visit to the Albatross & Yellow Eyed Penguin colonies at Tairoa Heads. This option is available for a minimum of two clients.
Cost NZ $550 per person - includes cycling guide
- Larnach Castle
- Albatross Colony
- Penguin Colony
- Accommodation
- Breakfast and Lunch
(Included Meals - B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
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