Molesworth High Country Cycle

5 Day/4 Night Molesworth Bike Tour - from Christchurch

Detailed Itinerary

Molesworth Highlights:

This New Zealand Cycle Tour starts out of Christchurch, with five days of cycling in the Northern Canterbury & Marlborough districts. We visit the emerging wine growing district of Waipara Valley and travel via Hanmer Hot Springs onto the isolated road through the Molesworth Station, New Zealand's largest farm.

After a night in the shearer's quarters of a back country Merino sheep ranch, we follow the river down the beautiful Awatere valley to emerge amongst vineyards alongside the Pacific Ocean. We overnight in Kaikoura with options to view whales, dolphins and albatross before returning to Christchurch via the spectacular Inland Kaikoura road. 

This bike tour starts & finishes in Christchurch, we are happy to help with pre &/or post tour lodgings. The tour follows the "Cycle the best & drive the rest" philosophy with long sections of easy cycling for the relaxed rider & plenty of options for those whom wish to challenge themselves. 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

Molesworth Station

The name Molesworth Station evokes New Zealand's high-country identity - musterers and stockmen and their dogs working livestock in vast tussock landscapes, while for Maori, the area was an easy summer route to the West Coast. Administered by the government for over 50 years, Molesworth Station covers over 180,000 hectares & is the largest farm in New Zealand.

Sitting in a valley that endures a continental climate of extreme weather with hot dry summers balanced by harsh cold winters and surrounded by alpine ranges on either side, the landscape is stark and arid with a surreal beauty. The Dept. of Conservation now manages the farm at the same time as protecting the threatened alpine landscapes.

Molesworth Cycle Tour Itinerary

Day 1  Christchurch to Waipara Valley      up to 50km cycling

Arrive at least the day before and check in to your Christchurch accommodation, to allow for an early start today.

We meet at our depot at 9.00 a.m. for a bike fitting & test ride before driving out of town. Today's cycling itinerary is flexible depending on the prevailing wind along the quiet back road from Loburn to Oxford. During the day we will visit the scenic Ashlley River gorge & the Jo Seager's famous café in the village of Oxford.

Late afternoon we drive to our homestay accommodation amongst the vineyards of the Waipara Valley, tonight we enjoy a home cooked meal & sample local wines alongside the pool in the beautifully converted barn at the Old Vicarage Lodge. B, L, D)

Day 2      Waipara to Hanmer Hot Springs     up to 50km Cycling

After a relaxed start we cycle the quiet back roads to the historic Hurunui Pub before driving to Hanmer. The rest of the afternoon you have the option to explore the local cycle trails or soak in the thermal hot pools. Tonight you are free to enjoy one of the several excellent local restaurants. (B, L)

Day 3   St Bathans to Naseby  up to 86km Cycling

Best Cycling - Jacks Pass to Acheron House - 27 kms
Guide River to Isolated Flat - 30 kms

An early start sees us drive to the top of Jacks Pass before cycling into the Molesworth valley. Flanked by mountain ranges the road follows the Acheron River to the historic Acheron House, built in 1863 it was an overnight stopover in the early stock droving days. We cycle & drive our way along the spectacular valley.

Just after Ward's Pass we pass the Molesworth Station settlement before meeting up at the Molesworth Cob Cottage built in 1866. Strong riders will enjoy the beautiful road to Upcott Station, while for the rest we load up and drive to our shearer's quarters lodging nestled under Mt. Tapuaeouenuku, NZ's highest mountain outside of the Southern Alps. We dine on local produce tonight with our hosts whose family have farmed this land for three generations. (B, L, D)

Day 4   Upcott Station to Kaikoura via Awatere  

up to 63km Cycling

Best Cycling - Awatere Valley Vineyard Ride - 32 kms

A relaxed start this morning allows us to enjoy this high country Merino sheep farm. After saying farewell to our hosts we set off along the beautiful Awatere river valley, the scenery is spectacular & the road undulating at first before we encounter a long flat section as the valley opens out into the terraced vineyards that produce award winning Sauvignon Blancs.

We picnic on Yealand's Estate, a modern vineyard following sustainable horticultural practices, before driving along the scenic coastline to Kaikoura. If time allows your guides will take you on a dusk walk around the Kaikoura Peninsula. (B, L, D)

Day 5   Kaikoura to Christchurch via Inland Rd   

up to 110km Cycling

Best Cycling - Mt Lyford to Waiau - 28 kms
Waiau to SH1 via Leader Road - 31 kms

Early morning you have the option of taking a Whalewatch tour, or going on an Encounter with dolphins or albatross. Our guides will deliver those that want to ride to the Inland Kaikoura Road before returning to collect the rest of the group from their marine wildlife experience. We meet up with the cyclists before enjoying an easy downhill run into the village of Waiau for a picnic lunch. There is a final option for one more back country ride before we load up & return to Christchurch where you will be delivered to your Christchurch accommodation. (B, L)

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

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