Southern Explorer

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25 Days Cycling Tour from Christchurch

Detailed Itinerary

Highlights: Enjoy the spectacular contrast on this South Island of New Zealand Cycling Tours as you explore from one end of the island to the other by cycle, with ample rest days en route to make it truly a holiday to remember. From the bush-clad Lewis Pass, the steamy hot pools of Hanmer Springs, the wines of Marlborough and the whales of Kaikoura, the five days are packed with memories before we return to Christchurch.

Explore the 'Garden City' in your first free day before heading south enjoying the hospitality of our gracious farm-stay and the spectacular views while walking beneath Mount Cook. A free day in Queenstown the adventure capital of New Zealand, provides the opportunity to jet boat, kayak, walk or relax before our interlude onto Milford Sound.

After an overnight in the magnificant fiord we travel back to Queenstown for two days rest. We then travel to the spectacular West Coast with its grinding glaciers which sweep through awesome rainforests en-route to the sea.

Enjoy the lodges and an optional walk on the glacier before returning over the alpine Arthurs Pass and a final swoop across the plains on board the TranzAlpine Express to journeys end in Christchurch.

Itinerary

Day 1  Christchurch to Hanmer Springs          45-99km riding distance

After a pick-up from your Christchurch accommodation 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)

Day 2  Hanmer Springs to Greymouth             54-91km Riding distance

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) 

Day 3   Greymouth to Westport                        59-102km Riding distance

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         Westport to Nelson                         46-72km Riding distance

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 Nelson, home of NZ leading arts and crafts exhibits. (B, L, D)  

Day 5         Nelson to Kaikoura                         30-68km Riding distance

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) 

Day 6         Kaikoura to Christchurch                49-109km Riding distance

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) 

Day 7 Christchurch
A rest day in Christchurch. A chance to explore the Garden City and relax before the start of the exciting Southern Lakes, Queenstown and Milford Sound sections of this tour.(B)

Day 8  Christchurch to Fairlie                           50km riding distance

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)

Day 9         Fairlie to Lake Tekapo                     46-66km Riding distance

Early morning you are shown around the farm and after a hearty breakfast we set up for a days cycling at your own pace. The turquoise blue of Lake Tekapo is approximately 45 kms via Burkes Pass. Those who wish to can cycle the entire way at their own speed, others can enjoy the full comfort of the occasional vehicle ride.

The vast MacKenzie Basin with its views of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps provides an awesome backdrop to the beautiful wild flower fringed highway, before dropping into Tekapo and our lakeside accommodation. In the afternoon we go for an optional walk to the Mt. John lookout with its spectacular views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. (B, L)

Day 10   Lake Tekapo to Lake Ohau                   41-91km Riding distance

Huge glacial lakes and flat sealed hydro canal roads add interest to the day as we cycle to Mt Cook and the alpine village. We hike into the Hooker Valley, dominated by New Zealand's highest mountain with its steep glacier sides regularly providing a spectacular sideshow. At day's end we drive and cycle the final section into beautiful Lake Ohau and our lodge accommodation. (B, L, D).

Day 11         Lake Ohau to Wanaka                     35-70km Riding distance

An early morning lakeside cycle takes us away from the mountains into tussock-covered hill country as we traverse Lindis Pass. As we cycle down the gentle descent we freewheel past high country sheep stations into the historic gold mining areas of New Zealand's past. By coach and cycle we approach Lake Wanaka and enjoy a superb final lakeside track which takes us into the bustling alpine village of Wanaka. (B, L).

Day 12         Wanaka to Queenstown                  45-78km Riding distance

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).

Day 13  Queenstown

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).

Day 14     Queenstown to Manapouri                  35-90km Riding distance

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 our lakeside accommodation. For the rest of the day we walk through native beech forests alongside the Waiau River section of the Keppler Track. (B, L).

Day 15   Manapouri to Milford Sound                 55km Riding distance

A gentle morning warm-up ride takes us to Te Anau before we drive into the Fiordland National Park amid the beech forests and mountains, that the region is famous for. The beautiful sealed 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         Milford Sound to Te Anau               24-89km Riding distance

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 afternoon sees us cycling down the majestic Eglington Valley as we slowly return to our overnight in Te Anau. (B, L, D).

Day 17         Te Anau to Queenstown                  36-58km Riding distance

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.  (B, L).

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  Queenstown to Wanaka                          45-78km riding distance

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)

Day 21         Wanaka to Haast                              48-105km Riding distance

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)

Day 22   Haast to Fox Glacier                              49-115km Riding distance

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)

Day 23   Fox Glacier to Franz Josef Glacier         25km Riding distance

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)

Day 24   Franz Josef Glacier to Hokitika              63-93km Riding distance

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)

Day 25  Hokitika to Christchurch                         56km Riding distance

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 Arthurs Pass. 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 Christchurch accommodation. (B, L)

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

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