New Zealand

Best of the South

22 Day/21 Night Bicycle Touring Queenstown to Christchurch

Detailed Itinerary

Highlights: With the South Island offering some of the best New Zealand Bicycle Touring in NZ, this 22 day itinerary provides a double crossing of the Southern Alps; and combines the Great West Coast Cycle with the Southern Coasts Cycle provides a unique contrast between the rainforests of the West Coast, the spectacular Doubtful Sound and the wildlife and fossilised remnants of the Catlins Coast.

The circuit starts in Christchurch and cycles over Lewis Pass and down the West Coast taking in a first hand experience on the Fox Glacier. Via the Haast pass it enters Otago province and then a two day rest in Queenstown, the "adventure capital of the world". Heading south we divert to an overnight on Doubtful Sound and a stay on a local farm before travelling around the base of the south island and up to Dunedin.

"I have been on cycle tours abroad annually for the past fifteen years - with lots of very vivid memories - but I have to say that this tour in New Zealand sets new standards and provides me with a fresh benchmark of what a tour can deliver." - Graham Bretherick, Holmfirth, England.

Itinerary

Day 1  Christchurch                 42km riding distance

At lunchtime we meet at our hotel for a ‘working lunch'. The trip briefing and introduction will be facilitated by our guides giving you a full understanding of the itinerary, terrain and any operational issues we need to deal with.

There is time to fit your bikes at our depot before we turn some pedals on a warm-up ride in the spectacular Port Hills above the city, providing wonderful views of Lyttleton Harbor, the Pacific Ocean & Southern Alps. (L, D)

Day 2  Christchurch to Hanmer                                  103km Riding distance

From our morning meeting Christchurch we drive out of town and set up the bikes. The Canterbury Plains are vast and with Hanmer being our objective it's a matter of turning the pedals and watching the road slip by. By late afternoon we arrive at the thermal resort of Hanmer and a chance to soak in the hot pools before dinner. (B, L) 

Day 3   Hanmer to Reefton                                        141km Riding distance

Suggested Shorter Option - Boyle River to Reefton - 86kms

The road over Lewis Pass takes us up through the beech forests of the Southern Alps steadily gaining height in the Maruia valley. From the head there is a short grind to the summit of the Pass and the chance to look into Cannibal Gorge before a freewheel down to the second thermal resort of the tour at Maruia Springs with its Japanese bathhouse and outdoor pools. Continuing onwards we climb over Rahu Saddle for a final descent into the west coast mining town of Reefton. (B, L, D) 

Day 4         Reefton to Punakaiki                                 125km Riding distance

Suggested Shorter Option - Inangahua to Punakaiki - 90 km

The ride from Reefton takes us out to the mighty Buller River and down to the junction with the State Highway 6 where we turn south to Punakaiki and the start of one of the best coastal rides in the world. The road hugs the eroded limestone cliffs which drop into the wild Tasman ocean. Our accommodation has the added delight of exploring the famous Pancake Rocks and the limestone wonderland of the area. (B, L)  

Day 5         Punakaiki to Hokitika                                  84km Riding distance

Southwards again the coastal ride today is again spectacular as the road hugs the coast with its many river mouths and bush slopes. Gradually the land opens up and the rural scenery intensifies as we reach Greymouth and the Grey River.

From here the road continues southwards through the rural countryside before it finally reaches the craft center of Hokitika, home of the local jade known as Pounamu, or Greenstone. (B, L, D) 

Day 6         Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier                135km Riding distance

Suggested Shorter Option - Ross to Whataroa - 81km

Further south, the glacier country beckons and the road soon changes from rural countryside to one fringed with the mighty podocarp rainforests. Along the way we break for coffee at Ross, one of the early gold-mining townships and then onwards through Hari Hari and Whataroa until finally we reach Franz Josef Glacier township for the night. (B) 

Day 7          Franz Josef Glacier to Fox Glacier                 25km Riding distance
This morning is a chance to relax but for those who feel the need for some upper body exercise there is an option to do some sea-kayaking into the rainforest at the nearby Okarito Lagoon & bird sanctuary. The distance to Fox Glacier is only a matter of 25 kms but that ride crosses three strenuous passes, each followed by an exciting and exhilarating downhill.

The ride is worth the effort with the last downhill into Fox leading straight into one the village cafes or bars. In the evening we take a short tour to walk around nearby Lake Matheson with its famous sunset reflections of New Zealand's highest mountains. (B, L)

Day 8  Fox Glacier - Rest Day

Time for a day off the saddle and Fox Glacier is a great place to enjoy this. Relax and catch up with your diary or postcards. Your guide will take you for a walk to the base of the Glacier, but you also have the option of going with the local Alpine Guiding company for a half or full day hike onto the glacier itself.

Flight-seeing is very popular here either in fixed wing planes around the mountains or a helicopter flight to land on the snowfields high above the village. For those with extra energy we offer a late afternoon drive & then walk along the isolated Gillespies beach. (B)

Day 9         Fox Glacier to Haast                                    120km Riding distance

Shorter Option - Fox to Lake Moeraki - 89 kms

After the free day we head off again on the beautiful highways and flat roads. The road reaches the coast at Bruce Bay before turning inland again and skirting the beautiful Lake Moeraki and then the Knights Point coastline. Eventually we roll into Haast township and a final night on the west coast. (B, L, D)

Day 10   Haast to Makarora                                             82km Riding distance

Haast Pass presents another of the riding highlights. For some 50 kms the road slowly rises as the mighty Landsborough river joins the nearby Clark Valley. Countless waterfalls cascade from the mountains towering above the road & the lush rainforest changes to beechforest as you get higher up the valley. A final serious climb takes us to the summit of the pass at 678m.

From here there is a 20km ride down into the beautiful township of Makaroa and a deserved end to the days ride. If the descent does not provide enough excitement there is a thrilling jet-boat ride nearby taking you deep into the Mount Aspiring National Park. (B, L, D)

Day 11         Makarora to Wanaka                                    68km Riding distance

Dramatic changes in the landscape today as we enter the dry arid country on the eastern side of the ranges. Today we cycle alongside spectacular lakes as the road rolls down into the headwaters of the Otago valleys and then climbs along the lake shore before taking us into the bustling resort township of Lake Wanaka. The afternoon is free to enjoy the shopping & relax alongside the lake. (B)

Day 12         Wanaka to Queenstown                                   78km Riding distance

This morning we head out of town on a 25km cycle to the historic township of Cardrona, passing on our way the famous "Bra Fence" - ladies you are welcome to leave your mark? From here the last serious climb of your tour takes us to our highest point, 1070m at the top of the Crown Range with its spectacular views, before a wicked drop down into Arrowtown for lunch. We have time to enjoy this historic Gold Mining town before our final ride into Queenstown. (B, L, D)

Day 13  Queenstown - Two Rest Days

Two days off the bike and the chance to catch up on the ‘adventure capital' offerings. Winery tours, bungy jumping, jetboating or rafting, - the list is endess! Queenstown is situated alongside a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains so relaxing is also very easy to do & the shopping is fantastic. Mind you, there are all those postcards and the washing...but maybe you can do them tomorrow!

Day 14   Queenstown

At lunch time we meet our new cycling companions at our hotel for a working lunch. The guides will provide an overview of the trip and the operational issues that may arise. We will then go for a short local warm-up ride. (L)

Day 15         Queenstown to Te Anau                               176km Riding distance

Shorter Option - Queenstown to Five Rivers - 99km

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. (B)

Day 16         Te Anau to Otautau                                106km Riding distance

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)

Day 17         Otautau to Invercargill                                110km Riding distance

Shorter Option - Otautau to Riverton 65km
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)

Day 18    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 19  Invercargill to Curio Bay                                        92km riding distance

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)

Day 20    Curio Bay to Owaka                                          58km Riding distance

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 final beach walk before we contine cycling on to Owaka.

Late afternoon we drive out to Surat Bay for yet another walk on a remote and beautiful beach to visit the resident Sea Lions. (B, L)

Day 21   Owaka to Dunedin                                              97km Riding distance

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)

Day 22         Dunedin

Unfortunately all good things come to an end and it is time to say farewell. Your Best of the South 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. Price to be advised.

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

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