New Zealand

North West Coast Cycle Tour

5 Day/4 Night Bike Tours New Zealand Christchurch to Christchurch

Detailed Itinerary

Highlights: If you're short on time and want to experience one of the best coastal bike rides in the world, then this cycling trip is for you!  From Christchurch on the east coast we cross the main divide as we explore the South Islands west coast and finish back in Christchurch.

"The stunning diverse surroundings, thrilling action packed tour, great guides and company made this trip very memorable." - Kathryn Hall, UK, Great West Coaster, Dec 2008

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.

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 Christchurch                                 

46km 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 we board the unforgettable Tranzalpine Express train and travel back to Christchurch through the spectacular Waimakariri Gorge and lush forests of Arthur's Pass National Park.  (B, L) 

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

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