New Zealand

Great West Coast Cycle

13 Day/12 Night Cycle Touring New Zealand Christchurch to Queenstown

Detailed Itinerary

Highlights: So you like quiet sealed roads, spectacular views and the chance to let the miles roll under the wheels? Some steady uphill climbs, rolling farmland, spectacular coastal rides, cosy hotels and inns and a feel for real New Zealand? This 13 day cycle trip is made for you.

From Christchurch on the east coast we cross the main divide twice as we explore the South Islands west coast and finish back into Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Relax in hot natural pools at the end of a days riding, experience rainforest edged roads, spectacular coastlines and a chance to walk on a glacier - or just keep those miles rolling by. For those days when the gears seem a little high and the hills just a bit steeper, the support vehicle is always close at hand. This trip has been designed for you.

"New Zealand is a fantastic place to cycle, the roads are good and the terrain changes quickly from forest to coastline to dry mountainous regions. Helen was an awesome guide and made everyday a special experience." - Rhe Zinnecker, Seattle, USA

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

Our tour ends today after breakfast and we must sadly say farewell. Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world. The town is situated alongside a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains so relaxing is also very easy to do & the shopping is fantastic. We recommend you spend some extra time here and are happy to help with accommodation bookings. (B)

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

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