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5 Day West Coast Pounamou Trail Independent Cycle

140 kms Cycling over 4 Days

Days
5

Pricing From
$1890

Difficulty

Book Now

Overview

Our 5 day West Coast Pounamu Trail Independent Cycle Package from Hokitika to Greymouth in the South Island of New Zealand is an ideal package for those riders wishing to slow down and fully immerse in the wonders of the West Coast.

Discover historic gold-mining towns, wild native bush and rugged coastlines, all whilst taking in the awe-inspiring vistas of the Southern Alps and the beauty of the Hokitika Gorge. Your trail experience will be highlighted by designing and carving your own Pounamu (also known as NZ Jade or Greenstone) with the assistance of a local carving artist.

Optional Extras:

E-bike Upgrade

Explore the West Coast Wilderness Trail on our E-bikes equipped with the most advanced technology allowing smooth electric motor operation so you’ll have power boost when needed. Enjoy the ride from a comfortable upright riding position.

TranzAlpine Scenic Train Ride

Witness awe-inspiring scenery unfold in your journey between Greymouth and Christchurch as you traverse the mountainous backbone of New Zealand’s South Island. Sit back, relax and soak up the breathtaking and ever shifting landscapes along the way.

From Christchurch, the train leaves at 8.15AM and arrives at Greymouth at 1.05PM.

From Greymouth, the train leaves at 2.05PM and arrives at Christchurch at 6.31PM.

Superior Accommodation

Selected from the best and most unique locations in the region, immerse yourself in complete comfort, relaxation and natural beauty. A private ensuite B&B room in an historic building, a self-contained apartment surrounded by native West Coast scenery and a boutique miners cottage.

  • Boutique B&B
  • Self-contained apartment
  • Views of the Southern Alps in key locations
  • Scenic boat cruise on Lake Mahiniapua included
  • Private suite restored to Victorian era luxury
  • Additional dinner and breakfast

West Coast Premium Independent Cycle

TranzAlpine Train

West Coast Premium Independent Cycle

West Coast Premium Independent Cycle

Treetops Walkway

West Coast Premium Independent Cycle

Scenic Waterways cruise

West Coast Premium Independent Cycle

Scenic Waterways cruise

4 Day West Coast Premium Independent Cycle,new zealand

4 Day West Coast Premium Independent Cycle,new zealand

4 Day West Coast Premium Independent Cycle,new zealand

4 Day West Coast Premium Independent Cycle,new zealand

4 Day West Coast Premium Independent Cycle,new zealand

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Hokitika to Ross Transfer

Your trip starts from Hokitika, considered the hub of the Wilderness Trail, a short flight or three-hour drive from Christchurch.

At our Hokitika depot, you will receive a trip briefing and be acquainted with your steed for the next 4 days followed by your transfer to Ross.

Spend the night by the beach at the boutique, quirky Top 10 Holiday Park, surrounded by nature. Nearby, the Historic Empire Hotel is the place to make new memories all whilst enjoying a sumptuous dinner.

Day 2Cycle Ross to Hokitika33 km

The next morning, we encourage you to take an early walk on the beach before starting your first cycle on the trail.

From Ross, you will cycle over the Totara River and along the old Ross Ruatapu Railway line, taking in incredible views of the mighty Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.

You will then cycle through wetlands and native bush before giving your bike a rest at the Treetop Walkway. Here, you experience native forest, birdsong and views of Lake Mahinapua from the heights of the tree canopy.

Accommodation tonight is either at Scenic Waterways (approx. 5km south of Hokitika) or in the township itself*.

*Dependent upon your choice of package and availability at the time of booking.

Day 3Cycle Dorothy Falls to Hokitika30 km

From Hokitika, our guided tour takes you to the beautiful Hokitika Gorge, one of the scenic highlights of the West Coast. The stunning turquoise waters are a photographer’s dream and the podocarp forest walk to the swing bridges is not to be missed. We then continue through quiet back roads before reaching the shores of the beautiful Lake Kaniere, nestled in rainforest surroundings.

Your cycling begins from Dorothy Falls via Hans Bay and continues to the Lake Kaniere outlet where the beautiful single track Kaniere Water Race Trail begins. The water race itself was built in 1875 to supply water for sluicing the Kaniere goldfields.

Cycle through lush native forest and along the historic Kaniere Tram Road, experiencing breath-taking views of the Hokitika River.

The highlight of the trip follows with a workshop experience introducing you to Pounamu, a stone of cultural significance to local iwi. Under the guidance of a local carver, you will learn the basic skills of preparing your stone to create your own keepsake. 

Stay the night in Hokitika making sure you head down to Sunset Point to catch the last rays of light for the evening.

Day 4Cycle Canoe Cove to Kumara49 km

This morning our shuttle will take you on the short drive to Canoe Cove, located on the edge of Lake Kaniere. From here you will continue on the cycle trail and ride the gentle zigzags up through Milltown.

The trail then takes you through pristine bushland taking in the stunning views of the creek below as you cycle across the Macpherson Swing Bridge.

Smooth sweeping boardwalk and bush trail take you alongside the Kawhaka Canal and through the historic goldfield links of Stafford and Goldsborough before finally making your way into Kumara.

Stay the night in accommodation that pays homage to the height of the Kumara gold mining boom of the 1870s, New Zealand’s last big gold rush of the 19th century.

Day 5Cyle Kumara to Greymouth28 km

Your last day of riding rewards you with flawless views of the Taramakau River before continuing your journey to the Tasman Sea alongside sand dunes and coastal lagoons.

A brief section along the Grey River will take you into your final destination of Greymouth, just in time for a celebratory lunch at Monteith’s Brewery (optional liquid Gold!) and the return of your bikes to our nearby depot.

The TranzAlpine™ train is a great way to end your holiday on the West Coast. Departing Greymouth at 2.05pm, you’ll traverse the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Let our Cycle Journeys reservations team know if you would like to check availability and include train tickets in your booking.

Cost per person twin share

October 2024 - April 2025

  • From: NZ$1,890

*Nov 2024, Feb-March 2025 (High season)

  • From: NZ$1,990

Extras

  • E-bike upgrade: NZ$224
  • TranzAlpine Train from Greymouth (Departs 2:05pm) to Christchurch (Arrives 6:31pm)

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Hokitika to Ross Transfer

Your trip starts from Hokitika, considered the hub of the Wilderness Trail, a short flight or three-hour drive from Christchurch.

At our Hokitika depot, you will receive a trip briefing and be acquainted with your steed for the next 4 days followed by your transfer to Ross.

Spend the night by the beach at the boutique, quirky Top 10 Holiday Park, surrounded by nature. Nearby, the Historic Empire Hotel is the place to make new memories all whilst enjoying a sumptuous dinner.

Day 2Cycle Ross to Hokitika33 km

The next morning, we encourage you to take an early walk on the beach before starting your first cycle on the trail.

From Ross, you will cycle over the Totara River and along the old Ross Ruatapu Railway line, taking in incredible views of the mighty Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.

You will then cycle through wetlands and native bush before giving your bike a rest at the Treetop Walkway. Here, you experience native forest, birdsong and views of Lake Mahinapua from the heights of the tree canopy.

Accommodation tonight is either at Scenic Waterways (approx. 5km south of Hokitika) or in the township itself*.

*Dependent upon your choice of package and availability at the time of booking.

Day 3Cycle Dorothy Falls to Hokitika30 km

From Hokitika, our guided tour takes you to the beautiful Hokitika Gorge, one of the scenic highlights of the West Coast. The stunning turquoise waters are a photographer’s dream and the podocarp forest walk to the swing bridges is not to be missed. We then continue through quiet back roads before reaching the shores of the beautiful Lake Kaniere, nestled in rainforest surroundings.

Your cycling begins from Dorothy Falls via Hans Bay and continues to the Lake Kaniere outlet where the beautiful single track Kaniere Water Race Trail begins. The water race itself was built in 1875 to supply water for sluicing the Kaniere goldfields.

Cycle through lush native forest and along the historic Kaniere Tram Road, experiencing breath-taking views of the Hokitika River.

The highlight of the trip follows with a workshop experience introducing you to Pounamu, a stone of cultural significance to local iwi. Under the guidance of a local carver, you will learn the basic skills of preparing your stone to create your own keepsake. 

Stay the night in Hokitika making sure you head down to Sunset Point to catch the last rays of light for the evening.

Day 4Cycle Canoe Cove to Kumara49 km

This morning our shuttle will take you on the short drive to Canoe Cove, located on the edge of Lake Kaniere. From here you will continue on the cycle trail and ride the gentle zigzags up through Milltown.

The trail then takes you through pristine bushland taking in the stunning views of the creek below as you cycle across the Macpherson Swing Bridge.

Smooth sweeping boardwalk and bush trail take you alongside the Kawhaka Canal and through the historic goldfield links of Stafford and Goldsborough before finally making your way into Kumara.

Stay the night in accommodation that pays homage to the height of the Kumara gold mining boom of the 1870s, New Zealand’s last big gold rush of the 19th century.

Day 5Cyle Kumara to Greymouth28 km

Your last day of riding rewards you with flawless views of the Taramakau River before continuing your journey to the Tasman Sea alongside sand dunes and coastal lagoons.

A brief section along the Grey River will take you into your final destination of Greymouth, just in time for a celebratory lunch at Monteith’s Brewery (optional liquid Gold!) and the return of your bikes to our nearby depot.

The TranzAlpine™ train is a great way to end your holiday on the West Coast. Departing Greymouth at 2.05pm, you’ll traverse the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Let our Cycle Journeys reservations team know if you would like to check availability and include train tickets in your booking.

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