7 Day South Island Gravel Explorer Guided Biking Tour

The journey begins with a scenic ride on Banks Peninsula, one of New Zealand’s most unique volcanic landscapes. After a one-hour drive from Christchurch, we start with a gentle lakeside trail to warm up before a gravel climb up Bossu Road. The reward? Panoramic views over the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps, and the brilliant blue Akaroa Harbour. A descent leads to Wainui, where we enjoy a picnic lunch by the water. In the afternoon, it’s a short ride to Duvauchelle, where we load up and drive back to Christchurch, arriving in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, we drive to Cave, stopping for coffee at Pleasant Point. The morning ride winds through rolling farmland and follows the Little Opawa River Valley, climbing over Waratah Saddle. The landscape shifts as we cross Mackenzie Saddle (785m), revealing the vast Mackenzie Basin with its golden tussocks and distant Southern Alps. We load up at Dog Kennel Corner, a historic sheepdog memorial, and drive the final stretch to Lake Tekapo. Upon arrival, we visit the Church of the Good Shepherd before enjoying an evening at leisure.

In the morning, we return to Dog Kennel Corner and begin cycling up towards Hakataramea Pass (965m). The ride is entirely on gravel, offering sweeping alpine views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Mackenzie Basin. A smooth descent takes us into the Hakataramea Valley, where the Kirkliston Range looms over rolling farmland. The ride ends in Kurow, a small town at the meeting point of the Waitaki and Hakataramea Rivers, where we settle in for the night.

Today's adventure takes us over the remote Dansey’s Pass (935m), a historic gold mining and stock route. The route is too rugged for our support vehicle, so we ride fully self-supported. Departing Kurow, we follow the Waitaki River, passing vineyards and Māori rock art before reaching Duntroon. From there, the trail climbs into the Kakanui Mountains, winding through gorges before reaching the barren tussock-covered summit. A thrilling descent leads to Dansey’s Pass Coach House, our historic accommodation at Kyeburn Diggings. In the afternoon, there’s an option to cycle to Naseby, explore Naseby Forest, or try curling.

Today’s ride is the longest of the trip but follows the gentle gradients of the Otago Central Rail Trail, making for a smooth journey. For keen riders, there’s an optional 33km ride to reach the trail at Wedderburn Station. From Wedderburn, we climb steadily to the trail’s highest point, then descend to cross the Poolburn Viaduct and Manuherikia Bridge, passing through the 229m-long Poolburn Tunnel. The day ends in Alexandra, where we settle in for the next two nights. Dinner is at leisure.

Today we ride two of New Zealand’s Great Rides: the Clutha Gold Trail and the Roxburgh Gorge Trail. A drive to Beaumont sets us up for a 20km ride through Beaumont Gorge, emerging into Millers Flat. The next 30km takes us deep into the Teviot Valley, passing historic landmarks before reaching Roxburgh Dam.

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail begins with stunning lake views, winding through a secluded valley before dropping into rugged hill country. At Shingle Creek, a jet boat ride (10km) carries us upriver to Doctor’s Point, where we continue cycling back to Alexandra through remote gorges dotted with gold mining relics.

The final day is an iconic ride on the Lake Dunstan Trail, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular cycling routes. The journey starts with a gentle river trail from Alexandra to Clyde, where we join the Lake Dunstan Trail.

Cycling past the Clyde Dam, we enter the dramatic Cromwell Gorge, where the trail clings to sheer rock faces and crosses lake inlets on floating platforms. The trail continues past vineyards and olive groves, crossing the Bannockburn Bridge before reaching Cromwell’s Heritage Precinct.

The adventure concludes with a drive through the Kawarau Gorge, passing Gibbston Valley’s vineyards and the Kawarau Bungy Bridge, before reaching Queenstown, where we end the tour with a central drop-off.