Skip to contentSkip to menu

9 Day Great West Coast Cycle Tour

Days
9

Pricing From
$3695

Difficulty

Book Now

Overview

With the South Island offering some of the best cycling in NZ, this 9 day itinerary provides a crossing of the Southern Alps and some the best of the best in cycling!

Starting in Christchurch with the Tranz Alpine train to Arthur's Pass, followed by eight days of spectacular riding through the Glacier region and over spectacular Haast Pass, this tour finishes in the beautiful Southern Lakes district around Wanaka & Queenstown.  This is New Zealand's most famous & scenic multi day cycle ride known as one of the world's top five touring routes.

Trip Highlights

  • Embark on this 9 day road cycling adventure taking you from Christchurch to Queenstown
  • Wonder at Lake Matheson, famous for its sunset reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook
  • Enjoy a breathtaking TranzAlpine train ride across the Southern Alps
  • Challenge yourself on the hill climb up Haast Pass
  • Ride up to 100km a day with full vehicle support
  • Discover Wanaka and the gold mining history of quaint Arrowtown
  • Experience a scenic flight, heli-hike or walk on the ice at Franz Josef Glacier (optional)

Tour Grading:  Challenging          

This trip is part of our New Zealand Bike Tours for Fit Cyclists. For a little more relaxed trip try our Recreational Bike Tours. All tours can be adapted by the guides for recreational or stronger cyclists wanting to cover more ground.

"Thanks Steve, Tim and Chris for loading and unloading bikes and bags everyday, enabling us to enjoy as much of the South Island as we could in our short visit.  For rustling up some great picnic lunches, and the reassuring blasts of the horn to let us know you were near, as we cycled in various conditions.  For organising kayaking and the Fox Glacier walk, both new exciting memorable experiences.  You made it a really good trip for all of us." - Kathryn Hall, UK

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.

Great West Coast Cycle Tour

Cyclist on the West Coast of New Zealand

Great West Coast Cycle Tour

Rainbow over Hokitika Town Centre, West Coast, New Zealand

Great West Coast Cycle Tour

Group of Cyclists on the West Coast of New Zealand

Great West Coast Cycle Tour

Hari Hari travelling south to Lake Ianthe, West Coast, New Zealand

Great West Coast Cycle Tour

Group of Cyclists stopping for a photo on the West Coast of New Zealand

Great West Coast Cycle Tour

Clouds reflecting on the lagoon surface at Okarito, West Coast, New Zealand

Great West Coast Cycle Tour

Cyclists on West Coast, New Zealand

Great West Coast Cycle Tour

Guided walk on Fox Glacier, West Coast, New Zealand

Great West Coast Cycle Tour

Lake Matheson, West Coast, New Zealand

Great West Coast Cycle Tour

Lookout Point,West Coast, New Zealand

Great West Coast Cycle Tour

Haast Beach, West Coast, New Zealand

Great West Coast Cycle Tour

Lone Cyclist on a windy road West Coast, New Zealand

Great West Coast Cycle Tour

Crown Descent to Queenstown, New Zealand

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Christchurch to Hokitika76km Riding distance

These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and other circumstances beyond our control.

--

We will meet in central Christchurch at Cathedral Junction at 7:00am.Your guide will drive you to the Christchurch train station in time for the TranzAlpine Express departure at 8.15am.

We enjoy a scenic train journey across the Southern Alps and arrive at Moana on Lake Brunner around Midday. We will eat our lunch on the train and then we can get on the bikes immediately to follow an undulating and winding course through the picturesque Arnold Valley to Stillwater. A flat ride beside the banks of the Grey River takes us out to the coastal township of Greymouth.One of the trip's many highlights is the coastal riding as we head north along the coast to the famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. The coastline is wild, the rock formations are incredible and the rainforest is lush. The riding is pure quality, with enough hills to keep you honest.

After visiting the Pancake Rocks we load up the bikes, hop on the bus and transfer to Hokitika and our accommodation for the night. Hokitika is a quiet coastal town known for the crafting of Pounamu (greenstone) from the West Coast and is a wonderful place to walk along the beach at sunset. (L, D)  

Day 2Hokitika 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 next two nights. (B)

Day 3Franz Josef Glacier

Time for a day off the saddle and Franz Josef Glacier is a great place to enjoy this. With hot pools, ice climbing and lots of short walks – there are plenty of options. You could also relax and catch up with your diary or read a book. Flight-seeing is very popular here either in fixed wing planes around the mountains (up to 40 mins) or a helicopter flight to land on the snowfields high above the village (1.5 – 2 hours).

There is also an option to enjoy some sea-kayaking into the rainforest at the nearby Okarito Lagoon & bird sanctuary. Additional costs for optional activities apply. (B)

Day 4Franz Josef Glacier to Fox Glacier25km Riding distance

This mornings start is flexible depending on the weather and what people would like to do. There are a number of options – if the previous days weather hadn’t been that great then this morning can be for a walk to the base of the glacier or some sea-kayaking. After all other activities are out of the way then it’s an afternoon ride through to Fox Glacier (optional). 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 of 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 5Fox Glacier to Haast120km Riding distance Shorter Option - Fox to Lake Moeraki - 89km

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 6Haast 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 7Makarora 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 8Wanaka 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 9Depart 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 Queenstown accommodation bookings. (B)

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

Cost per person

November 2022 - April 2023

  • Twin share: NZ$3,695

November 2023 - April 2024

  • Twin share: NZ$3,795

Single supplement: NZ$895

Road Bike Rental: NZ$400

e-Bike Rental: NZ$800

Public Holiday Surcharge: NZ$50

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Christchurch to Hokitika76km Riding distance

These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. The itinerary should be seen as a guide only. This itinerary may change at any time due to inclement weather, forces of nature and other circumstances beyond our control.

--

We will meet in central Christchurch at Cathedral Junction at 7:00am.Your guide will drive you to the Christchurch train station in time for the TranzAlpine Express departure at 8.15am.

We enjoy a scenic train journey across the Southern Alps and arrive at Moana on Lake Brunner around Midday. We will eat our lunch on the train and then we can get on the bikes immediately to follow an undulating and winding course through the picturesque Arnold Valley to Stillwater. A flat ride beside the banks of the Grey River takes us out to the coastal township of Greymouth.One of the trip's many highlights is the coastal riding as we head north along the coast to the famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. The coastline is wild, the rock formations are incredible and the rainforest is lush. The riding is pure quality, with enough hills to keep you honest.

After visiting the Pancake Rocks we load up the bikes, hop on the bus and transfer to Hokitika and our accommodation for the night. Hokitika is a quiet coastal town known for the crafting of Pounamu (greenstone) from the West Coast and is a wonderful place to walk along the beach at sunset. (L, D)  

Day 2Hokitika 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 next two nights. (B)

Day 3Franz Josef Glacier

Time for a day off the saddle and Franz Josef Glacier is a great place to enjoy this. With hot pools, ice climbing and lots of short walks – there are plenty of options. You could also relax and catch up with your diary or read a book. Flight-seeing is very popular here either in fixed wing planes around the mountains (up to 40 mins) or a helicopter flight to land on the snowfields high above the village (1.5 – 2 hours).

There is also an option to enjoy some sea-kayaking into the rainforest at the nearby Okarito Lagoon & bird sanctuary. Additional costs for optional activities apply. (B)

Day 4Franz Josef Glacier to Fox Glacier25km Riding distance

This mornings start is flexible depending on the weather and what people would like to do. There are a number of options – if the previous days weather hadn’t been that great then this morning can be for a walk to the base of the glacier or some sea-kayaking. After all other activities are out of the way then it’s an afternoon ride through to Fox Glacier (optional). 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 of 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 5Fox Glacier to Haast120km Riding distance Shorter Option - Fox to Lake Moeraki - 89km

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 6Haast 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 7Makarora 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 8Wanaka 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 9Depart 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 Queenstown accommodation bookings. (B)

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

Similar Tours

5 Day Otago Central Rail Trail Independent Bike Tour
5 Day Otago Central Rail Trail Independent Bike Tour

Read more

1 Day Tunnel to Town Via Mapua Self-Guided Cycle
1 Day Tunnel to Town Via Mapua Self-Guided Cycle

Read more

7 Day Southern Coast Cycle Trail
7 Day Southern Coast Cycle Trail

Read more

9 Day Alps to Ocean Plus Self Guided
9 Day Alps to Ocean Plus Self Guided

Read more