Bicycle past picture-perfect West Coast glaciers and lakes, over Haast Pass and down to Wanaka and Queenstown, the bungy jumping capital of New Zealand.
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Day 1: Meet in Christchurch
Highlights: Pancake Rocks & blow holes
We meet in Christchurch and transfer by van to Punakaiki mid-afternoon. There will be time for a short ride along the way and to explore the fascinating Pancake Rocks and watch the sea surge through blow holes.Day 2: Punakaiki to Hokitika
Highlights: Jade and glass-blowing shops in Hokitika, coastal views
We head south to Greymouth, the principal town of Westland. Named after Sir George Grey, New Zealand's first Governor, it was the site of Mawhera, the largest Maori settlement on the West Coast. From here it is a flat run to Hokitika, a town famous for its goldrush in the 1860's. It is now supported by timber milling, greenstone (jade) and glass-blowing factories.
Bicycling Options:
Punakaiki to Greymouth: 44 km / 28 mi.
Punakaiki to Hokitika: 84km / 52.5 mi.
Day 3: Hokitika to Whataroa
Highlights: Lake Ianthe, Mt Hercules
Much of the ride today is through native bush. The tavern at Lake Ianthe is well worth a stop, as is beautiful Lake Ianthe, renowned for trout fishing. Harihari is a small logging town and has an excellent craft shop. Shortly after leaving Harihari we tackle Mt Hercules, a far easier climb than the name suggests.
Bicycling Options:
Hokitika to Lake Ianthe tavern: 49km / 31 mi.
Hokitika to Whataroa: 85.5 km / 53 mi.
Day 4: Whataroa to Fox
Highlights: Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, Westland National Park
It is a flat run into Westland National Park and Franz Josef Glacier where you will have superb views of snowcapped peaks. From Franz to Fox (24 km) there are three climbs (and descents) through beautiful native forest, a spectacular way to finish the day.
Bicycling Options:
Whataroa to Franz Josef: 50km / 31 mi.
Whataroa to Fox Glacier: 74 km / 46 mi
Day 5: Rest Day in Fox
Highlights: Glacier walks, Okarito Beach and seal colonies
A walk up the glacier valley gives spectacular views of the terminal ice, while the Westland National Park Visitors Centre houses a wealth of information. (Thirteen percent of New Zealand is national park.) Also highly recommended are ski-plane or helicopter flights over snowfields, forests and glaciers. Okarito Beach, site of Abel Tasmans landfall and once a thriving town, is a further option, as is the seal colony at neighbouring Gillespies Beach.Day 6: Fox to Lake Moeraki
Highlights: Views of Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps
From Fox to Lake Moeraki the road passes through lush rain forest of rimu and rata, flax filled swamps and past rugged hills. The many rivers become raging torrents after rain. With fine weather there will be superb views of Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps.
Bicycling Options:
Fox Glacier to Bruce Bay: 48km / 30 mi.
Fox Glacier to Salmon Farm: 65km / 41 mi.
Fox Glacier to Lake Moeraki: 90 km / 56 mi.
Day 7: Lake Moeraki to Makarora
Highlights: Basking seals, Haast River valley, native birds & waterfalls
Just south of Lake Moeraki, Knights Point affords excellent views of the rugged coastline where seals can often be seen basking in the sun. From Haast we head inland, following the Haast River towards the snowcapped peaks. We pass innumerable waterfalls and much bird life, notably keas, fantails and bellbirds. After lunch at Depot Creek the stiff climb through the Gates of Haast is negotiated before the gentle descent to Makarora.
Bicycling Options:
Lake Moeraki to Haast: 30 km / 19 mi.
Lake Moeraki to Haast Pass: 81km / 51 mi.
Lake Moeraki to Makaroa: 112 km / 70 mi.
Day 8: Makarora to Lake Wanaka
Highlights: Views of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka
The country is now dramatically drier, dense bush giving way to open sheep paddocks. The road closely follows Lake Wanaka, crosses the Neck to Lake Hawea and then recrosses to Lake Wanaka.
Bicycling Options:
Makarora to Hawea: 50 km / 31 mi.
Makarora to Wanaka: 66 km / 41 mi.
Day 9: Lake Wanaka to Queenstown
Highlights: Views of The Remarkables, the Crown Range and Queenstown
Our route today takes us up the Crown Range, over the Cardrona Road. We climb past the historic Cardrona Hotel; on reaching the top there will be amazing views of The Remarkables mountains and Queenstown. We descend the exhilarating hairpin bends down to Arrowtown, with its quaint old cottages and avenues of elms. A short leisurely ride beneath Coronet Peak, a winter ski field, takes us to Arthur's Point where we cross the Shotover River on our way to Queenstown. Surrounded by mountain peaks (including the famous Remarkables), and set on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown has much to offer.
Bicycling Options:
Wanaka to Cardrona Hotel: 27km / 17 mi.
Wanaka to Queenstown via Cardrona: 78km / 49 mi.
Day 10: Tour ends in Queenstown
Highlights:
After breakfast we must say farewell, a safe journey home and hope to see you again.-
HighlightsThe Southern Alps, A night on a sheep station, 3 national parks, Queenstown, Christchurch
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IncludesUse of a quality 27-speed bicycle, 10 days, 9 nights accommodation, 7 dinners, 5 lunches, & 9 breakfasts
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CountriesNew Zealand
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Begin/EndChristchurch/Queenstown
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Arrive/DepartChristchurch Int'l Airport (CHC) / Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
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Total Distance282-594 km (176-321 miles)
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Daily Distance30-117 km (19-73 miles)
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What to ExpectSome long days with shuttle options for those who want shorter or intermediate mileage.
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Rating
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Notes
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Terms
| Dates | Price | Single Supplement* |
Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 02 - 11, 2013 | NZ$4715 | NZ$895 | Book It |
| Jan 12 - 21, 2014 | NZ$4715 | NZ$895 | Book It |
| Feb 28 - Mar 09, 2014 | NZ$4715 | NZ$895 | Book It |
| *We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the single supplement rate. This fee will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available this fee will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour. | |||
Click on the "pins" for details about each day's highlights.
Map Key
Start
City (on route)
End
City (not part of route, provided for reference)Salt Lake City, UT
