New Zealand Cycling – South Island
11 days
Duration11 days

Cycle from the Southern Alps to the ocean over 11 days of wild, dramatic backdrops. Quiet country roads, spectacular glaciers, rugged coastlines, rolling hills—it’s all here and within reach. New Zealand boasts an amazing variety of landscapes and equally amazing culture. This adventure offers the perfect opportunity to experience the country’s remarkable landscapes and laid-back lifestyle. Our cycle tour takes us from the Alps to the Pacific Ocean. We begin on a high note near Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, and head to the historic port city of Oamaru on the best sections of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle trail. Together, we move past the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, turquoise glacier-fed lakes and lush pastures dotted with sheep. Pedal inland through rolling hills and vineyards on New Zealand's original "Great Ride", the Otago Central Rail Trail. As the name suggests, this ride—much like this trip—is too great to be missed.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 11 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Southern Alps
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ages: 18+
New Zealand Cycling – South Island - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Meet in Christchurch and ride towards the Southern Alps foothills.

Start place: Southern Alps

Our trip begins today in Christchurch, New Zealand. Meet your guides and fellow travelers in the Chateau on the Park Hotel lobby at 8:30am. Loading luggage into the support vehicle, we transfer to our bike depot for a trip orientation and bike fitting. Next, we drive north to the rural township of Loburn for a warmup ride through the rural countryside of North Canterbury. Heading inland towards the foothills of the Southern Alps, we pass through the Ashley Gorge to reach the small village of Oxford. After lunch at a local café, anyone wishing to add 12 miles of cycling will head out on their bike to the town of Sheffield. After our ride, we drive to nearby Geraldine for dinner and to spend the night. Lunch and dinner included.Cycling: 22 miles (optional additional 12 miles), 3-4 hours; elevation gain/loss: 1,050’/600’; terrain: hilly, paved roads; driving: 2 hours.
Meals: D
Day 2: Cycle the pastoral Canterbury Plains and overnight at Lake Tekapo.
We begin our ride outside of Geraldine. The area is considered New Zealand's only "flat" land, with wide-open country and braided rivers teeming with trout and salmon. The Canterbury Plains are also rich in sheep and dairy farming and today's ride finds us traveling through a pastoral landscape. On these low-traffic roads, the only thing to slow us down is a possible sheep or cattle crossing. After a picnic lunch and a visit to St. David’s Pioneer Memorial Church, a Heritage Site, there is an optional ride through more picturesque countryside to finish near Fairlie. A van transfer brings us to Lake Tekapo for the night. All meals included.Cycling: 24 miles, 2 hours; elevation gain/loss: 700’/500'; terrain: paved roads with a gradual uphill climb. Optional afternoon ride: 23 miles, 2 hours; elevation gain/loss 1,300'/860'; terrain: combination of paved and gravel roads.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Ride on a famous trail along the shores of Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau.
The next two days are spent cycling some of the best sections of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, considered one of New Zealand’s “Great Rides”. The trail showcases geological, scenic, and historical highlights from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. We begin our ride along the Tekapo Canal and wind our way along the shores of Lake Pukaki. On a clear day there are views to Mount Cook across its sapphire waters. We have lunch in Twizel, a small town located in the heart of the Mackenzie Basin. From here the cycle way follows the Ohau Canal to the southern shores of Lake Ohau with views of Glen Mary Glacier and the Ben Ohau Range. All meals included.Cycling: 45 miles, 4.5-5 hours; terrain: mostly flat with a few undulations on a mix of paved, gravel, shingle and dirt roads, and cycle trails.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Cycle the Alps 2 Ocean Trail to the unique limestone Elephant Rocks.
We continue our ride on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. We build up our appetites for lunch as we cycle up and over the impressive Benmore Dam, then descend to Lake Aviemore and ride along its gorgeous northern shore. Following lunch our ride continues to the otherworldly land of limestone outcroppings known as Elephant Rocks. Taking time to wander around them is the best way to appreciate these unique formations. The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail soon leaves the road and wanders through the countryside, passing farms and the historic Rakis Railway Tunnel. We meet the road again at Windsor and transfer to our lodging in the port city of Oamaru, the terminus of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. All meals included.Cycling: 48 miles, 5 hours; terrain: a mix of paved, gravel, shingle and dirt roads and cycle trails.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Explore the Victorian coastal cities of Oamaru and Dunedin.
Oamaru’s historic district of 19th-century Victorian buildings is one of New Zealand’s most impressive. The buildings have been restored to their former glory and now house shops, restaurants and galleries. We visit the Farmers and Street Markets in the Victorian Precinct, then begin today’s ride. We cycle the coastal road out of Oamaru, admiring the views of white sand beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Reaching Waianakarua, we load up and drive to the perfectly spherical Moeraki Boulders lying along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. Believed to be at least 60 million years old, each boulder weighs several tons and can be up to six feet high. Away from traffic, we continue riding inland from Waitati to Dunedin, our home for the next two nights. All meals included.Cycling: 28 miles, 2.5 hours; elevation gain/loss: 1,863’/1,735’; terrain: rolling to hilly on paved roads.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Cycle to Larnach Castle and Portobello, and free time in Dunedin.
Our bike ride begins with a sustained hill climb to the top of the Otago Peninsula and Larnach Castle. We stroll the expansive gardens and explore the castle, then continue our ride with an exhilarating downhill to the small village of Portobello. At the end of the peninsula, we find the only mainland breeding colony of the royal albatross. Returning to our hotel, the remainder of the day is free to explore Dunedin at your leisure. The cultural mix of Maori and Scottish settlers gave the city a unique, quirky character. Add in the world’s steepest street with a maximum 35% grade, and New Zealand’s smallest bar at 1.8 meters wide, and you get the picture! The city also has the finest examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere, and the rail depot is considered one of the world’s most beautiful train stations. Breakfast included.Cycling: 37 miles, 4 hours; elevation gain/loss: 2,556’; terrain: some hills, including a gradual 6 mile climb on paved roads.
Meals: B
Day 7: Train through Taieri Gorge and cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail.
From Dunedin’s splendid rail station we take a journey aboard the historic Taieri Gorge Railway. Traveling through the narrow and deep gorge cut out by the Taieri River, we pass through ten tunnels and cross numerous bridges and viaducts. Our train ride concludes at Pukerangi, where we begin our bike ride on New Zealand’s original and most famous “Great Ride,” the Otago Central Rail Trail. This rail trail offers a 150-kilometer scenic and historic journey into the Central Otago heartland. We witness the natural beauty and look in awe at some early feats of the first settlers of this region. Our destination is Ranfurly, a sleepy town known for its restored Art Deco buildings. All meals included.Cycling: 37 miles, 3.5 hours; elevation gain: 728’; terrain: mostly flat with gradual uphill on hard-packed gravel cycle trail.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Glimpse New Zealand's mining past and sample an award-winning wine.
Our cycling route continues along the Otago Central Rail Trail. The ever-changing landscape includes rugged mountains and steep, winding gorges. With views of the Dunstan Mountains and the Raggedy Range, we ride to Clyde, a quaint, historic town in this up-and-coming wine region. Clyde was once a wild and rollicking “canvas” town bustling with gold miners. Dunstan House was significant as a social gathering point for the thousands of miners. This historic hotel, built in 1900, has been fully restored and will be our lodgings for the night. We visit a local winery for a wine tasting, including an award-winning Pinot Noir, before dinner. All meals included.Cycling: up to 56 miles, 5.5 hours; elevation gain/loss: 640’/1,469’; terrain: hard packed gravel cycle trail and one tunnel ride of 720’.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Ride to the lakeside town of Wanaka at the base of the Crown Range.
From the Central Otago region we ride to the town of Wanaka, in the Queenstown Lakes District. Named for the lake that it borders, Wanaka is a hub for outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, canyoning and sky diving. We reach our lodgings in the early afternoon, with free time to take in the sights, relax or head out with the guides on an afternoon ride. All meals included.Cycling: 27 miles; 3 hours; elevation gain/loss: 988’/753’; terrain: mix of hard packed gravel and paved roads. Optional cycling: 8.5 miles, 1 hour; elevation gain/loss: 485’/530’; terrain: mix of hard packed gravel, paved roads and sand/dirt trail.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Ride through Gibbston Valley to the Arrow River, and into Queenstown.
We drive the memorable Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest paved road, to take in the massive views. Reaching a local winery, we gear up for our final ride. Our route winds through Gibbston Valley with views of the scenic Kawarau River. While crossing a large suspension bridge, we may see bungee jumpers launching themselves towards the river below. Our ride brings us to Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village settled below the high peaks that surround the Arrow River. After lunch, postcard views are around every bend as we climb and descend to the aquamarine river bed. The trail gradually turns onto quiet streets, signaling our arrival into Queenstown. We celebrate our journey at tonight’s dinner. All meals included.Cycling: 22 miles (optional additional 6 miles), 3 hours; elevation gain/loss: 850’/1,150’; terrain: hard-packed gravel cycle paths and roads; driving: 1.5 hours.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 11: Depart Queenstown or extend your stay to explore on your own.
The trip concludes with a group transfer at 8:30am to the Queenstown Airport. Or extend your stay to explore Milford Sound, take a jet boat ride on Shotover River, or even experience bungee jumping. Breakfast included.
Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Double occupancy accommodations
  • support vehicle
  • 27 speed TREK hybrid touring bikes equipped with a small trunk and/or front rack bag, odometer, and water bottle holder
  • meals as noted in the daily itinerary
  • ground transportation
  • sightseeing arrangements as noted in the itinerary
  • entrance fees and permits
  • experienced local guides.
  • Accommodation

    Hotels/Inns, 9 nights, Holiday House, 1 night

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