Length: 17 Days

Time: 2008 Tour Schedule
November 20
December 17

2009 Tour Schedule
January 15
February 11
March 10

Summary: Tour must be reserved at least 7 days in advance. Children must be at least 12+ years old. Rates are per person/double, in US Dollars and include tax. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-698-7958.

Day 2
This morning the beautiful beech forests of the Lewis Pass beckon and by cycle and coach we gradually climb our way over this and then tackle the picturesque Rahu Saddle before another downhill rush with long sweeping corners. On beautifully sealed roads with lush temperate rainforest lining the roadside we ride until we reach the rugged beauty of the West Coast. Our accommodation for the evening is in the character filled old mining town of Greymouth.

Day 3
One of the trips many highlights is the coastal riding as we head northwards to Westport. From the Strongman Memorial through to the famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, the riding is pure quality with enough hills to keep you honest. After a midday break we continue along the coast and finally reach our accommodation for the evening.

Day 4
We cycle the sealed roads through the impressive Buller Gorge where the upper gorge landscape provides us with snapshot vistas of the Buller River whose white water attracts many a rafting and kayak enthusiast. There are plenty of photo opportunities on this scenic and gently undulating ride, before we board our coach for a final ride into Nelson, home of NZ leading arts and crafts exhibits.

Day 5
By coach we motor over the steep outlying hills to arrive at the start of the beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive which skirts the Marlborough Sounds into Picton. From here it is a short hop over the hill to Blenheim, New Zealand's premier wine producing region. After a great lunch at one of the countries leading wineries, we head south down the dramatic East Coast to reach Kaikoura, home of New Zealand 's Whale Watch icon.

Day 6
For the early risers, an optional chance to view one of the great natural sights as whales surface against the spectacular mountain backdrop of the seaward Kaikoura Mountains. Following a late sumptuous breakfast we head further south cycling some of the great back roads and enjoying the scenery as we eventually return to Christchurch and deliver you to your accommodation for the night.

Day 7
A rest day in Christchurch. A chance to explore the Garden City and relax before the start of the exciting Southern Lakes, Queenstown and Milford Sound sections of this tour.

Day 8
Our first cycle takes us along the summit ridge above Christchurch with magnificient views to all points of the compass before dropping down to a small boutique winery for lunch and a swim. We drive onto the vast Canterbury plains and cycle quiet country roads through some of NZ's best sheep and cattle farms before meeting with our farmstay hosts for the night.

Day 9
Following breakfast we set up for a days cycling at your own pace. The turquoise blue of Lake Tekapo is approximately 63 kms via Burkes Pass. Those who wish to can cycle the entire way at their own speed, others can enjoy the full comfort of the occasional vehicle ride. The vast MacKenzie Basin with its views of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps provides an awesome backdrop to the beautiful wild flower fringed highway, before dropping into Tekapo and our lake side accommodation.

Day 10
Huge glacial lakes and flat sealed hydro canal roads add interest to the day as we cycle and then walk beneath Mt Cook and the alpine village. The Hooker Valley is dominated by New Zealand highest mountain with its steep glacier sides regularly providing a spectacular sideshow. At day's end we drive and cycle the final section into Lake Ohau and our lodge accommodation.

Day 11
An early morning lakeside cycle away from the mountains onto the Lindis Pass, crossing into the Otago watershed. A chance to freewheel past the historic gold mining areas of New Zealand's past. By coach and cycle we approach Lake Wanaka and enjoy a superb final lakeside track onto our lodge accommodation for the night.

Day 12
Our day starts with a 20 km cycle on a smooth sealed road, towards the historic Cardrona Hotel for a relaxing coffee or tea. Drive onto the Crown Range and cycle into the Queenstown basin. Via the scenic trails we cycle and explore the tracks near Arrowtown, a goldmining centre of the past. By coach and bike we travel through Queenstown to the top of Lake Wakatipu, and at Glenorchy relax in our mountain lodge with its awesome views and hospitality.

Day 13
Surrounding the lodge the opportunities to explore the nearby wilderness Rees and Dart Valleys are endless. There are several options available for clients on this day, superb cycling, jetboating and kayaking, to walking. Or perhaps just an optional day to relax and enjoy the superb scenery.

Day 14
From Glenorchy and Queenstown we take a leisurely cycle and drive to Lake Te Anau and our Lodge accommodation. For the rest of the day we walk the lakeside sections of the Kepler Track through the beech forests. After the past days activities this can be a relaxing day before the balance of the trip. For the dedicated cyclist, an extra cycle stage will be arranged.

Day 15
Departing Te Anau we drive into the Fiordland National Park amid the beech forests and mountains, that the region is famous for. The beautiful sealed road tracks through the wilderness as we cycle, coach and walk onto the start of the Routeburn Track to experience spectacular views surrounded by mountains. We coach through the Milford Tunnel and then enjoy the sheer delight of a 17 km cycle descent down into Milford Sound and our accommodation for the night on the new ketch SS Milford Mariner. This boat takes us out of the Sound to the open seas beyond before returning to a sheltered spot for the night. By 9am the next morning we have enjoyed optional kayaking or fishing before returning to shore and the start of another day.

Day 16
By bus we travel back up to the top of the Homer Tunnel and then enjoy a spectacular walk into the Gertrude Valley or a cycle down the Hollyford Valley. Local bush walks and cycling down the majestic Eglington Valley slowly return us to Te Anau and our Lodge for the night.

Day 17
Out of Te Anau we cycle and bus the backroad into the hidden Mavora Lakes. We enjoy a further cycle by the lakeside and through the beech forest. By bus we travel to the Von Valley for lunch. From here we farewell our supporting coach as we cycle on to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and down to Walter Peak station. Here we join the day-trippers at the farm and enjoy the hospitality of a farm show and farm-style afternoon tea. Finally on to the old steam ship SS Earnslaw and a sing-a-long with Harold as we sail across the waters to Queenstown. From the wharf we transfer to the bus and to our lodge and the tour end.

You will need to bring the following with you:
-Tee shirts and shorts
-Tracksuit or similar pants
-Long sleeve lightweight top or shirt
-Lightweight woollen jumper/sweat top/fleece jacket
-Socks and underwear
-Suitable cycle footwear eg running shoes, lightweight boots
-Light trekking boots for Milford Wilderness
-Insect repellent
-Camera and film (optional)
-Note: Some clients choose to bring their own saddles - these can easily be fitted to your bike
-Swimming gear
-Padded Bicycle pants recommended
-Thermal top and pants (polypropylene or equivalent)
-Waterproof jacket
-Sunhat (good fit) and sunglasses
-Sandals/jandals/thongs
-Personal toilet gear, towel, sun-cream and lip balm
-Small day bag
-Casual evening clothes
-We supply helmets, but you may prefer to bring your own

Tour must be reserved at least 7 days in advance. Children must be at least 12+ years old. Rates are per person/double, in US Dollars and include tax. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-698-7958.