NEW ZEALAND
‘South Island – Bike, Hike & Kayak’
13 Day biking and active adventure - Christchurch to Picton;
Or Christchurch to Christchurch with optional add-on train journey.
New Zealand is a land of contrasts - the South Island especially so with dramatic alps, pristine rivers and lakes, golden beaches and wild rocky coastlines.
Our “Bike, Hike & Kayak” adventure is a selection of the South Island’s finest non-technical, off-road and on-road biking, combined with some stunning walks, sea-kayaking in the Abel Tasman and scenic train journeys.
Your adventure begins in Christchurch “The Garden City” – where we board the Tranz Alpine train for the stunning and rugged journey to Greymouth. We bike the famous Queen Charlotte track, kayak in the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park and introduce you to some of New Zealand’s most gorgeous walking tracks and bike rides.
We have chosen remote and little known back-roads and tracks that not only get us to the next destination but also to show you the real New Zealand. With full vehicle support, this trip can be enjoyed by anyone with some off-road cycling experience and reasonable fitness level. At various parts of the journey you will have the choice of a more or less challenging biking or walking options to suit your abilities.
At the end of each day we stay in a variety of guesthouses, hostels and lodges with the ever-present hot showers, cold beers and opportunities to experience some of our favourite South Island spots.
WHAT IS THE BIKING LIKE?
8-10 days biking on a mixture of paved and dirt roads, and non-technical single track. While most of the riding on this trip is non-technical some off road/mountain biking experience will help.
A good level of fitness will add to the enjoyment of your trip.
At various parts of the journey you will have the choice of a more or less challenging biking or walking options to suit your abilities.
Total biking distance 350-550km.
THE BASIC LO-DOWN
We travel 13 days Christchurch to Picton (or return to Christchurch with optional train journey).
5 hiking options from 1hr to full day.
1 day sea-kayaking.
100% vehicle supported. Our trusty support vehicle carries all your luggage, helps you up those hills (if you like) and always has lunch, snacks and water at hand.
Accommodation: 12 nights hotels, guesthouses, motels, hostels and lodges.
Food – 3 meals a day included from evening on day 1 to breakfast on day 13, except when stated on the detailed itinerary. (Some evening meals are not included to give you a chance to experience some of New Zealand's local cuisine of your own choosing).
Group size: minimum 4, maximum 10; plus Escape leaders.
Bike hire is available, contact us for more information.
ITINERARY
B=Breakfast included, L=Lunch included, D=Dinner included.
Day 1 – Morning Scenic Tranz Alpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth and short coastal hike in the afternoon. D
Day 2- Bike, hike, bike to seal colony and along West Coast. 50kms bike, 2hr hike. BLD
Day 3- Hike or bike the Charming Creek walkway on the wild West Coast. 4-5 hrs bike or hike. BLD
Day 4 – Bike on little used back roads to St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes National Park. Approx 65kms biking. BL
Day 5 – Take a day hike in Nelson lakes National Park and optional single track MTB ride. BLD
Day 6 – A big day’s ride from Nelson Lakes out to the coast. Up to 90kms biking. BL
Day 7 – Bike over “The marble Mountain” to Golden bay. Up to 70kms biking. BL
Day 8 – Explore Golden Bay, local rides and hiking options. 50kms biking plus 2-3 hr hike or optional activities. BLD
Day 9 – Sea kayak in the Abel Tasman National Park - explore the crystal clear ocean, wildlife and golden beaches. BL
Day 10 – Coastal and vineyard ride to Nelson. 45kms biking. B
Day 11 – Bike the Queen Charlotte track or take the road option in the Marlborough Sounds. BLD
Day 12 – Bike the Queen Charlotte track and water taxi to Picton. BL
Day 13 – Trip finish in Picton or take the scenic Tranz Coastal train back to Christchurch (optional). B
Please remember that this is a guide only and due to unforeseen circumstances it may be necessary to make changes to the itinerary.
Approximate option costs:
Evening meals: From NZ$ 10 for a simple takeaway to around NZ$ 20-30 for restaurant meals.
Farewell Spit tour: approx NZ$ 70
Golden bay horse trek: approx NZ$100
TRIP DATES FOR SUMMER 2009/10
Tuesday 15th to Sunday 27th December 2009
Monday 15th to Saturday 27th March 2010
PRICE FOR 2009/10
13 days Christchurch to Picton. NZ$4290 (Bike Hire NZ$250)
Single Supplement NZ$475.
PRICES INCLUDE - 12 nights accommodation on a share twin basis, Escape bike guides/drivers, bike hire, support vehicle and trailer to carry all luggage, meals, land and boat transfers for the duration of the tour as per detailed itinerary.
PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE - airfares, visas, airport taxes, optional activities, some lunches and evening meals as per detailed itinerary and personal equipment.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
PRICE FOR 2009/10
13 days Christchurch to Picton. NZ$4290 (Bike Hire NZ$250)
Single Supplement NZ$475.
PRICES INCLUDE - 12 nights accommodation on a share twin basis, Escape bike guides/drivers, bike hire, support vehicle and trailer to carry all luggage, meals, land and boat transfers for the duration of the tour as per detailed itinerary.
PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE - airfares, visas, airport taxes, optional activities, some lunches and evening meals as per detailed itinerary and personal equipment.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
New Zealand
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
National Parks
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