See the best of the South Island by bicycle! On the Weka cycling tour you'll ride remote high country station roads, the legendary Eglinton Valley road to Milford Sound, the Buller River Gorge, and New Zealand's magnificent West Coast including Arthur's Pass and Franz Josef Glacier.
This fully-suppported 13-day cycling vacation includes lots of great rides, with some awesome side-hikes available, as well as picturesque accommodations, and concludes with two days cycling on the Central Otago Rail Trail. There is no finer way to see New Zealand by bicycle!
Our cycling trips ensure you'll do the best biking the South Island of New Zealand has to offer and visit some amazing locations too! The Weka is primarily a cycling trip but we have some amazing hikes to take you on as well. You'll cycle through unforgettable scenery, stay in lovely place, and see both the big names and the most off-the-beaten-track places in New Zealand. You'll be fully vehicle-supported so you won't need to worry about mechanical problems or flat tires!
We generally cycle between 35 and 70 miles a day, although you can ride less or more than that - whatever you prefer. We'll be taking in remote high country station roads, the legendary Eglinton Valley Road to Milford Sound, the Buller River Gorge and New Zealand's magnificent West Coast, including Arthur's Pass and the Fox Glacier. We'll also spend two unforgettable days on the Central Otago Rail Trail.
Our company is based in Queenstown, which is a fabulous place for road cycling and mountain biking - so we've got some passionate cyclists here! Andrew Fairfax – our company's founder, has cycled from Istanbul to London (3000 miles) and also ridden the 2000 mile length of New Zealand. Earlier last year, he rode from Morocco to Spain, and he's not the only keen cyclist in the ranks! You can be assured that our staff's passion for cycling filters right through our trips. If you're a keen cyclist, we know you'll love the Weka!
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Tuesday - Arrive & Cycling on East Coast near Kaikoura
Most people leave the Northern hemisphere on a Sunday, and arrive in New Zealand early on Tuesday morning. You'll lose a day to the dateline - but you'll get it back on the way home! If you haven't flown direct to Christchurch, you'll immediately take a short flight from Auckland to the South Island, where we'll meet you. You'll need to arrive in Christchurch by 10am or so, and we'll head straight for the Christchurch city gardens where we'll have some time to get acquainted with our cross-terrain touring bikes.
After lunch, we'll head up the coast and into the Southern Alps to the resort town of Hanmer Springs. You'll get a chance to stretch your legs along the way with a short cycle into Hanmer Springs via the Waiau Valley. In the evening you can soak, relax and get to know your co-travellers in the fresh water mineral spa at Hanmer Springs. 15 to 20 miles of road riding – predominantly flat to get accustomed to your bike. Accommodation: Hanmer Springs Lodgings, Hanmer Springs. Included: (L), (D).
Day 2: Wednesday - High country cycle traverse of the Rainbow Station Road
We'll begin today with a short drive up Jacks Pass to New Zealand's largest backcountry sheep farm, Molesworth Station. Here we'll ride on a spectacular high country farm road from Hanmer Springs to St Arnaud via the Rainbow Station. During the winter this area is home to the Rainbow and Hanmer Springs Ski Fields, and in summer it provides cycling access to some remote and spectacular mountain areas.
You'll appreciate the vehicle support in this remote part of the South Island! From Jacks Pass Saddle, we follow the Clarence River up to Lake Tennyson and over the Island Saddle, before following the Waiau and Rainbow Rivers down to the small village of St Arnaud, nestled on the edge of the Nelson Lakes National Park. Tonight you'll enjoy a typical Kiwi style BBQ at our lodgings. 40 to 50 miles of gravel road – undulating – one long uphill stretch gaining over 2,400 feet to Island Saddle before a gradual 1,800 foot descent into St Arnaud – a stunning remote alpine valley. Accommodation: St Arnaud Bed and Breakfast. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 3: Thursday - Cycling in the Buller Gorge and Punakaiki Coast
From St Arnaud we head through Murchison to the West Coast, cycling alongside the Buller River from the massive Inangahua Slip, the site of a huge earthquake-triggered landslide that dammed the river in the 1960's. This ride allows you plenty of time to check out the awesome scenery, thick sub-tropical rainforest and historical gold mining sites on the way to the coast at Punakaiki.
After lunch we'll do a short cycle along the coast road. This is one of our favorite parts of New Zealand and after a short hike along the beach, you'll see why we love it so much! Tonight we'll stay on the West Coast. 40 – 80 miles of road riding – slightly downhill, descending 400 feet to the coast alongside a river gorge – short coastal walk at Punakaiki. Accommodation: West Coast Lodgings - comfortable and quiet. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4: Friday - Cycling from top of Arthur’s Pass to the coast
This morning we'll drive up to the top of Arthur's Pass where you'll encounter the Kea - New Zealand's famously cheeky, green alpine parrot. Although we don't feed them, you'll find they come really close to us in the forlorn hope that we'll throw some chocolate their way! From the top of Arthur's Pass you'll cycle down towards the coast, and along the Otira Viaduct, before taking a back road beside the twisting Arahura River to the coast.
It's then a short distance to Hokitika where you can do some shopping for local arts and crafts, if you like. The area's specialty is traditional pounamu carving (“ pounamu” is Maori for jade) and there are a number of fantastic galleries in this small town. 40 - 80 miles - a long downhill section descending 2,400 feet from Arthur's Pass to the coast, with a short uphill section along the way – awesome! Accommodation: Shining Star Chalets, Hokitika. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 5: Saturday - Coastal Cycle from Lake Kaniere to Kakapotahi Ecological Area
Today we'll head down the West Coast, cycle a stunning remote loop road around Lake Kaniere and then continue south past Lake Mahinapua, and onwards towards the coast. This area is full of dense native rainforest, huge fast-flowing rivers and spectacular views of the snow-capped Southern Alps. We'll follow the main inland road, turning after the Mikonui River onto a smaller coastal road to the village of Kakapotahi, enjoying sweeping views of deserted West Coast beaches. 40 – 70 miles of flat road riding – coastal vistas – deserted beaches – views of the Southern Alps. Accommodation: Mt. Cook View Motel, Fox Glacier. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6: Sunday - Cycling through glacier country
Today's ride is off the scenery scale! From our lodgings, we'll cycle a winding road through an ancient podocarp forest to the amazing Fox Glacier. This is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, dropping 7000 feet in about 7 miles, from its névé in the Southern Alps almost to the sea. After checking out the glacier, we'll cycle south from Fox Glacier past West Coast farmland, ending at the deserted mineral beaches of Bruce Bay. Tonight we stay in the remote West Coast village of Haast. During the evening, if you like, you can stretch your legs during a quiet and remote beach walk. 30 – 60 miles of undulating road riding – 1 hour return hike to a giant wet glacier – dense native rainforest. Accommodation: Heritage Park Motel, Haast. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7: Monday - Cycling the Haast Pass and Cardrona Valley
Today is a day of contrasting scenery. This morning we'll leave the West Coast and cycle up from Pleasant Flat to the “Gates of Haast” and over Haast Pass. This is a memorable day of cycling one of only three mountain passes through the majestic Southern Alps. We'll then follow the road down through the Makarora Valley on the edge of the Mt Aspiring National Park.
After a short drive through to Wanaka, we'll take to the bikes again for a ride through the historic gold mining area of Cardrona Valley, ending with a well-deserved drink at the old miners' tavern. From here we continue down to Queenstown, where we'll be staying for the next two nights. 50 - 70 miles of road riding – an uphill stretch gaining 1,400 feet to the Haast Pass – the “Gates of Haast” ; and cycling along the Cardrona Valley – slight uphill incline. Accommodation: Queenstown apartments, Queenstown. Included: (B), (L).
Day 8: Tuesday - Free Day in Queenstown
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand - you'll find all the comforts of civilization: massage therapists, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, window shopping, as well as incredible hikes, bike rides, and adrenaline pumping activities such as hang gliding, bung jumping, jet boating and skydiving – it's all here! Ask your guides for more information on organizing local tours, while we take the opportunity to give your bike a mid-trip tune up. Queenstown is not a big place – the population is about 8000 – but there's plenty to do!
Or, you can relax and take it easy if you prefer to just soak up the atmosphere. It's all up to you today - enjoy! There are a number of fantastic mountain biking and road cycling options around the Queenstown area. Check out the Moonlight and Skippers tracks for some awesome downhill mountain biking and the Glenorchy Road is a fun scenic road trip to do in the area. Ask your guides for more information on organizing local tours or hiring bikes for your free day in Queenstown. Accommodation: Queenstown apartments. Included: (B).
Day 9: Wednesday - Cycling the Mararoa road from Cecil Peak to the Mavora Lakes
Today we'll catch an early morning ferry ride on the steamship TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu to the base of the imposing Cecil Peak. Here we'll jump back on our bikes and follow the Mt Nicholas farm road to the isolated Mavora Lakes. We'll bike up through the head waters of the Von River surrounded by the towering Livingston Mountains. This is a true wilderness cycling experience on a deserted back road and after the intensity of Queenstown you'll appreciate the peaceful surroundings! 40 – 50 miles of deserted gravel road – steamship shuttle to road head - winding, undulating roads with a total elevation gain of 1,000 feet – remote high country lakes. Accommodation: Lake Manapouri Inn, Lake Manapouri. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 10: Thursday - Cycling Eglinton Valley, cruise Milford Sound
This morning we'll start the day by cycling into Fordland National Park, up the stunning Eglinton Valley towards The Divide. The Eglinton Valley was carved out by enormous glaciers long ago, leaving behind towering mountains grassy meadows. After lunch, we'll enjoy a spectacular cruise on Milford Sound, rated the 8th Natural Wonder of the World by Rudyard Kipling, taking in its sheer rock walls, huge waterfalls and the famous Mitre Peak.
On the cruise we'll see all sorts of marine wildlife, from fur seals to penguins and dolphins, and even the occasional orca! In the evening, we'll return to Lake Manapouri Inn for a well earned BBQ dinner and a cold beer! 40 – 50 miles of road riding – undulating terrain with breathtaking alpine scenery, ascending over 600 feet to The Divide. Accommodation: Lake Manapouri Inn. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 11: Friday - Central Otago Rail Trail - Lauder to Danseys Pass
This is the beginning of two days on the Central Otago Rail Trail, following the route of the old Cromwell to Dunedin train line that was retired in 1990. Over the past decade the trail has been upgraded and rebuilt to become the best multi-day bike ride in New Zealand. We'll cross over 60 bridges and viaducts as we wind our way through the Raggedy Range, Rough Ridge and the Rock and Pillar Range.
We start the trail near the small historic gold mining settlement of Lauder and have a gradual climb through the Ida Valley, before taking a back road through Naseby to our lodgings at Danseys Pass. This area was heavily worked for gold in the 19th century and you'll see some of the old land scarring left by the use of large hydraulic sluicing guns. 40 – 50 miles - gravel tracks, bridges, viaducts and road riding - slight uphill gradient all day with a 500 foot elevation gain. Accommodation: Danseys Pass Coach Inn, Danseys Pass. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 12: Saturday - Central Otago Rail Trail - Danseys Pass to Middlemarch, and coastal ride
Today we'll have a long gradual downhill ride to the end of the trail at Middlemarch. We'll travel down the rugged Taieri River Gorge where huge schist outcrops dominate the landscape, passing through a number of small, and often deserted, rail settlements along the way. From here, it's a short drive north for our last ride together along cliff top back roads overlooking the Pacific Ocean and right to the front door of the historic Millhouse, where we'll celebrate our two unforgettable weeks of cycling. 40 - 50 miles - gravel tracks, bridges, viaducts and road riding – descending 700 feet over the day. Road ride from coastal Kakanui to the Millhouse along rolling coastal farmland. Accommodation: The Millhouse. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 13: Sunday - Depart for home
This is the last day of your 13-day cycling trip around the South Island. We'll leave after breakfast for the drive to Christchurch and arrive mid afternoon in time for the flights back to Auckland. Any international flight after 4pm is ideal, and we can make domestic flights as early as 2.30pm with a little notice. International flights from Auckland usually leave early evening, so if you're heading to North America you'll get home some time on Sunday, even though you left on Sunday evening. Flights back to Europe, of course, take a little longer. You'll be refreshed and invigorated from the good rides and great times you'll have had with us in New Zealand! Included: (B), (L).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The trip fare includes just about everything, specifically:
- All guiding services.
- Comfortable accommodation for the entire period you are with us.
- All your meals, except in Queenstown where we've found people prefer to check out the wide range of restaurants. Alcohol is not generally included, although we do spring for a few drinks here and there!
- All hiking, cycling, and kayaking described in the itinerary, except the optional extra activities. There are many optional activities available at extra cost, particularly in Franz Josef and Queenstown. None of these activities are compulsory.
Not included: This is your holiday, and we are serious about not nickel-and-diming you! You'll have a few meals and drinks to cover, extra activities if you choose them. The trip does not include NZ taxes of 12.5%.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
New Zealand
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Ecotourism
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