New Zealand is a land of contrasts compressed into a pacific island paradise. 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 short and day walks, sea-kayaking in the Abel Tasman and scenic train journeys.
Your adventure begins in Christchurch “The Garden City” – where we board the Tranz Coastal train for the stunning and rugged journey to Picton. We bike the famous Queen Charlotte track through stunning mountain valleys and follow meandering rivers, walk through pristine forests and along un-spoilt beaches in Golden Bay, kayak in the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park and experience genuine Kiwi hospitality and lifestyle.
We have chosen remote classic routes 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 4x4 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, lodges with the ever-present hot showers, cold beers and opportunities to experience some of New Zealand’s finest hospitality and local cuisine.
Trip Profile:
- 15 days Christchurch to Queenstown or 11 days from Christchurch to Christchurch.
- 8-10 days biking on dirt and paved roads. Some off road experience preferred.
- 7 hiking options from 1hr to full day.
- 1 day sea-kayaking.
- Vehicle support to carry all your luggage, to help you up those hills and so that lunch, snacks and water are always at hand.
- Accommodation: 14 nights’ hotel, guesthouses, motels, hostels and lodges.
- Food – 2 meals a day included from breakfast on day 2 to lunch on day 15, except when stated on the detailed itinerary. (Most evening meals are not included to give you a chance to experience some of New Zealand's famous local cuisine of your own choosing).
- Group size: minimum 4, maximum 10; plus Escape leaders.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: AM - Scenic Tranz Coastal train from Christchurch to Picton. PM: Bush hike.
Days 2/3: Ride the Queen Charlotte track, NZ’s longest continuous single track. Transfer to Nelson.
Day 4: Explore the Nelson markets and local vineyards.
Day 5: Ride the Rameka track (or road option) into beautiful Golden Bay.
Day 6: Explore Golden Bay, local rides and hikes on Farewell Spit.
Day 7: Sea kayak in the Abel Tasman - explore the crystal clear ocean and golden beaches.
Day 8: Take a day hike in Nelson lakes National park and optional evening single track bike.
Day 9: Bike along a remote mountain valley, through farmland, lush native forest and alongside pristine rivers and streams.
Day 10: Hike or bike the Charming Creek walkway on the wild West Coast. In the afternoon take a ride out to the cape Foulwind seal colony.
Day 11: Travel down the West Coast to the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. For those that are leaving us today, in the late afternoon board the train at Greymouth to cross the scenic trans-alpine railway over the Southern Alps and through Arthur’s Pass National Park back to Christchurch.
Day 12: We spend the day in “Glacier Country” - optional activities, hiking and scenic flights. Day 13 – A road ride via the Haast Pass to the resort town of Wanaka.
Day 14: Full day’s cross country ride or hike in the Aspiring National Park region.
Day 15: A half day ride into historic gold mining country along a 4x4 track. Afternoon transfer to Queenstown.
Please remember that this is a guide only and due to unforeseen circumstances it may be necessary to make changes to the itinerary.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price for2008 & 2009
- 11 days Christchurch to Christchurch. NZ$3663
- 15 days Christchurch to Queenstown. NZ$4995
- Single Supplement NZ$475.
- Bike hire is included.
Prices include:
- 14 nights accommodation on a share twin basis
- meals
- bike hire
- Escape bike guides/drivers
- support vehicle and trailer to carry all luggage
- land and boat transfers for the duration of the tour as per detailed itinerary.
Prices doe not include:
- airfares
- visas
- airport taxes
- optional activities
- some lunches and evening meals as per detailed itinerary and personal equipment.
Approximate option costs:
- Evening meals: NZ$ 7 for a simple takeaway to around NZ$ 30 upwards for restaurant meals.
- Farewell Spit tour: approx NZ$ 70
- Glacier walks/flights.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
New Zealand
Bicycle Touring
National Parks
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