Key Information: Tour Duration: 12
- 13
day(s) Group Size: 4
- 21
people Destination(s):New Zealand Specialty Categories:Bicycle Touring Season: October - April Airfare Included: No Tour Customizable: Yes Minimum Per Person Price: 3550 US Dollar (USD) Maximum Per Person Price: 3750 US Dollar (USD)
Our combination Banks Peninsula, West Coast and Southern Alps supported tour covers a spectacular selection of diverse countryside giving you a real chance to explore New Zealand with the backup of a knowledgeable local driver/guide and the security of a support vehicle.
This bicycle vacation starts from the garden city of Christchurch and heads around the spectacular volcano crater rim to Akaroa using a selection of farm tracks and back roads. From Day 4 we head west for a gradual warm-up of mainly flat riding as you head through the Southern Alps to the coastal towns of Greymouth and Punakaiki, with their remarkable limestone formations, incredible rainforests and stunning beaches.
From Westport we leave the coast and head inland through the lovely Buller Gorge before crossing the majestic Southern Alps via the natural thermal resorts of Maruia and Hanmer Springs. From Hanmer Springs we head east via the stunning Kaikoura Alps and on to the east coast township of Kaikoura with a chance to take in the many activities of this beautiful seaside town before completing our adventure and heading back to Christchurch..
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Christchurch to Diamond Harbour/Governors Bay via a selection of farm tracks and sealed back roads.
Day 2: Diamond Harbour/Governors Bay - Akaroa via a selection of single track, farm tracks and sealed back roads.
Day 3: Akaroa to Christchurch via sealed and unsealed back roads to complete the first leg of the tour.
Day 4: Depart Christchurch and drive to Moana before cycling to Greymouth (40km/25miles).
Day 5: Greymouth to Punakaiki (45km/25miles).
Day 6: Punakaiki to Westport (70km/43miles).
Day 7: Westport to Murchison (95km/57miles).
Day 8: Murchison to Maruia Springs (95km/57miles).
Day 9: Maruia Springs to Hanmer Springs (75km/46miles).
Day 10: Rest Day Hanmer Springs.
Day 11: Hanmer Springs to Mount Lyford (65km/40miles).
Day 12: Mount Lyford to Kaikoura (70km/43miles).
Day 13: Kaikoura to Christchurch via support vehicle [departs Kaikoura 1pm/arrives Christchurch 4pm] with plenty of time to take in whale watching, swimming with the dolphins, seals or Sharks in the morning.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Support vehicle and local driver/guide
- Trek mountain bike for touring (with road tires) or Mongoose Randonneur specialist touring bicycle (700c wheels and drop bars)
- Transfers
- Breakfast and lunch each day (excluding breakfast on day 1)
- 12 night’s accommodation in quality accommodation [based on twin /queen share rooms with bathroom ensuite (where available)]
- daily tour itinerary and mapshanmer springs thermal resort
- cell phone for emergency use
Price Excludes:
- Evening meals, though we are happy to offer our suggestion of local favorites each night and can assist with booking if required
- Drinks (apart from water)
- Accommodation prior to tour commencement or after tour completion
- Snacks.
