This is the grand South Island experience. Wonderful biking with a superb range of magnificent scenery that includes four National Parks. We start with a magical ride around the Marlborough Sounds coastline, to Nelson Lakes National Park, and then down spectacular Buller Gorge to the wild West Coast. See Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Paparoa National Park. Pedal past picture perfect West Coast Glaciers and lakes, over Haast Pass and down to Wanaka and Queenstown, the bungy jumping capital of New Zealand.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Our South Island Adventure starts at Picton, a picturesque fishing town at the northern tip of the South Island. It is a small town (pop.2600) nestling under bush clad hills of Queen Charlotte Sound, named by Captain Cook in 1770. We meet at 1.00 pm at Beachcomber Inn, 27 Waikawa Rd, Picton. Your tour leader will hold a trip orientation meeting after lunch. We will then take a short ride on a quiet country road, to Waikawa Bay and return. (L), (D)
Day 2: We climb out of Picton along a delightful, twisty little road to Mahau Sound and the sleepy town of Havelock, from where the mail boat leaves. There is an attractive bush reserve at Pelorus Bridge. Through Rai Valley and over the climbs of Rai Saddle and Whangamoa Saddle we descend to the cathedral city of Nelson (pop 43,000), New Zealand's sunniest city with its neighbouring orchards and sandy beaches. (B), (L), (D)
Day 3: We cycle up the Motueka Valley, a delightful quiet road that passes apple orchards, berry farms and wineries before reaching open sheep country. Through Golden Downs forest we continue to climb to St Arnaud, set in beech forest by beautiful Lake Rotoiti. (B), (L), (D)
Day 4: We take a short walk in the beech forest by the lake before starting the day's ride. From St Arnaud we follow the Buller River downhill through sheep farming country to Murchison. Once a gold mining town, it is best known for the devastating 1929 earthquake. (B), (L), (D)
Day 5: There is the option (at extra cost) to raft down the impressive Buller Gorge to Lyell for lunch, or cycle the road which follows the river. We then continue down alongside the river, before heading for the sea and Westport. The sparsely populated West Coast is relatively isolated being cut off by the Southern Alps. Before dinner at Cape Foulwind there will be an opportunity to see seals and cheeky black wekas (flightless native birds). (B), (L), (D)
Day 6: At Charleston you may wish to go caving or underwater rafting. The rolling coastal road offers many spectacular views and delightful sandy coves. At Punakaiki we explore the fascinating Pancake Rocks and watch the sea surge through blow holes. (B), (D)
Day 7: Rest day - Options today include swimming with dolphins and seals, kayaking, walks in Paparoa National Park, or simply relaxing in the beautiful surroundings.
Day 8: We head south to Greymouth, the principal town of Westland. Named after Sir George Grey, New Zealand’s first Governor, it was the site of Mawhera, the largest Maori settlement on the West Coast. From here it is a flat run to Hokitika, a town famous for its gold rush in the 1860’s and more recently timber milling. The town has greenstone (jade) and glass blowing factories and now relies on tourism. (B), (D)
Day 9: Much of the ride today is through native bush. The Bushman’s Center at Lake Ianthe at Lake Ianthe is well worth a stop, as is beautiful Lake Ianthe, renowned for trout fishing. Harihari is a small logging town and has an excellent craft shop. Shortly after leaving Harihari we tackle Mt Hercules – a far easier climb than the name suggests. (B), (L), (D)
Day 10: It is a flat run into Westland National Park and Franz Josef Glacier where you will have superb views of snowcapped peaks. From Franz to Fox (24 km) there are three climbs (and descents) through beautiful native forest, a spectacular way to finish the day.
(B), (L), (D)
Day 11: Fox Glacier - rest day. A walk up the glacier valley gives spectacular views of the terminal ice, while the Westland National Park Visitors Centre houses a wealth of information. (Thirteen percent of N.Z. is national park).
Also highly recommended are ski-plane or helicopter flights over snowfields, forests and glaciers and the lovely walk around Lake Matheson, with its mirror views of Mt Cook and Tasman. Day trips can be arranged to the White Heron colony at Okarito (optional extra) Okarito Beach is the site of Abel Tasman’s landfall and once a thriving town. (B)
Day 12: From Fox to Lake Paringa the road passes through lush rain forest of rimu and rata, flax filled swamps and past rugged hills. The many rivers become raging torrents after rain. With fine weather there will be superb views of Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps. (B), (D)
Day 13: Just south of Lake Moeraki, Knights Point affords excellent views of the rugged coastline where seals can often be seen basking in the sun. From Haast we head inland, following the Haast River towards the snowcapped peaks. We pass innumerable waterfalls and much bird life, notably keas, fantails and bellbirds. After lunch the stiff climb through the Gates of Haast is negotiated before the gentle descent to Makarora. (B), (L), (D)
Day 14: The country is now dramatically drier, dense bush giving way to open sheep paddocks. The scenery is breathtaking as the road closely follows Lake Wanaka, crosses the Neck to Lake Hawea and then recrosses to Lake Wanaka. (B)
Day 15: Our route today takes us up the Crown Range, over the Cardrona Road. We climb past the historic Cardrona Hotel; on reaching the top there will be amazing views of The Remarkables mountains and Queenstown. We descend the exhilarating hairpin bends down to Arrowtown, with its quaint old cottages and avenues of elms.
A short leisurely ride beneath Coronet Peak, a winter ski field, takes us to Arthur's Point where we cross the Shotover River on our way to Queenstown. Surrounded by mountain peaks (including the famous Remarkables), and set on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown has much to offer. (B), (L), (D)
Day 16: Queenstown - Options today include a jet boat or rafting trip on the Kawarau or Shotover Rivers, the steamer "Earnslaw" to visit a high country sheep station, the gondola cableway, Skippers canyon, a flight to Milford Sound (fiord), and much more. Queenstown also has an excellent botanical garden and a very good shopping center. It is here that we say farewell, a safe journey home and hope to see you again.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- 15 breakfasts
- 9 lunches
- 12 dinners
- Fully supported tour by comfortable mini van with a seat for everyone
- Purpose built trailer to carry bikes
- Knowledgeable friendly local guide
- Accommodation in mostly 3-star resorts, hotels and motels. Some 4-star
- Accommodation. An emphasis on individual, friendly lodges where available
- Dinner most nights
- Cooked breakfasts every day
- Picnic or café lunches some days
- Pedaltours cycling jersey or T-shirt
- Wine with final dinner, and wine and cheese briefings every 2-3 days
- Daily Maps, with profiles, one per cyclist, plus South Island map
Drink bottles, two
Price Excludes:
- Alcohol other than specified
- Flights
- Sightseeing other than specified
Cycle hire is an additional charge.
Note: There is a 10% discount on November trips.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
New Zealand
Bicycle Touring
National Parks
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