Glaciers & Wineries 13 Day Cycling Tour from Christchurch New Zealand

Glaciers & Wineries 13 Day Cycling Tour from Christchurch New Zealand -- This 13 days bicycle vacation travels up the west coast of the south island, crosses to Christchurch before heading over the beech clad Lewis Pass en route to the arts and craft centre of Nelson. After exploring the regions wineries we head down the east coast via Kaikoura and its famed Whale watching to finally return back to Christchurch.

This itinerary provides incredibly diverse cycling from the tussock headwaters of the east to the rainforests of the west, and then repeating them again and again. Awesome coastal rides contrast with the beech forests and wineries. Incredibly diverse, this route may just be one of the hidden treasures in our bicycle vacation portfolio!

Tour Highlights

~ Cycle the shores of the Southern lakes as you head into the beech forests of the Haast Pass
~ Pause at the dramatic Gates of Haast bridge before entering the lowlands of the west coast
~ Walk to the base of the Fox Glacier with your party or take an optional hike onto the face of the Glacier with a qualified local guide who will explain to you the inner workings of the glacier!
~ Relax on your bike as you clock up the miles through the rural farmlands and remote mountain lakes
~ Kickback on board the Trans Alpine Express back into Christchurch and enjoy a free day to explore this beautiful city
~ Soak up the hot thermal pools of Hanmer Springs as we head back into the foothills before climbing over Lewis Pass
~ Cycle one of the worlds top 5 scenic coastal rides and stop off to explore Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki
~ Follow the beautiful Buller River gorge as we head inland via quiet rural backroads and then descend into Nelson
~ Sample some of the worlds best Sav Blancs as we toast ourselves over our winery lunch ? before continuing en route to Kaikoura
~ Watch a sun rise as part of the optional whale watching activity on our final day, before we cycle on the very quiet inland Kaikoura Road towards the tour end at Christchurch

Day 1
Out from Queenstown we cycle the easy lakeside track towards Frankton Arm and onto Arrowtown where we explore this beautiful old gold-mining town. By cycle we enter the top of Kawarau Gorge, taking time out to view the bungy jumping on the beautiful historic bridge. Then via the Crown Range we bike mostly downhill in the scenic Cardrona Valley on beautiful new sealed roads into Lake Wanaka. Afternoon tea and a break before those with energy left cycle the lakeside tracks or Clutha River edge.

Day 2
An early cycle takes along the scenic edge of Lake Hawea. We drive to the top of the Haast Pass and enter the famous West Coast forests. We cycle down through the 'Gates of Haast' on sealed roads to the flats of the Landsborough river for lunch. Finally we reach the headquarters of the World Heritage Park at Haast for a video presentation which helps our understanding of the area before settling into our accommodation.

Day 3
This morning we cycle peaceful forest roads to Bruce Bay and then bus to the mighty Fox Glacier for a guided walk as it grinds down through the rainforest. Optional helicopter rides are available and are highly recommended. Or maybe you would rather a trip to nearby Lake Matheson famous for its reflection views of the Southern Alps.

Day 4
We have the time to cycle the road between Fox and Franz Josef Glacier where we may walk to a viewpoint of the advancing terminal face. The rest of the day is available for sightseeing in the township as well as providing the second chance to take a scenic flight or enjoy any of the local walks in the area. NB - Day 3 & 4 may be altered to best cater for weather conditions on the glacier walk with the final itinerary decided by the guides on the day.

Day 5
With some spectacular views as a backdrop, we cycle through the podocarp forests to hidden Lake Ianthe. Throughout the day we will cycle and explore the numerous lakes, valleys and gold mines, as we continue up the coast to the rainforests of Lakes Kaniere and Mahinapua and the quiet roads and tracks that surround them.

Day 6
From the quiet township we travel by bus and bike inland through the beech forests to Lake Brunner. There are stunning lakeside views and swims before returning to the West Coast highway, where we cycle much of the route of the famous Coast to Coast race. Through sweeping rural landscapes the road slowly gains height into the Alps and the rugged mountain peaks. By coach we travel over Arthurs Pass to start again amongst the alpine pastures, before the swoop down into the small township. A nearby bush walk fills in the time, until finally we board the Tranz Alpine Express for a leisurely scenic trip back into Christchurch. Our coach will meet and deliver you to your accommodation.

Day 7
A rest day in Christchurch. A chance to explore the Garden City and relax before the start of the wonderful beech forests, lakes and wineries of the upper south island.

Day 8
After a pick-up from your hotel we start with our first cycle on the volcanic Port Hills above Christchurch. From a set up on the summit road, we cycle towards Sumner nestled on the coast. This ride provides spectacular views north to the Kaikoura ranges, and South to the Southern Alps. After a picnic lunch we drive and cycle the plains of Canterbury into the foothills. Edging onto the bushclad Lewis Pass and its mountain ranges is the thermal resort of Hanmer springs. At the end of this first day the hot pools are a welcome interlude.

Day 9
This morning the beautiful beech forests of the Lewis Pass beckon and by cycle and coach we gradually climb our way over this and then tackle the picturesque Rahu Saddle before another downhill rush with long sweeping corners. On beautifully sealed roads with lush temperate rainforest lining the roadside we ride until we reach the rugged beauty of the West Coast. Our accommodation for the evening is in the character filled old mining town of Greymouth.

Day 10
One of the trips many highlights is the coastal riding as we head northwards to Westport. From the Strongman Memorial through to the famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, the riding is pure quality with enough hills to keep you honest. After a midday break we continue along the coast and finally reach our accommodation for the evening.

Day 11
We cycle the sealed roads through the impressive Buller Gorge where the upper gorge landscape provides us with snapshot vistas of the Buller River whose white water attracts many a rafting and kayak enthusiast. There are plenty of photo opportunities on this scenic and gently undulating ride, before we board our coach for a final ride into Nelson, home of NZ leading arts and crafts exhibits.

Day 12
By coach we motor over the steep outlying hills to arrive at the start of the beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive which skirts the Marlborough Sounds into Picton. From here it is a short hop over the hill to Blenheim, New Zealand's premier wine producing region. After a great lunch at one of the countries leading wineries, we head south down the dramatic East Coast to reach Kaikoura, home of New Zealand 's Whale Watch icon.

Day 13
For the early risers, an optional chance to view one of the great natural sights as whales surface against the spectacular mountain backdrop of the seaward Kaikoura Mountains. Following a late sumptuous breakfast we head further south cycling some of the great back roads and enjoying the scenery as we eventually return to Christchurch and deliver you to your accommodation for the night.

You will need to bring the following with you:
~ Tee shirts and shorts
~ Tracksuit or similar pants
~ Long sleeve lightweight top or shirt
~ Lightweight woollen jumper/sweat top/fleece jacket
~ Socks and underwear
~ Suitable cycle footwear eg running shoes, lightweight boots
~ Light trekking boots for Milford Wilderness
~ Insect repellent
~ Camera and film (optional)
~ Note: Some clients choose to bring their own saddles - these can easily be fitted to your bike
~ Swimming gear
~ Padded Bicycle pants recommended
~ Thermal top and pants (polypropylene or equivalent)
~ Waterproof jacket
~ Sunhat (good fit) and sunglasses
~ Sandals/thongs
~ Personal toilet gear, towel, sun-cream and lip balm
~ Small day bag
~ Casual evening clothes
~ We supply helmets, but you may prefer to bring your own

Tour must be reserved at least 7 days in advance. Children must be at least 12+ years old. Rates are per person/double, in US Dollars and include tax. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 800-719-8190.