Beach to Beech, Wine & Whales, Cycling Tour from Christchurch New Zealand - 6 Days

Beach to Beech, Wine & Whales, Cycling Tour from Christchurch New Zealand - 6 Days -- The great Chardonnay escape. Discover some of the best wines produced in New Zealand, while enjoying the delights of cycling. This trip travels from coast to coast via the beech forest slopes of Lewis Pass, before dropping down to one of the best coastal rides in the world.

The amazing geology of Punakaiki and its Pancake Rocks provide a spectacular interlude between cycle sectors. Through the Buller Gorge we access the roads to Nelson, NZ's arts and craft capital before heading onto the Marlborough region, world renowned for its wines. Our last night is spent in Kaikoura, where we have the chance to go whale watching, before we head homeward on the isolated inland route to Christchurch.

~ 6 days of easy bicycle adventure with the chance to extend yourself if you wish
~ Travel through beautiful rain forest clad mountains and along scencic river valleys
~ Luxuriate in the hot pools of Hanmer Springs
~ Wine tasting in the country's premier wine region
~ Cycle along side the Tasman Sea on one of the top five touring routes of the world
~ Fully lodged and catered with continual coach support
~ Enjoy the selected rides which highlight this region - from the wineries to the coast, the mountains to the hot pools

Day 1
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 2
This morning the beautiful beech forests of the Lewis Pass beckon. By cycle and coach we gradually climb over the picturesque Lewis and Rahu Saddles, after each climb is a 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 coastal mining town of Greymouth.

Day 3
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 4
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 5
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 6
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 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/jandals/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.