New Zealand Mountain Bike Tours

Milford Wilderness

Explore the vast Mackenzie Basin by cycle and discover the grandeur of walking beneath Mt Cook. Lunch at the old historic Cardrona Hotel, explore picturesque Arrowtown, and relax at beautiful Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu, before travelling onto Te Anau and Milford Sound. Overnight in the magnificent fiord onboard your own floating hotel. Walk amongst the towering peaks and trails of this area before cycling back to Walter Peak Station and arriving at Queenstown on the lake steamer SS Earnslaw. Optional start or finish at Queenstown for a five day shortened trip.

10 days of soft adventure, cycling and walking
1 to 6 hours of cycling each day
A guided walk in the Lake Ohau beech forests
Optional jet boat, cycle tour or a rest day available
Comfortable lodge accommodation
Tussockland high country and lakes
Enjoy the 15 km, 1000 metre downhill into Milford Sound
Discover the remote Lake Marion and the towering mountains
Overnight on the magnificent Milford Sound Wanderer ketch
Return to Queenstown on the S.S. Earnslaw
Walk beneath majestic Mount Cook
Farmstay in an historic homestead

Price for 10 day adventure- 2009/2010 - NZ$4,294 . Single Supplement (extra) - NZ$1,052

Departure Dates 2009/2010 : Nov 1st , Nov 28th , Dec 27th , Jan 23rd , Feb 19th , Mar 18th

Day 1- The Port Hills overlooking Christchurch provide us with our first great ride with spectacular views over the city and into Lyttleton Harbour. Our first cycle takes us along the summit ridge before dropping down to a small boutique winery for lunch. After this early familiarisation and exercise we drive onto the vast Canterbury plains and cycle and drive into the foothills before meeting with our farmstay hosts for the night. (L,D)

Day 2- Following breakfast we set up for a days cycling at your own pace. The turquoise blue of Lake Tekapo is approximately 63 kms via Burkes Pass. Those who wish to can cycle the entire way at their own speed, others can enjoy the full comfort of the occasional vehicle ride. The vast MacKenzie Basin with its
views of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps provides an awesome backdrop to the beautiful wild flower fringed highway, before dropping into Tekapo and our lake side accommodation. (B, L)

Day 3- Huge glacial lakes and flat sealed hydro canal roads add interest to the day as we cycle and then walk beneath Mt Cook and the alpine village. The Hooker Valley is dominated by New Zealand highest mountain with its steep glacier sides regularly providing a spectacular sideshow. At day’s end we drive and cycle the final section into Lake Ohau and our lodge accommodation. (B, L, D)

Day 4- An early morning lakeside cycle away from the mountains onto the Lindis Pass, crossing into the Otago watershed. A chance to freewheel past the historic gold mining areas of New Zealand’s past. By coach and cycle we approach Lake Wanaka and enjoy a superb final lakeside track onto our lodge accommodation for the night. (B, L)

Day 5- Our day starts with a 20km cycle on a smooth sealed road, towards the historic Cardronna Hotel for a relaxing coffee or tea. Drive onto the Crown Range and cycle into the Queenstown basin. Via the scenic trails we enter and explore Arrowtown, a goldmining centre of the past. By coach and bike we travel to the top of Lake Wakatipu, and at Glenorchy relax in our mountain lodge with its awesome views and hospitality. (B,L,D)

Day 6- Surrounding the lodge the opportunities to explore the nearby Rees and Dart Valleys are endless. There are several options available for clients on this day, superb cycling, jetboating and kayaking, to walking. Or perhaps just an optional day to relax and enjoy the scenery. (B,L,D)

Day 7- From Glenorchy and Queenstown we take a leisurely cycle and drive to Lake Te Anau and our Lodge accommodation. For the rest of the day we walk the lakeside sections of the Kepler Track through the beech forests. After the past 6 days activities this is a relaxing day before the balance of the trip. Accommodation; Lodge (B,L)

Day 8- Departing Te Anau we drive into the Fiordland National Park amid the beech forests and mountains, that the region is famous for. The beautiful sealed road tracks through the wilderness as we coach and cycle onto the Lake Marian or Routeburn Walk to experience spectacular views surrounded by mountains. We coach through the Milford Tunnel and then enjoy the sheer delight of a 17km cycle descent down into Milford Sound and our accommodation for the night on the S.S. Milford Wanderer or similar vessel. This boat takes us out of the Sound to the open seas beyond before returning to a sheltered spot for the night. By 9am the next morning we have enjoyed optional kayaking or fishing before returning to shore and the start of another day. Accommodation; S.S. Milford Wanderer or similar. (B,L,D)

Day 9- By bus we travel back up to the top of the Homer Tunnel and then enjoy a spectacular walk into the Gertrude Valley. Afterwards we cycle down the valley and on to historical Gunn's camp and the museum. Local bush walks and cycling down the majestic Eglington Valley slowly return us to Te Anau and our Lodge for the night. Accommodation; Lodge (B,L)

Day 10- Out of Te Anau we cycle and bus the backroad into Lake Mavora. We enjoy a further cycle by the lakeside and through the beech forest. By bus we travel to the Von valley for lunch. From here we farewell our supporting coach as we cycle on to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and down to Walter Peak station. Here we join the day-trippers at the farm and enjoy the hospitality of a farm show and farm-style afternoon tea. Finally on to the steam ship Earnslaw and a sing - a -long with Harold as we sail across the waters to Queenstown. By bus we transfer to our lodge for the last evening and an optional final meal before we go our separate ways. Accommodation; Lodge (B,L)

Accommodation- A variety of Lodge accommodation is used in this trip. Most nights are on a twin share basis. The Milford Wanderer is a 4 berth bunk configuration. Single supplements are available at an additional cost.

Meeting Time and Place- All trips will depart from the Christchurch YMCA., at the corner of Hereford Street and Rolleston Avenue at 8.30am. Please be at this meeting place by 8.15am. Contact us on the evening prior to departure for requests to collect you from your accommodation.

Southern Explorer

This trip is the combination of the Beach to Beech, Wine and Whales, the Milford Wildnerness and the West Coast Escape.

Enjoy the spectacular contrast of the South Island as you explore from one end of the island to the other by cycle, with ample rest days en route to make it truly a holiday to remember. From the bush-clad Lewis Pass, the steamy hot pools of Hanmer Springs, the wines of Marlborough and the whales of Kaikoura, these five days are packed with memories before we return to Christchurch.

Explore the 'Garden City' in your first free day before heading south enjoying the hospitality of our gracious farm-stay and the spectacular views while walking beneath Mount Cook. A free day at Glenorchy, just out of the adventure capital Queenstown, provides the opportunity to jet boat, kayak, walk or relax before our interlude onto Milford Sound and back to Queenstown. Two days to savour the regions adventures before onto the spectacular West Coast with its grinding glaciers which are en-route to the sea, sweeping through awesome rainforest.

Enjoy the lodges and walking on the glacier before returning over the alpine Arthurs Pass and a final swoop across the plains on board the Tranz Alpine Express to journeys end in Christchurch.
21 days of cycling and walking across this amazing island of contrasts.

* fully lodged across the wide spectrum of gracious farm stays, lodges, hotels, motels, and even ketches on Milford Sound!
* full day walking options available to stretch a different set of muscles.
* 4 optional rest days or 4 chances to thrill and excite in whatever your choice of excitement!
* enjoy the delightful wine and cusine, from our wineries and restaurants to our delicious lunches.
* friendly and helpful guides with comfortable and supportive backup vehicle close at hand whenever your want them!
* see our country the way New Zealanders would want to show it

Departure Dates 2009/2010 : Nov 1st , Nov 13th , Nov 20th , Nov 28th , Dec 10th , Dec 17th , Dec 27th , Jan 8th , Jan 15th , Jan 23rd , Feb 4th , Feb 11th , Feb 19th , Mar 3rd , Mar 10th

Prices 2009/2010 : NZ$9,265 . Single Supplement (extra) - NZ$2,269

East Coast Wanderer

This trip is the combination of the Beach to Beech, Wine and Whales and Milford Wilderness.

Wineries, whales, mountains and fiords! A 17 day spectacular ride, covering the upper south island and the eastern mountain rainshadow. From the bush clad Lewis Pass, the steamy hot pools of Maruia Springs, the wines of Marlborough and the whales of Kaikoura, these five days are packed with memories before we return to Christchurch. The 'Garden City' with its trams, scenic coastal walkway and beautiful Akaroa close at hand. South again we travel through the mountainous MacKenzie basin enjoying gracious hospitality of our farmstay and scenic mountain lodges.

A rest day provides the opportunity to walk, cycle, jet boat and kayak at Glenorchy, or just read and relax. A final sojourn out to Milford Sound and a unique overnight experience on board the ketch Milford Mariner in your own cabin with private facilities, before a final return to Queenstown on board a timeless steamship.

* 16 days of cycling and walking across this amazing island of contrasts.
* fully lodged across a wide spectrum of gracious farmstays, lodges, hotels, motels, and even ketches on Milford Sound!
* 3 optional rest days or 3 chances to thrill and excite in whatever is your choice of excitement!
* full day walking options available to stretch a different set of muscles.
* enjoy delightful wine & cuisine, from our wineries and restaurants to our delicious lunches.
* friendly and helpful guides with comfortable and supportive backup vehicles close at hand whenever you want them!
* see our country the way New Zealanders would want it shown!
* Accomodation between trips is on a Bed & breakfast basis at the centres between trips. Lunches and dinners are not included on these 3 days.

Departure Dates: 2009/2010 : Nov 20th , Dec 17th , Jan 15th , Feb 11th , Mar 10th

Prices : 2009/2010 - NZ$6,741 . Single Supplement (extra) - NZ$1,651

Mountains and Glaciers

This trip is the combination of the Milford Wildnerness and the West Coast Escape.

Spectacular mountains and awesome glaciers! An 18 day trip providing a unique view of glaciers grinding down through west coast rainforest contrasted with the emptiness of the tussocklands of the southern alps rain shadow. Enjoy the expanse of empty roads and swooping descents as this trip cycles from Christchurch through to Queenstown and out to the magnificent fiord of Milford Sound. A unique overnight experience allows us to watch the sun set over the Tasman ocean often to the splash of dolphins.

Back in Queenstown we have two days to relax and enjoy this adventure wonderland before departing again for Haast Pass and onto the mighty west coast with its spectacular glaciers and rainforests. Walking on ice wil be a new experience for many as we tread across the slowly moving surface with our guided party. Finally a climb over Arthurs Pass and the last leg on the Tranz Alpine Express back to Christchurch.

* 18 days of cycling and walking across this amazing island of contrasts.
* fully lodged across the wide spectrum of gracious farmstays, lodges, hotels, motels, and even ketches on Milford Sound!
* 3 optional rest days or an opportunity to thrill and excite in whatever is your choice of adrenaline!
* full day walking options available to stretch a different set of muscles.
* enjoy delightful wine & cuisine, from our wineries and restaurants to our delicious lunches.
* friendly and helpful guides with comfortable and supportive backup vehicles close at hand whenever you want them!

Departure Dates 2009/2010 : Nov 1st , Nov 28th , Dec 27th , Jan 23rd , Feb 19th , Mar 18th

Prices : 2009/2010 - NZ$7,025 . Single Supplement (extra) - NZ$1,720