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Travel
Innovations
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800-232-5658
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New ZealandIndependent
Bus and Self-drive Tours / Escorted Tours for
18-35 year olds Weka Cycling TripMulti Day Fully Supported Biking Tour of the South Island · Molesworth and Mt Nicholas High Country Station Roads · Milford Sound · Arthurs Pass · Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers · The West Coast · Overnight trip on the Central Otago Rail Trail The Weka cycling tour ensures youll do the best cycling New Zealand has to offer. Weve included our favourite South Island rides, from the stunning coastal routes of the West Coast, to the historic Otago Rail Trail. The scenery and terrain youll cover is as diverse as it is beautiful. We generally cycle between 25 and 60 miles (40 - 100km) a day, although you can ride less or more than that if you prefer. The Weka is fully vehicle-supported, so there is plenty of flexibility and freedom on the road. You can bike as little or a much as you like and there is no chance of being stuck in the middle of no where with a flat tyre! Our specialist cycling guides are experienced, compassionate and enthusiastic. Our usual guide for the Weka trips is Jim Hawkridge; Jim is a serious athlete and cycling enthusiast. In between competing in, and sometimes winning, New Zealands top multisport, mountain running and cycling races, Jim fulfills his passion for guiding cycling trip with us, so its a win all round! Our other cycling guides are equally competent and experienced, although none would dare challenge Jim to a race! Were all passionate about cycling, and were confident that if youre keen to see New Zealand from handlebar level, youll love the Weka cycling tour. Tuesday - Arrive, cycle to Hanmer Springs 15 - 20 miles (25 - 30km) of road riding predominantly
flat cycling to get accustomed to your bike. Wednesday - Cycle Lewis Pass and Matakitaki River
Valley 30 miles (50km) of downhill sealed road followed by
30 miles (50 km) of unsealed road with a gradual 1000 foot ascent along
a stunning remote river valley. Thursday - Cycle along the Buller Gorge and Punakaiki
Coast 30 - 70 miles (50 - 110km) of road riding slightly
downhill, descending 400 feet to the coast alongside a river gorge
short coastal walk at Punakaiki. Friday - Coastal cycle from Punakaiki to Kakapotahi
Ecological Area 30 - 70 miles (50 - 110km) of flat road riding
coastal vistas deserted beaches views of the Southern
Alps. Saturday - Cycle from Fox Glacier to the Tasman Sea 30 - 60 miles (50 - 100km) of undulating road riding,
alongside dense native rainforest, from the base of Fox Glacier to the
beach of Bruce Bay optional one hour return hike to Fox Glacier. Sunday - Cycle Haast Pass, and Lake Wanaka Track 25 - 50 miles (40 - 80km) of road riding an uphill
stretch gaining 1,400 feet to the Haast Pass; and cycling along a smooth,
gently undulating trail to Lake Wanaka. Monday - Cycle the Cardrona Valley over the Crown
Range to Queenstown 30 - 60 miles (50 - 100km) of road riding gentle
valley cycle that steepens towards the saddle gaining 2000 feet. Tuesday - Free Day in Queenstown ACCOMMODATION: Queenstown apartments (B) Wednesday - Mt Nicholas Road from Walter Peak to
Mavora Lakes 40 - 60 miles (65 - 100km) of deserted farm road
steamship across Lake Wakatipu to road head winding, undulating
road with a total elevation gain of 1,000 feet - remote high-country
lakes. Thursday - Cruise Milford Sound, cycle Hollyford
Valley 20 - 40 miles (30 - 65km) mostly downhill road and gravel
road riding descending 1,000 feet undulating terrain with breathtaking
alpine scenery. Friday - Central Otago Rail Trail - Lauder to Danseys
Pass 30 - 70 miles (50 - 110km) of compact gravel trails,
bridges, viaducts and road riding - slight uphill gradient all day with
a 500 foot elevation gain. Saturday - Cycle over Danseys Pass into Limestone
Country 20 - 60 miles (30 100km) of gravel and road riding
steep uphill section gaining 1,000 feet followed by long downhill
ride descending 2,500 feet before gently undulating road riding through
limestone country. Sunday - Depart for home ACCOMMODATIONS: The Weka is a fully-supported cycling tour of the South Island. Youll be staying in the highest level of accommodations available in the remote places we take you. While it features more creature comforts than some of our other trips, its not a scenic tour of the luxury hotels of the South Island. We prefer to stay in comfortable bed and breakfasts, lodges and apartments. Rooming is based on twin-share, although single rooms are available upon request. As there's a variety of accommodations on this tour, most places will have ensuite bathrooms and one or two will have shared bathrooms so we may ask you to share a bathroom with other group members on occasion. RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS: If youre flying in on the first day of the tour, or out on the last day, we recommend arriving in Christchurch by about 9 - 10.30am on Tuesday, and departing from Christchurch after 2.30 - 4pm on Sunday. Other flight times may also be possible - if you are considering alternative flight times please let us know. PICK UP INFORMATION: On the first day of the tour we can either pick you up from the Heritage Hotel in Christchurch at 10.30am, or at the Christchurch domestic airport in front of the information desk at 11am. DROP OFF INFORMATION: On the last day of the tour we can drop you off at the Christchurch airport in time for the flights above, or anywhere in central Christchurch in mid-late afternoon. FITNESS: You must have a reasonable level of cycling fitness to enjoy yourself on the Weka. You dont have to be young and extremely fit (although if you are, you wont be bored) but you should be in the habit of doing at least some riding. Age and experience are not as important as attitude. If youre concerned about your fitness level, have a chat with us so we can help you choose between the Weka and our other trips. EXPERIENCE: You dont need any cycle touring experience to enjoy the Weka cycling tour, but if youre a seasoned cyclist youll find plenty of challenges as well. All we ask is that you be energetic and in reasonable shape. We manage the level of commitment to suit your experience and we have an impeccable safety record. We hold all relevant government licenses and our staff are highly trained and experienced. FLEXIBILITY: Because of the off-the-beaten path and non-commercial nature of some of our accommodation on this tour, we sometimes need to change a night stop. We try to make as few changes as possible but retain the flexibility to make sure your trip is as good as it can be. INCLUDED: The trip fare is US$3499 + 12.5% NZ government taxes. We quote all prices in US dollars, so our guests from all over the world can more easily relate prices to their own currencies. You can also join for shorter periods of time, at a pro-rated fare. The trip fare includes just about everything, specifically: * Good quality bikes for your entire tour. There is
no extra charge for bike rental. NOT INCLUDED: This is your holiday, and we are serious about not nickel-and-diming you! Youll have a few meals and drinks to cover, extra activities if you choose them, and youll probably feel like tipping your guides at the end of a fabulous time, but you wont be pulling out your wallet every few minutes on your tour! DATES: 2009- Dec 22 09 - Jan 3 10. 2010
- Jan 12 10 - Jan 24 10, Feb 9 10 - Feb 21 10, Mar 9 10 - Mar 21 10 |
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