Beach to Beech and Wine to Whales
Trip
A 6 Day scenic cycle through bush clad lakes and tracks, wild coastal
rides and a small samplings of the best New Zealand Wines.
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 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 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 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.
Departure Dates 2007: January 22nd , February
17th , March 15th , April 11th
Price: NZ$1,985 . Single Supplement (extra) NZ$483
Included in trip cost
All meals excluding breakfast on day one and two dinners
Guides and transportation
Accommodation as detailed on a twin share basis
Wine tasting and lunch
Cycle and helmet
All activities as shown
Access and Concession fees to the Department of Conservation
land
New Zealand Goods and Service Tax (GST)
Not included
Accommodation on Day 6
Evening meals on Days 2, 4 and 5
Personal expenses
Alcohol other than that supplied on day 1 evening meal
Accommodation and Meals- The accommodation for
this trip has been carefully selected to provide an experience which
will match the grandeur of the scenery through which you cycle. With
the exception of Top House the accommodation is on a twin share or double
room basis with private facilities. The historic Top House is a special
homestay with shared facilities. Meals are usually at a local restaurant
or provided by our hosts, and are included in your trip price. Breakfasts
and lunches are usually prepared by the accommodation or the guides
themselves, and we use this time together to review the day and brief
clients on their needs.
Glaciers and Wineries
This trip is the combination of the West Coast Escape
and the Beach to Beech, Wine and Whales.
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!
* 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.
* Explore the icy surfaces of the Fox Glacier
with your party and qualified guide who wants to keep you out of 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 your free day to explore this beautiful city.
* Soak up the hot thermal pools of Hanmer Springs
as we head back into the foothills and head over Lewis Pass.
* Enjoy possibly one of the finest coastal rides
as we stop off to explore Pancake Rocks and then onto Westport.
* Follow the Buller River as we head inland via
quiet rural backroads and then finally arrive at Nelson, our arts capital.
* 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 set sail again southwards
towards the end at Christchurch.
Departure Dates 2007 : February 10th , March
8th , April 3rd
Prices 2007 : NZ $4,449 Single Supplement (extra) NZ $1,096