New Zealand

 

Glaciers and Wineries

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.

Day 1 - Out from Queenstown we head up to the Coronet Peak ski field car park and cycle down to Arrowtown where we explore this beautiful old gold-mining town. From Arrowtown we travel by bus and bike over the Crown Range, with a lunch stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel. We carry on down the Crown Range to our next ride. The Fishermans Track follows the banks of the Clutha River ending in the picturesque alpine village of Wanaka. (L, D)

Day 2 - An early cycle takes us to 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. Our route continues down the Haast River with its rainforest clad mountain slopes and numerous waterfalls until the days spectacular journey ends on the coast at Haast. An evening walk on the beach provides a chance to watch the sun set into the Tasman Ocean. (B, L, D)

Day 3 - This morning we cycle peaceful forest roads to Bruce Bay and then onto Fox Glacier. The rest of the day is available for sightseeing in the township as well as providing the chance to take a scenic helicopter flight which is highly recommended. Maybe you would rather a trip to nearby Lake Matheson famous for its reflection views of the Southern Alps, or enjoy any of the local walks in the area. (B, L)

Day 4 - This morning we walk to the base of the mighty Fox Glacier. For those who want to challenge themselves an optional guided walk will take you onto the face of the glacier as it grinds down through the rainforest. The afternoon sees us cycling another West Coast challenge, the road between Fox and Franz Josef Glacier. (B, L)

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. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - From Hokitika township we travel by bus and bike on quiet inland roads through native forests to Lake Brunner. There are stunning lakeside views and swims before more scenic quiet roads take us back the West Coast highway. Here we stop to enjoy lunch together at the recently restored historic Jackson’s Tavern. If you can drag yourself away from the ambience in the pub, there is the option to cycle some more through sweeping rural landscapes and beneath rugged mountain peaks to Otira. Here we board the TranzAlpine Express train for a leisurely scenic trip back into Christchurch where our coach will meet and deliver you to your accommodation. (B, L)

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.(B)

Day 8 - After a pick-up from your hotel we start with our 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. (B, L)

Day 9 - 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. (B, L, D)

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. (B, L)

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. (B, L, D)

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. (B, L, D)

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 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. (B, L)

(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Departure Dates 2009-2010: Nov 13th , Dec 10th , Jan 8th , Feb 4th , Mar 3rd


Prices 2009-2010 : NZ $4,836 Single Supplement (extra) NZ $1,185