Tour
Total tour distance: 283 miles
Daily tour distance: 56 miles
Difficulty: 50 / 100
Description
The Grand Tour can be extended to a wonderful 22-day holiday by combining it with the Southern Scenic route, or the Southern Scenic can be taken as a magnificent week long holiday by itself.
We follow the road to Milford Sound, past towering mountains, beside lakes and innumerable waterfalls. Take time out for a walk to The Divide on the renowned Routeburn Track. Much of our route is on very quiet sealed roads with little or no traffic. Stay with local farm hosts before we finish at Larnach's Castle on beautiful Otago Peninsula, known for its penguin and albatross colonies and close to the city of Dunedin.
DAY 1 QUEENSTOWN.
We meet at the hotel mid afternoon where our guides will assist you with unpacking your bike or fitting you to your rental before heading off for an introductory ride around Queenstown.
DAY 2 TE ANAU.
A beautiful ride beside Lake Wakatipu to Kingston, where the vintage steam train departs.
DAY 3 TE ANAU.
Drive to Milford Sound (fiord) along one of the most spectacular roads in the world, with plenty of stops for beautiful walks on the way. We are one of the few companies with a Department of Conservation permit to take you to The Divide on the Routeburn Track. Lunch overlooking Mitre Peak, take a cruise on scenic Milford Sound then drive back to Te Anau.
DAY 4 INVERCARGILL.
We cycle past Lake Manapouri, and along the edges of Fiordland National Park. Our longest day finishes in Invercargill, New Zealand's most southerly city.
DAY 5 PAPATOWAI.
Quiet rural riding through mixed farm land and the Catlins Forest, an area of native bush, waterfalls and beautiful deserted beaches. Some excellent coastal views.
DAY 6 + 7 DUNEDIN.
Dunedin is a small attractive city with a rich architectural heritage and strong Scottish ancestry. You may like to spend additional time on spectacular Otago peninsula, and visit the albatross and penguin colonies.