Tour
Total tour distance: 313 miles
Daily tour distance: 52 miles
Difficulty: 50 / 100
Description
Pedal through lush rainforest, past picture perfect West Coast Glaciers and lakes, over Haast Pass and down to the Southern Lakes of Wanaka and Queenstown, the bungy jumping capital of New Zealand.
DAY 1 PUNAKAIKI.
The mini-bus departs Christchurch this morning before heading across the Alps and through the spectacular Otira Gorge to Punakaiki. Visit the Pancake Rocks and blowholes.
DAY 2 HOKITIKA.
We head south along the rainforest clad coast to Greymouth and then to Hokitika, a former gold rush town.
DAY 3 OKARITO.
Cycle over Mt Hercules, and spend a night in a holiday home in the tiny beach settlement of Okarito. Here you can walk on the beach, kayak, take a kiwi tour or visit the White Heron Sanctuary.
DAY 4 +5 FOX GLACIER.
A shorter ride with a flat run into Westland National Park and Franz Josef Glacier where you will have superb views of snow-capped peaks. A rest day gives time for a walk to the glacier, a day on the beach, a visit to the white heron colony, or a scenic flight.
DAY 6 LAKE MOERAKI.
Time for an early morning walk around Lake Matheson, famous for its reflections of Mts Cook and Tasman. Ride through tall stands of ancient rainforest to stay at a beautiful lodge overlooking the Moeraki River. Canoe on the lake or take a bush walk.
DAY 7 MAKARORA.
Knights Point affords excellent views of the rugged coastline where seals can often be seen basking in the sun.
DAY 8 WANAKA.
Spectacular mountain and lake views as we pass Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. Visit a vineyard or take a hike up Mt Iron.
DAY 9 + 10 QUEENSTOWN.
Over the Crown Range to the quaint old gold mining town of Arrowtown. Queenstown lies ahead with a chance for exciting activities: rafting, jet-boating, a scenic flight or a lake cruise on the historic SS Earnslaw.