New Zealand Bike Tour 2022

What makes this trip special?

Combine the best of the South Island of New Zealand, the Alps 2 Ocean and West Coast Wilderness Trails into one epic trip.
Descend from the foot of Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, 304km along designated trails and back roads to Oamaru on the coast.
Ride 142km along the wild landscapes and coastlines of the west coast.
More than just cycling, we’ll be using a helicopter to access the trail on the first day of cycling, and finishing on the scenic TranzAlpine train journey to return to Christchurch.
Daily distances of 28km to 73km with an average of 48km per riding day. It’s all about manageable distances, taking our time, stopping for a photo or coffee, and enjoying the journey.

Dates

30 Oct-12 Nov 2022
15-28 Nov 2022

Video

Escorted
Self-Guided

This will be a self-guided group experience where your luggage is transferred each day and it will be up to us as a group to navigate our way along the easy to follow trails.

The group will be escorted by Jason Williams from Pedal Pedal.

Support will be provided by a local provider with non-cycling partners transferring each day on the scheduled shuttles that run along the trail.

Itinerary

Welcome to New Zealand! Christchurch, the South Island's largest city, is known as the Garden City, a well-deserved name. Looking from a few floors up, one is struck by the number of trees that grow like a forest throughout the suburbs.
The city's British heritage shows in its fine older buildings, especially the neo-gothic buildings in the cultural precinct some of which are still undergoing a major rebuild after earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.
Arrive during the course of the day at our starting hotel. The tour officially starts with a group meeting at 5pm followed by an included group dinner.
This morning we transfer to Twizel arriving around midday. After preparing the bikes for tomorrow's first day of riding we continue on to the foot of Mt Cook and our accommodation. There is time in the afternoon to walk one of the trails in the National Park. The Hooker Valley Walk is 6km return and rises only 100m making for an easy way to get up close and take in the majesty of Mt Cook.
It is only a short day but you will remember this one for a long time! It is only 6km ride to the Mt Cook Airfield from where you and your bike will be loaded onto a helicopter and taken over the glacial waters of the Tasman River to the start of the A2O Trail. From here it is 31km along gravel trails as you descend with the river and then along side Lake Pukaki to Braemar Station. Braemar is a working station, farming perendale sheep, beef cattle and deer. Take in vast and spectacular views of Mt Cook, the Southern Alps and Lake Pukaki. Tonight's dinner is included.
Grab your snack pack and head out on 18km of gravel road to Tekapo B power station, then 4kms on sealed road to the dedicated 8km cycle trail around Lake Pukaki to the Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre. The final 10km follows the trail across the Pukaki Flats tussock plain to Twizel.
Begin today on a 20km flat canal road to the Lake Ohau weir. Across the outlet is 8km of lakeside track that takes you to a sealed road. From here there it is a further 8km on road past Lake Middleton to finally reach Lake Ohau Lodge. The charming Lodge is a family operation and not shy about its 60s homely feel. Dinner is included tonight.
Leaving the Lodge, the trail climbs for 11km to the trail highpoint before descending to meet the Quailburn Road at the historic woolshed. The gravel road changes to sealed and leads onto a dedicated trail into the town of Omarama. Following the Waitaki Valley, the trail undulates to the lake and then to Sailors Cutting camping ground. A short climb of 5km crosses Otematata Saddle before a descent into Otematata.
The sealed road climbs to nearby Benmore Dam followed by a ride around the lakeside onto Aviemore Dam. From here, there is a new 15km off-road section that leads to Waitaki Dam and then onto Kurow. Riding above the road cutting takes you to the remnants of an early house before dropping down beside one of the early winery plantings. The ride from Kurow follows the dedicated cycleway alongside the river and road to reach the Kurow Winery. From there the trail alternates beside the highway and river to finally reach Duntroon.
Your final day on the A2O Trail. Following the dedicated cycle trail up to Elephant Rocks, the trail weaves through the rural landscape and takes in historic tunnels and railway lines. Behind Weston the trail enters Oamaru via the botanic gardens and ends on the wharf overlooking the harbour.
After many days of riding it is time to rest the legs in charming Oamaru and maybe take in the penguin viewing in the evening.
It's a long day of driving to get over to the West Coast. We'll take our time, stopping along the way before arriving into Hokitaka where we will be based for two nights.
Only a short ride today, but plenty to do. We will be getting new bikes for this part of the tour so we need to set these up then transfer south to Ross, a historic gold mining village, where we start the ride. From here you will cycle over the Totara River, and along the Ross Ruatapu railway line, taking in incredible views of the mighty Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.
You will then cycle through wetlands and native bush before giving the bikes a rest at the Treetop Walkway. Here, you will experience the native forest, birdsong and views of Lake Mahinapua by foot from the heights of a tree canopy.
The trail continues along the Mahinapua Tramline before heading back into Hokitika. Make sure you head down to Sunset Point to catch the last rays of light for the evening!
From Hokitika’s township, you will cycle along the historic Kaniere Tram Road, taking in some breathtaking views of the Hokitika River before making your way into the native forest.
You will soon find yourself at the glistening shoreline of the 195m deep Lake Kaniere, a great spot for a picnic stop. From here, the trail will take you through the rugged native bush tracks and open farmland that parallels the Arahura River through to Milltown.
From Milltown cycle through pristine bushland, and take in the stunning views of the creek below as you cycle across the Macpherson Swingbridge.
The Southern Alps make another welcome appearance today so take the time to snap some photos. From here, smooth sweeping boardwalk and bush trail will take you down into Kumara.
Hop on your bikes and head to the coast! The last ride of the trip rewards you with flawless views of the Taramakau River before making the journey to the Tasman Sea alongside coastal sand dunes and lagoons.
One last ride along the Grey River will take you into Greymouth, just in time for lunch. Try the beer and food at Monteith’s Brewery for a great meal.
The TranzAlpine train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch is a relaxing and spectacular way to conclude your holiday on the West Coast. Leaving in the afternoon we will arrive back in Christchurch early evening before enjoying a last dinner together.
The tour ends at check out (10am). Stay on in New Zealand for more travelling or head on home.

Itinerary is subject to change.

Alps to Ocean Trail Ride Profile

Trail Conditions

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail encompasses a wide variety of trail surfaces. While the smooth off-road portions shouldn't present a problem, there are some sections of loose gravel and riding alongside vehicles on the highway. The gradient overall is relatively easy to handle, although there are a few uphill/downhill sections.

The West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail is off-road on an excellent gravel trail, with a moderate gradient and only a couple of short sections that are a little steeper. The incline from Kumara to Milltown is a little more challenging than the rest of the ride however the climb is easily managed by people with a reasonable level of fitness.

We will supply detailed route information and step-by-step notes to help with navigation.

Group Size

Up to a maximum of 28 people

As an escorted self-guided trip you will be free to travel at your own pace leaving each day at a time that suits you, stopping when you want and controlling how you see the landscapes we are cycling through. Usually small groups of similarly paced cyclists form and ride together throughout the day so while you are travelling with what looks like a large group it never feels like a crowd.

Payment & Pricing

NZ$4500 per person, twin share

A AU$500 deposit is required to confirm places on the trip. The deposit is non-refundable but we will refund providing we can find a replacement person to fill your place on the tour should the tour be fully booked. Final payment will be due 75 days before the start of the tour. We will calculate the AUD price based on the exchange rate at the time of final payment.

All bookings and payments are processed through our main business entity, The Great Trails Company.

Inclusions

Accommodation

The accommodation used on this trip is rated 3 & 4 star. Where possible we use 4 star hotels, however, in some of the smaller out of the way locations this standard is not available. At a one location the group will be spread across multiple hotels but they are not far away from each other.

Some of the hotels we are using:

Quest Manchester (Studio) in Christchurch
Braemar Station in Braemar
Mackenzie Country Hotel in Twizel
Lake Ohau Lodge at Lake Ohau
Stumpers in Hokitika
Theatre Royal Hotel in Kumara

The tour accommodation is based on twin sharing. If you are a single traveller you will be matched with another person of your gender to share a twin room. If you would like a single room throughout the trip there will be a single supplement of NZ$1350.

MEALS

Most breakfasts are included at our accommodation. 10 breakfast are included in the 30 Oct tour and 9 breakfasts in the 15 Nov tour. Where breakfast is not included there are local options available.

Lunches are not included allowing you to choose where to eat as you ride. On one day we will include a packed lunch to carry with you as there are no towns along the way with food.

A welcome dinner on the first night and celebration final night dinner are are included as well as dinner at Braemar Station (day 3), and Lake Ohau Lodge (day 5). Other dinners will be free for you to choose your own experience.

BIKES

The bikes included in tour price are 27 speed mountain bikes. The Avanti Discovery 3 bikes have an upright geometry for comfort. All bikes have 29” wheels, front suspension and disc brakes

Avanti Discovery ebike (surcharge applies) — Avanti Discovery ebike
(surcharge applies)

Helmet, rear carrier bag and drink bottle cage are included with each bike. Puncture repair kits will be provided to those who need one.

Feel free to bring your own pedals, saddle, and water bottle. While helmets are provided we do recommend bringing your own for assured comfort.

Ebikes will be available at a surcharge price of NZ$450. Ebikes must be reserved in advance of the tour so please do let us know when you book if you would like to use one.

SUpport

This tour is self-guided trip with the following support provided:

Escorts - Jason from Pedal Pedal or a local cyclist will escort the group throughout the trip.

Backup - on route support will be provided by a local operator who will also transfer our luggage each day. If help is needed during a ride the transport provider will generally not be far away. In a couple of locations we will be riding more remotely away from roads so in these instances you may have to wait some time for support to reach you.

Scenic Helicopter Flight

As part of the tour we will be using helicopters to cross the Tasman River. This is a 5 minute trip. There is an option to upgrade this to a flight that takes you the full length of the Tasman Glacier before landing on the glacier itself to get a feel for the scale and grandeur of this majestic place. You will fly right up to the very top of this glacier, New Zealand’s longest river of ice.

The price is NZ$450 for a 45 minute scenic flight.

We will take bookings for this amazing option a little closer to the time of the tour.

Extras

You must have travel insurance as part of the conditions of travel. Your insurance must cover emergency medical and evacuation.

Ebikes are available at a surcharge price of NZ$450.

Voluntary Single Supplement NZ$1350.

FLIGHTS, STOPOVERS, EXCURSIONS

Our agent partners at HelloWorld Travel in Pakenham are on hand to help with flight bookings, insurance, extra hotel nights, stopovers and anything else that you might need aside from the bike tour. If you would like any help or advice email Lucy at lucy.pakenham@helloworld.com.au.

Questions

If you have any questions about the tour please do let us know.

Phone (Aust): 0437 599 363
Phone (International or WhatsApp): +61 437 599 363

Email: jason@pedalpedal.com.au

Or fill in our enquiries form

New Zealand 2022