NEW ZEALAND

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.