Our combination Banks Peninsula, West Coast
& Southern Alps supported tour covers a spectacular selection
of diverse countryside with the focus of giving you a real chance
to explore New Zealand with the backup of a knowledgeable local
driver/guide and the security of a support vehicle.
This bicycle vacation starts from the garden city of Christchurch
and heads around the spectacular volcano crater rim to Akaroa
using a selection of farm tracks and back roads.
From Day 4 we head west for a gradual warm-up of mainly flat
riding as you head through the Southern Alps to the coastal towns
of Greymouth and Punakaiki, with their remarkable limestone formations,
incredible rainforests and stunning beaches.
From Punakaiki you tackle some of the moderate hills that follow
for the remainder of the trip as you cycle through stunning coastal
vistas and ancient beech forests to the small settlement of Westport.
From Westport we leave the coast and head inland through the
lovely Buller Gorge before crossing the majestic Southern Alps
via the natural thermal resorts of Maruia and Hanmer Springs.
From Hanmer Springs, there is the option to head east via the
stunning Kaikoura Alps and on to the east coast township of Kaikoura
with a chance to take in the many activities of this beautiful
seaside town before completing our adventure and heading back
to Christchurch. Otherwise from Hanmer it is back to Christchurch
via support vehicle.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1
|
Christchurch to Diamond
Harbour/Governors Bay via a selection of farmtracks and
sealed back roads. |
| Day 2 |
Diamond Harbour/Governors Bay - Akaroa
via a selection of single track, farmtracks and sealed back
roads. |
Day 3
|
Akaroa to Christchurch
via sealed & unsealed backroads to complete the first
leg of the tour |
| Day 4 |
Depart Christchurch & drive to
Moana before cycling to Greymouth [40km/25miles] |
Day 5
|
Greymouth to Punakaiki [45km/25miles] |
| Day 6 |
Punakaiki to Westport [70km/43miles] |
Day 7
|
Westport to Murchison [95km/57miles] |
Day 8
|
Murchison to Maruia Springs
[95km/57miles] |
| Day 9 |
Maruia Springs to Hanmer Springs [75km/46miles] |
Day 10
|
Hanmer Springs to Christchurch
via support vehicle [arrives 2pm] or extend your tour to
13 days see here for more
details |
Difficulty
Moderate-to demanding route with longer days, averaging 40 to 95kms
per cycling day [25-57miles/day].
Note:- there is the backup of support vehicle if you find the cycling
or weather to demanding
Cost
NZD$3950 p.p. twin/queen share 4-6cyclists [minimum 4 cyclists]
NZD$3850 p.p. twin/queen share 6 or more cyclists
Single Supplement (on request basis only) NZD$1000
Included:
- Support vehicle and local driver/guide
- Transfers
- Breakfast each day (excluding breakfast on day 1)
- 9 night’s accommodation
in quality accommodation [based on twin /queen share rooms with bathroom
ensuite (where available)].
- daily tour itinerary and maps
- cell phone for emergency use
Not Included:
-
Lunch and evening meals, though we are happy to offer our suggestion of local favorites each night and can assist with booking as required
-
Drinks (apart from water)
-
Bicycle hire - [see www.cyclehire.co.nz/cycle_hire.htm for options]
Note: 10% discount on bike hire with tour booking
-
Accommodation prior to tour commencement or after tour completion
-
Snacks
Dates
Departs Friday 4 December 2009 Returns Sun 13 December 2009
Departs Friday 22 January 2010 Returns Sunday 31January 2010
Departs Friday 14 February 2010 Returns Sunday 23 February 2010
Departs Friday 7 March 2010 Returns Sunday 16 March 2010
Contact us now for other dates or custom group
tours.
Group size 4-11cyclists
Details are subject to change without notice.
Start: Christchurch 9am Day One
Finish: Christchurch 1.30pm Day Ten
To ensure availability, we recommend that you book
early to avoid disappointment.
|
