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.
T his 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 we head east alongside the stunning Kaikoura mountain range
and on to the east coast township of Kaikoura with a chance to
take in the activities of this beautiful seaside town such as whale-watching before
completing our adventure and heading back to Christchurch.
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 |
Rest Day Hanmer Springs |
Day 11
|
Hanmer Springs to Mount Lyford [65km/40miles] |
| Day 12 |
Mount Lyford to Kaikoura [70km/43miles] |
Day 13
|
Kaikoura to Christchurch via support vehicle [departs Kaikoura
1pm/arrives Christchurch 4pm] with plenty of time to take in whale
watching, swimming with the dolphins or seals in the morning. |
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$4950 p.p. twin/queen share 4-6cyclists [minimum 4 cyclists]
NZD$4750 p.p. twin/queen share 6 or more cyclists
Single Supplement (on request basis only) NZD$1450
Included:
-
Support vehicle and local driver/guide
-
Transfers
-
Breakfast each day (excluding breakfast on day 1)
-
12 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 16 December 2009
Departs Friday 14 February 2010 Returns Sunday 26 February 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 4pm Day Thirteen
To ensure availability, we recommend that you book
early to avoid disappointment. |
