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10 Day West Coast & Rain Forests Self Guided Tour

Duration: 10 Days
Location: Central South Island
Price: From NZ$2325

Our popular West Coast tour that starts from Christchurch with a spectacular train journey across the Southern Alps to Moana on the banks of Lake Brunner, before a gentle cycle to the West Coast town of Greymouth.
From Greymouth you cycle north along the rugged West Coast, taking in the spectacular Rainforest, Punakaiki rocks and limestone cliffs along the route.
Then it’s a gentle ride along the spectacular Buller River and through to the historic goldfields of Reefton. From Reefton it’s a climb through the Southern Alps before relaxing in the thermal springs of Maruia and Hanmer Springs.
After a rest and sightseeing day in Hanmer, its on to Kaikoura withs its abundant sea life and the popular whale watching. Then it’s a trains ride along the beautiful Pacific Ocean coast, passing the seal colonies that dot this spectacular coastline, as you head back to Chrsictchurch to complete your tour.

  • We will meet you at your accommodation in Christchurch with bicycles and equipment and you then take the Tranz Alpine train ride to Moana.  From Moana you cycle to Greymouth, an almost flat ride with a gradual loss in altitude as you head to the coast.  Distance cycled is 39km.

  • Greymouth to Punakaiki.  A spectacular undulating ride north along the coast taking in the impressive bluffs of the Paparoa National Park.  Punakaiki is known for the stratified limestone rock formations that form the Pancake Rocks,  well worth visiting especially at high tide.  Distance cycled is 45km.

  • Punakaiki to Westport.  Todays ride is more demanding, starting with a series of hill climbs, before following an undulating ride along the coast to the harbour town of Westport. Distance for today is 56km

  • Westport to Reefton.  A longer ride in terms of distance with a gradual gain in altitude as you head inland.  The scenery is rugged limestone cliffs and lush native bush as you cycle along the Buller River before opening out to farmland as you approach Reefton.  Distance today is 80km.

  • Reefton to Maruia Springs. Today you continue to gain altitude as you head towards the Southern Alps. The ride is through some beautiful Beech forests and finishes at Maruia Springs Thermal Resort where you can soak at the end of the day in the hot pools. Distance cycled is 60km

  • Maruia Springs to Hanmer Springs. Today starts with a steep climb to the highest point on the trip (900m) at the top of Lewis Pass. You then gradually lose altitude as you head towards Hanmer Springs. There is a number of moderate hills along the way making it a reasonably demanding day. Distance today is 80km.

  • Rest Day in Hanmer Springs.  Hanmer Springs is another thermal springs area. After the previous days effort enjoy a long soak in the thermal pools or stretch the legs on one of the beautiful forest walks.

  • Hanmer Springs to Mt Lyford. Todays ride is through open countryside and begins with a gentle descent as you leave Hanmer Springs. The ride then becomes more demanding as you climb towards the village of Mt Lyford. Distance today is 75km.

  • Mt Lyford to Kaikoura. A moderately difficult day with some steady climbs at the start of your day and then a gradual loss of altitude as you head East to Kaikoura on the Pacific Coast. Scenery is initial rugged and mountainous but gradually flattens out as you near the coast. Total distance today is 65km.

  • Sightseeing day in Kaikoura, where you can take in the whale and dolphin watching, swimming with the seals, or any of the many other attractions (additional costs apply) before retuning to Christchurch by train.

Tour Pricing

  • Low Season NZ$2325 per person twin share (September, October, November, March, April & May)
  • High Season NZ$2395 per person twin share (December, January & February)
  • Single Supplement (on request basis only) NZ$650
  • Daily Luggage Cartage Your gear can be waiting for you at the end of each day. This service costs an additional NZ$1350 per person (minimum of 2 people) although a discount is available for 3 or more people.

  • EQUIPMENT INCLUDED

    Scott Scale 760 mountain bike for touring (with road tyres).
    Ortlieb rear pannier bags, front handlebar bag and comprehensive repair kit.
    Detailed itinerary, maps and notes on points of interest that you will pass.
    You can upgrade to an Avanti Vivace road bike available in combination with daily luggage transportation, contact us for further details.

  • ACCOMMODATION

    9 nights accommodation in twin rooms with ensuite [where available], in carefully selected Bed and Breakfast’s home stays and small friendly motels.  (Breakfast is included each day).

  • DIFFICULTY

    Moderate to demanding route with longer days averaging 50 to 80kms per cycling day

  • SEASON

    September to May inclusive.

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westcoast10

Hills45%
Flat Terrain55%
Fitness Level80%


We really had the most fabulous time and I want to thank you both - having such good quality bikes and panniers, plus lights, cycle computer, maps and detailed daily ride guides made the whole trip so really enjoyable and so smooth and easy. And the B&B choices were great - each so different but all a very good standard of accommodation and all very bike friendly!
Caroline
Your equipment was superb, directions spot on and we really appreciate you putting that all together for us. Accomodation great, well placed and we enjoyed meeting some interesting people who were very generous and kindly opened their homes to us. That blew me away almost as much as the scenery (!)
Jacqui and Sean
The bike and associated gear performed perfectly - the bike in particular was very well prepared. The nightly accommodation was excellent and the hosts more than friendly - such hospitality really reflect well on the character of all New Zealanders. Thanks again for organising a most enjoyable and memorable tour. Well done.
Alan
Please accept my thanks for an exceptionally well prepared tour. The quality of documentation was outstanding and it provided for every need both on the road and at each of the waypoints at day's end.
Alan
My time in New Zealand was fantastic, due in significant part to the extraordinary bicycling trip you designed. The itinerary was perfect...
William
I just got back to the States and I wanted to shoot you a quick email to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the cycling tour you planned for me, and wanted to thank you for the planning a preparation that went into making that trip so great.  It was truly one of the best cycling experiences of my life!
Gardner Burg
We really had the most fabulous time and I want to thank you both - having such good quality bikes and panniers, plus lights, cycle computer, maps and detailed daily ride guides made the whole trip so really enjoyable and so smooth and easy. And the B&B choices were great - each so different but all a very good standard of accommodation and all very bike friendly!
Caroline
Your equipment was superb, directions spot on and we really appreciate you putting that all together for us. Accomodation great, well placed and we enjoyed meeting some interesting people who were very generous and kindly opened their homes to us. That blew me away almost as much as the scenery (!)
Jacqui and Sean
The bike and associated gear performed perfectly - the bike in particular was very well prepared. The nightly accommodation was excellent and the hosts more than friendly - such hospitality really reflect well on the character of all New Zealanders. Thanks again for organising a most enjoyable and memorable tour. Well done.
Alan
Please accept my thanks for an exceptionally well prepared tour. The quality of documentation was outstanding and it provided for every need both on the road and at each of the waypoints at day's end.
Alan
My time in New Zealand was fantastic, due in significant part to the extraordinary bicycling trip you designed. The itinerary was perfect...
William
I just got back to the States and I wanted to shoot you a quick email to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the cycling tour you planned for me, and wanted to thank you for the planning a preparation that went into making that trip so great.  It was truly one of the best cycling experiences of my life!
Gardner Burg
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