New Zealand's South Island Spin
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New Zealand's South Island Spin
Cycling the South Island’s famous West Coast
Highlights
- Scenic coastal and mountain cycling in the Southern Alps
- Hike to the base of Fox Glacier in Westland National Park
- Visit to a local sheep farm
- Kayak through the rainforest and the Okarito lagoon & sanctuary
- Learn about the art of jade carving
- Experience the TranzAlpine train: Christchurch to Greymouth
- Extend your trip four more nights with our post-tour option to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound!
Description
Cycling New Zealand’s South Island is like soaring through a virtually untouched microcosm of the natural world. The region offers diverse ecosystems from the mountains of the Southern Alps to the shores of the Tasman Sea. It’s a mystical land where untamed rivers carve paths through lush rain forests. Pristine lakes and glaciers bask in the shadows of volcanic slopes and snow-capped peaks.
Begin this incredible adventure in Christchurch with a trip to Arthur’s Pass on the famed TranzAlpine train, rated one of the world’s greatest scenic railway journeys. Excursions include a trip close to Mt. Cook, a hike to the base of Fox and/or Franz Josef Glacier, jade carving and a sheep farm visit, kayaking through the rainforest, and of course, incredible cycling on some of New Zealand's best roads. Upon concluding in Queenstown, there will be ample time to explore the “Adventure Capital of the World.”
Note: This tour includes the use of our Trek 7500 Hybrid Bikes. Call for bike specifications or for complete details about bringing your own bike.
Can’t get enough of this majestic region? Take advantage of our four night post-trip extension and explore Doubtful or Milford Sounds and a chance for a century ride!
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Price
December 24, 2012: $4,695
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Single Supplement
$1,500
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Ability Level
Intermediate
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Terrain
Flat and Alpine
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Distance
250 mi
Daily Average 36 mi -
Departing
Queenstown
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Arriving
Christchurch
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Bike Rental
Included! Trek 7500 Hybrid Bike
- View our Suggested Reading
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Other Trips You'll Like
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Dates
- February 20, 2012
- March 12, 2012
- November 14, 2012
- December 16, 2012
- December 27, 2012
Day 1: Christchurch
Upon arriving, you’ll meet your fellow travelers and guides for a refreshing lunch, orientation and bike fitting, enjoy a warm-up ride through the spectacular Port Hills.
Day 2: TranzAlpine train & Hokitika
In the morning, take the scenic TranzAlpine Train to Arthur’s Pass. Once there, we'll ride a short climb to the summit. From there, it’s invigorating descents into the rainforests of the West Coast to Hokitika.
Day 3: Franz Josef
Learn about the significance of Pounamu to the Maori people during a visit with a local jade carver. Afterwards, cycle south to glacier country and rainforests to reach Franz Josef Glacier Township.
Day 4–5: Fox Glacier / sea kayak
Cycle to the sleepy beach settlement of Okarito for morning sea-kayaking, exploring the rainforest surrounding Okarito Lagoon and Bird Sanctuary. Day 5 is a rest day, or opt for a flight-seeing tour around Mt. Cook or a hike onto Fox Glacier.
Day 6: Fjordland National Park
A day of incredible riding, the scenery is especially spectacular as we cycle south along the coast to Fiordland National Park. Eventually we roll into Haast Township and savor a final night on the West Coast. A sunset walk on the isolated beach here is an exquisite way to end the day.
Day 7: Haast Pass and to Wanaka
You will spot countless waterfalls cascading from the towering mountains, as you cycle along the mighty Landsborough River. Watch the landscape change from lush rainforest to beach forest. One final climb to the summit of the pass will land you at 2,224 feet above sea level. Relax your legs on the ride to Makaroa and spin around the spectacular lakes before arriving in Wanaka.
Day 8–9: Queenstown
Visit a local high country sheep farm in the morning and see a real sheep dog demonstration. Then cycle through the tranquil valley to the historic township of Cardrona. We'll conquer a glorious climb and exhilarating descent on the way to the historical gold-mining village of Arrowtown for lunch. Then it's on to Queenstown. On Day 9, relax or explore the excitement of Queenstown, known as an Adventure Capital of the World. Want to ride instead? Try the ride to Glenorchy and back, along the shores of Lake Wakitipu.
Day 10: Goodbye or join the cycle-cruise tour extension
Stick around and take advantage of our 5-day post-trip extension and explore Doubtful or Milford Sounds.
Post-Tour Extensions:
Milford or Doubtful Sound
Day 10 of main tour – Te Anau:
Cycle to Kingston at the end of Lake Wakatipu. The road is surrounded by spectacular moof upper Southland untains as it hugs the shoreline. Enter the rolling sheep-farming country en route to Te Anau, perched on the edge of the Fiordland National Park. Stronger riders can be challenged by the possibility of a century ride.
Day 11: Overnight cruise in Milford or Doubtful Sound
Drive alongside Lake Te Anau into the beech forests and mountains of the Fiordland National Park, then cycle down to the Humboldt Falls at the end of the very quiet and scenic Hollyford road. After a picnic lunch, enjoy a descent down into Milford or Doubtful Sound for an overnight boat trip.
Day 12: Te Anau
After an optional early start to see the sunrise over the surrounding mountains and a hearty breakfast, we will have returned to shore. Hike into the Gertrude Valley with its spectacular views of the Darren Mountains, and an optional climb to Black Lake.
Day 13: Queenstown
Journey into the hidden Mavora Lakes, famous site of the closing scenes from Lord of the Rings. Cycle by the lakeside and through the beech forest before continuing on to the isolated Von Valley for lunch, before boarding a steamship cruise across Lake Wakitipu to Queenstown.
Day 14: Goodbye!
Farewell to the South Island!
Extension Price: $2,195 per person. Includes all accommodations, ground transfers, kayak or nature tour, all breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, guide services.
Guides for this trip
Related Testimonials
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Lynne H., Madison ME had this to say about New Zealand:
The guides in New Zealand were wonderful and the scenery was utterly spectacular!
