west coast wilderness
A 6-Day Cycle Tour – Travel back in time to a remote strip of spectacular landscapes between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea.
The West Coast is New Zealand’s equivalent to the Wild West – a remote strip of spectacular coastline between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. Famous for its rugged natural beauty, snow-capped mountains and wild black sand beaches. It feels like you’ve slipped back in time to an era of pioneers and gold miners. Biking the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail is one of the best ways to experience this magical place. Escape by Cycle’s West Coast Wilderness is a 6 day bike tour starting in Christchurch and finishing in Queenstown travelling the length of this spectacular part of New Zealand.
West Coast Wilderness Cycle Tour
Tour Highlights:
- An epic 6 day journey across the Southern Alps, exploring the length of the West Coast, past glaciers, rivers and snow-capped mountains.
- Ride the TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps – one of the greatest train rides in the world!
- Experience Te Wahipounamu – UNESCO World Heritage Area with a jet boat safari on the remote Haast river.
- Visit the spectacular Punakaiki Pancake Rocks – one of New Zealand’s most stunning stretches of coastline.
- Includes a visit to the Hokitika Gorge, Shantytown, West Coast Treetops Walkway, and meet New Zealand’s rarest kiwi at the West Coast Wildlife Centre
Cycle Trails
West Coast Wilderness Trail, Franz Josef, Wanaka Trail
Length
6 Days / 5 Nights
Start
Christchurch
Finish
Queenstown
Included
- 6 day tour with 4 days of cycling on the West Coast Wilderness, Franz Josef and Wanaka cycle trails
- 5 nights accommodation on the West Coast, at a selection of charming boutique hotels, B&B and unique beachfront accommodation
- Start your trip with a journey on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth
- Take a guided tour of the world famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki
- Visit the aqua blue waters of the stunning Hokitika Gorge
- Enjoy a stroll through the forest canopy at the West Coast Treetop Walkway.
- The Franz Josef glacier and meet New Zealand’s rarest kiwi at the West Coast Wildlife Centre
- Take a Jet Boat Safari deep into the mountains of South Westland on the Haast River.
- All transport on tour and drop-off to your hotel in Wanaka or Queenstown.
- Your choice of a latest technology e-bike or mountain bike. E-bikes make your journey easier and more comfortable.
- Meals included:
– Day 1: lunch, dinner
– Days 2-5: breakfast, lunch and dinner
– Day 6: breakfast and lunch
All meals are high quality, catering to all dietary requirements, made with fresh local produce. Lunches may include either a visit to top local cafés or our famous make-your-own picnics. - Our expert local tour leaders provide insight and background to the areas you visit and show you how to use your bike and equipment.
- Full vehicle support – in case you ever want to take a break from riding or skip a section.
- Unlimited snacks – fresh fruit, mixed nuts, bars, and a selection of classic New Zealand lollies!
- Drinks breaks provided along the trail – a selection of teas, plunger coffee, juice, soft drinks and water.
Excluded
- Alcohol, hot drinks, cold drinks, teas or coffees purchased at pubs, restaurants or cafés.
West Coast Wilderness Tour Itinerary
- Day 1 – Make your way to the Christchurch Railway Station and board the TranzAlpine train bound for the West Coast – one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world! Enjoy lunch on board as you make your way through the Southern Alps. Pick-up from Greymouth for a tour of the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. Dinner at a fantastic restaurant and spend the night at a boutique motel in Greymouth.
- Day 2 – after a fabulous cooked breakfast we give you a thorough introduction to our bikes and how to use them before you start your journey on the West Coast Wilderness cycle trail. The trail follows the coast then we stop for lunch and visit Shantytown for a glimpse of early life on the West Coast for pioneers and miners. Ride the first 30km of the West Coast Wilderness trail to stay at a beautiful restored hotel in Kumara.
- Day 3 – After breakfast, continue your ride past the stunning Kapitea Reservoir into the foothills of the Southern Alps. The trails follows an old water race past a series of small hydro dams then enjoy some fun flowing downhill sections into the Arahura valley where we meet you for a fabulous picnic lunch. Stop for afternoon tea at the stunning Lake Kaniere where if it’s hot you may like to jump in for a swim. Enjoy a fabulous meal and spend the night at stunning accommodation near Hokitika.
- Day 4 – We start the day with a short walk at the magnificent Hokitika Gorge. Then get back on your bike to follow the trail into Hokitika for lunch. The trail heads south across the river, through wetlands and native bush. Then take a stroll through the forest canopy at the West Coast Treetops Walkway, overlooking Lake Mahinapua. The final section of trail follows an old tramline to finish in Ross. We then return to Hokitika to spend a 2nd night at your accommodation and visit a fabulous restaurant.
- Day 5 – We take a break from the cycling today and enjoy a drive down the West Coast coast, stopping to visit Franz Josef Glacier. After a short walk to see the glacier, you can take a short but stunning ride through native beech forest following the river to lunch at a great restaurant. Meet New Zealand’s rarest breed of kiwi with a backstage guided tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre. Then we continue the drive on one of NZ’s most beautiful roads to stay in the remote outpost of Haast.
- Day 6 – Take a jet boat safari up the stunning Haast River deep into the mountains of this UNESCO World Heritage Area. Then we drive back up and over the Southern Alps for a final stunning ride the between 2 huge lakes of Hawea and Wanaka. After a final lunch together beside the river, we drop you off at your accommodation in Queenstown in the late afternoon.
* Please note we continually improve and adapt our tours to give you the best experience. As a result, this itinerary is indicative only and may be subject to change.
- Choose between a new high tech e-bike or mountain bike – at no extra cost.
- You can finish the tour in Wanaka or Queenstown. Drop-offs to nearby locations can be arranged.
- It’s possible to book a scenic helicopter flight of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers instead of visiting the Wildlife Centre (this not included).
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