7 Day Marlborough and West Coast Cycle Tour
$2,595*
PER PERSON
Description
Dive right in to cycling on the Marlborough and West Coast Cycle Tour. Right from pick up you will be off up the hills behind Christchurch and then through the foothills to the fabulous Hanmer Hot Spring Pools to rest your hard worked muscles.The next day you will be off to Lake Brunner in the West Coast region. There will be cycling through the Lewis and Rahu saddles encompassing lush rainforest and views of lakes and surrounding countryside.
Your adventures on the coast take you to past the Grey River along the coast to Punakaiki where the famous Pancake Rocks are located.
More serene and relaxing rides take you through the Marlborough region via the beautiful other wordly Lake Rotoiti in St Arnaud and on to Nelson.
Once we have had our fill of the many arts and crafts in the Nelson villages we will venture to Queen Charlotte Sound, an area of stunning natural vistas, and then head off for lunch in Blenheim at a leading winery. As we arrive in Blenheim you there will be thousands of acres of vineyards laid out around you in the countryside. Its quite a sight to see!
The final riding leg of your trip is from Kaikoura to Christchurch via back roads so you may relax and take in all the natural delights of the quiet rolling countryside.
We are with you all the time to ensure your safety and provide any comforts you may require on what will be a fun and really interesting personal accomplishment.
Inclusions
- All breakfasts (except day 1), 7 lunches and 3 evening meals
- A great guide and transport
- A Trek 7300 or 7500 bike with helmet and small pannier bags
- Accommodation as detailed based on a twin share basis with private bathroom facilities
- Access and Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation NZ Goods and Service Tax (GST)
Other Information
Duration
- Trip Duration 7 days
- Grade Moderate level
- Activities 7 day cycle
- Accommodation 6 nights motel/hotel/lodge
Departure
- Please click on the Prices and Dates tab.
Christchurch to Hanmer Springs - Hanmer Springs to Lake Brunner - Lake Brunner to Punakaki - Punakaiki to St Arnaud - St Arnaud to Nelson - Nelson to Kaikoura - Kaikoura to Christchurch
Christchurch to Hanmer Springs
After a pick-up from your hotel we start with our first cycle on the volcanic Port Hills above Christchurch. From a set up on the summit road, we cycle towards Sumner nestled on the coast. This ride provides spectacular views north to the Kaikoura ranges, and South to the Southern Alps. After a picnic lunch we drive and cycle the plains of Canterbury into the foothills. Edging onto the bushclad Lewis Pass and its mountain ranges is the thermal resort of Hanmer springs. At the end of this first day the hot pools are a welcome interlude. (L)
Riding distance: 45-99kms/28-62miles
Hanmer Springs to Lake Brunner
This morning the beautiful beech forests of the Lewis Pass beckon. By cycle and coach we gradually climb over the picturesque Lewis and Rahu Saddles, after each climb is a downhill rush with long sweeping corners. On beautifully sealed roads with lush temperate rainforest lining the roadside we ride until we reach the rugged beauty of the West Coast Region. We then head north for a breathtaking flat ride through the stunning scenery of Lake Poerua, Rotomanu and Moana, which are nestled between the spectacular Southern Alps and tranquil Lake Brunner. (B, L, D)
Riding distance: 54-91kms/34-56miles
Lake Brunner to Punakaki
Heading out of Moana, we follow an undulating and winding course through the picturesque Arnold Valley to Stillwater. A flat ride beside the banks of the Grey River takes us out to coastal township of Greymouth. One of the trips many highlights is the coastal riding as we head along the coast to the famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, the riding is pure quality – with enough hills to keep you honest. (B, L)
Riding distance: 59-102kms/37-63miles
Punakaiki to St Arnaud
We cycle the sealed roads through the impressive Buller Gorge where the upper gorge landscape provides us with snapshot vistas of the Buller River whose white water attracts many a rafting and kayak enthusiast. There are plenty of photo opportunities on this scenic and gently undulating ride, before we board our coach for a final ride into St Arnaud, nestled in the heartland of the Nelson lakes National Park. We recommend that you take one of the many short walks around nearby Lake Rotoiti, this area is known as a “mainland island” and the results of the pest eradication program means that the native birdlife is flourishing.(B, L, D)
Riding distance: 46-72kms/28-44miles
St Arnaud to Nelson
Early risers are encouraged to take a walk into the nearby native forest at sunrise to hear the native birds & their “dawn chorus”. From behind St Arnaud we cycle the sealed forestry roads on a long mainly downhill ride towards the coast. The cycle then travels along a quiet road beside the beautiful Motueka river and through an area known for growing hops. We enter the township of Motueka and transfer by coach to nearby Nelson where we have time to explore the arts and craft capital of New Zealand. (B,L)
Riding distance: 44-97kms/27-60miles
Nelson to Kaikoura
By coach we motor over the steep outlying hills to arrive at the start of the beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive, which skirts the Marlborough Sounds into Picton. From here it is a short hop over the hill to Blenheim, NZ’s premier wine producing region. After a great lunch at one of the countries leading wineries, we head south down the dramatic East Coast to reach Kaikoura, home of NZ ‘s Whale Watch icon. (B, L, D)
Riding distance: 30-68kms/18.5-42miles
Kaikoura to Christchurch
For the early risers, an optional chance to view one of the great natural sights as whales surface against the spectacular mountain backdrop of the seaward Kaikoura Mountains. Following a late breakfast we head further south cycling some of the great back roads and enjoying the scenery as we eventually return to Christchurch and deliver you to your accommodation for the night. (B, L)
Riding distance: 49-109kms/31-68miles
Tour Prices 2015/16 |
|---|
| NZ$2,595 |
| Single Supplement ( extra ) NZ$649 |
Departure Dates 2015 |
|---|
| Nov 16th Christchurch A |
| Dec 15th Christchurch A |
| Jan 15th Christchurch A |
| Feb 12th Christchurch A |
| Mar 12th Christchurch A |
| Apr 10th Christchurch A |
A: Available G: Guaranteed Departure C: Closed
