Great West Coast Cycling

Your guide will pick you up from your central Christchurch accommodation early this morning and deliver you to the train station for your TranzAlpine Express departure at 8.15am. We enjoy a scenic train journey across the Southern Alps and arrive at Moana on Lake Brunner around Midday. We will eat our lunch on the train and then we can get on the bikes immediately to 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 the coastal township of Greymouth. One of the trip’s many highlights is the coastal riding as we head north along the coast to the famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. The coastline is wild, the rock formations are incredible and the rainforest is lush. The riding is pure quality – with enough hills to keep you honest. After visiting the Pancake Rocks we load up the bikes, hop on the bus and transfer to Hokitika and our accommodation for the night.

Hokitika is a quiet coastal town known for the crafting of Pounamu (greenstone) from the West Coast and is a wonderful place to walk along the beach at sunset.

As you venture further south, the allure of the glacier country becomes irresistible. The landscape transforms from serene rural countryside to one framed by the majestic podocarp rainforests. The journey offers a delightful coffee break in Ross, an old gold-mining town, before continuing through Hari Hari and Whataroa. Your ultimate destination for the next two nights is the enchanting Franz Josef Glacier township.

Today is a day off the bike and Franz Josef Glacier is the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the breathtaking surroundings. Dive into the thermal hot pools, where the warm waters offer the ultimate relaxation after your cycling adventures. For the thrill-seekers, ice climbing provides an exhilarating challenge, while those seeking a more leisurely pace can enjoy numerous short walks around the area.

Fancy something a bit different? Take to the skies with a flight-seeing tour. Whether you opt for a scenic fixed-wing plane journey around the majestic mountains or a helicopter ride that lands on the snowfields high above the village, these experiences offer unforgettable vistas and the chance to see the glacier from a new perspective.

If you prefer a slower pace, you might enjoy some sea-kayaking at the nearby Okarito Lagoon & bird sanctuary. Paddle into the lush rainforest and discover the local wildlife in their natural habitat. Alternatively, take some quiet time to catch up with your diary or dive into a good book.

Your day kicks off with a sense of freedom and possibility. If yesterday's weather wasn't on your side, fear not! The morning is wide open for you to embrace an unforgettable adventure. Whether it's soaring high to gaze upon the glacier or gliding across the water in a sea kayak, today is your chance to seize the moment.

Come the afternoon, the thrill continues as you take on the ride to Fox Glacier. Though it's only 25 kilometres, this ride is packed with excitement. You'll conquer three challenging passes, each one rewarding you with a heart-racing descent. The final downhill stretch sweeps you straight into the charming village, where a cosy café or lively bar awaits your well-earned rest.

As the day winds down, a leisurely stroll around Lake Matheson beckons. Here, you'll witness the iconic sunset reflections of New Zealand's tallest peaks, a serene end to an exhilarating day.

After soaking in the beauty and tranquillity of the past few days, it’s time to hop back on your bike and experience some of the most picturesque flat roads you'll ever ride. Your journey today takes you to the coast at Bruce Bay, offering a chance to breathe in the fresh sea air and enjoy the stunning coastal views.

As you turn inland, the route gracefully skirts the magnificent Lake Moeraki. The serene waters and surrounding lush greenery create a perfect backdrop for your ride, making every pedal stroke a joy. Then, the road leads you out to the dramatic Knights Point coastline, where the rugged landscape meets the ocean in a breathtaking display of nature’s power.

Eventually, you’ll roll into Haast township, your final stop on the west coast. Here, you can reflect on the day's journey, surrounded by the natural beauty that makes this part of the world so special. It’s a day filled with stunning scenery and the kind of cycling that makes your spirit soar.

Haast Pass is an absolute gem for any cyclist seeking an unforgettable adventure. For about 50 kilometres, the road gently climbs alongside the majestic Landsborough River, meandering through the stunning Clark Valley. You'll be mesmerised by countless waterfalls cascading from towering mountains, while the lush rainforest gradually transforms into beech forest as you ascend.

The journey culminates in a challenging climb to the summit of Haast Pass at 678 metres. From this pinnacle, you're rewarded with a thrilling 20-kilometre descent into the charming township of Makarora. This exhilarating ride is a perfect end to the day's journey, where you can bask in the achievement of your climb.

Today’s ride offers a dramatic transformation in scenery as you enter the dry, arid landscapes on the eastern side of the ranges. You'll cycle alongside breathtaking lakes, watching the road roll down into the headwaters of the Otago valleys. The route then climbs along the stunning shore of Lake Wanaka, eventually bringing you into the vibrant resort township of the same name.

As you ride, soak in the ever-changing vistas—from the shimmering blue waters to the rugged, sunbaked hills. This 68-kilometre (42-mile) journey is a feast for the senses, combining challenging climbs with the serene beauty of New Zealand’s lake country.

Upon reaching Lake Wanaka, your afternoon is free to explore. Wander through the bustling shops, or simply relax by the lake and let the tranquillity wash over you. As the day draws to a close, we'll gather for our final group dinner, celebrating the week’s achievements and the camaraderie we've built along the way.

Depending on the weather and traffic, we'll either cycle 25km to historic Cardrona, stopping at the iconic pub before climbing to 1070m on the Crown Range for stunning views, and then descend to Arrowtown for lunch. Alternatively, we'll ride 21km to the Treble Cone skifield, return the same way, and, if conditions allow, ride 25km to Cardrona before driving over the Crown Range to Arrowtown. The ride concludes with a scenic journey into Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, where you'll enjoy breathtaking landscapes, relaxation, and fantastic shopping.