New Zealand Southern Alps
11 Day Inn Tour
Tour Information
New Zealand was among the last places on earth to be settled by humans, and today it still retains a pristine beauty impossible to find anywhere else. There may be 30 million sheep in New Zealand, but there are only 4 million people. We’ll cycle the South Island where the towns are small and divided by vast mountain ranges, alpine lakes, glaciers, and rain forests. This is where the beautiful landscapes in the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. It will be several years before we’re able to run this tour again, so now’s the time to join us!
Moderate
Advanced
Rolling hills and some optional longer climbs. Moderate to Advanced cycling level.
10 nights lodging in double occupancy rooms, 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners, snacks, detailed cue sheets and map, van support & trained guides.
$250
Accommodations are subject to minor changes.
Fly into Christchurch, NZ and take a taxi or shuttle to our starting hotel. Fly out of Queenstown, NZ.
"No better way to see a country than on a bike!! Great trip! Am surprised I lost weight on this trip -- the meals were all wonderful. I ate my way from one end of the island to the other. Don’t think there are any lamb shanks left on the South Island!! The SAG was always nearby or right where we were told it would be. Em was great! She kept the group moving without forcing anyone to do more than they were able or wanted to do. The group varied tremendously in ability and she catered to all. No matter what was occuring Em was there with a smile!"
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: We meet in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand on the east coast of the South Island. Devastated by earthquakes in 2010-2011, the city is working hard to rebuild. The 10-year action plan focuses on improving public spaces, reducing the impact of motorized vehicles and increasing the comfort of cyclists and pedestrians. Take the time to observe this city in transition as you walk along the lovely Avon River or stroll among the gorgeous botanical gardens. We’ll meet for an orientation over lunch, and then fit rental bicycles before enjoying dinner together.
DAY 2: We’ll shuttle out of town today to the top of Porters Pass where we’ll un-load and head west across the mountains. We’ll pedal through rolling terrain, passing Lakes Pearson, Grasmere and Sarah as we watch the open, arid land transform into dense beech forest. Our lodging for the night overlooks the beautiful Waimakariri River. Watch out for one of New Zealand’s endemic birds here – the kea. The world’s largest parrot, it can ruin a bike bag or backpack if it thinks there may be food inside. 32 miles.
DAY 3: After a cooked-to-order breakfast, we’ll enter Arthur’s Pass National Park. You can choose to bike the highest pass over the Southern Alps, or you can shuttle to the fascinating visitors center to learn of the area’s natural history before starting the wonderful descent through Otira Gorge. Just after catching our first glimpse of the Tasman Sea, you’ll turn south along the coast to the town of Hokitika. Once the center of a gold rush, Hokitika is now best known for the jade collected from nearby river beds. Its main street is lined with small shops selling beautiful, locally made jewelry. 48 – 74 miles.
DAY 4: Crossing the Hokitika River this morning, we should be able to see the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, including the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt. Cook. We’ll cycle south to the town of Harihara through the thick native brush of podocarp. These tall canopy trees and shrubs are found mainly in the southern hemisphere. Ferns grow so tall here that they resemble palm trees. 47 miles.
DAY 5: We’ll continue along the West Coast, passing a myriad of waterfalls dropping off the mountains from our left. Each waterfall is signed with a number and each bridge along the road is named. You’ll feel serenaded by the birds through this vast wilderness. After cycling along the edge of beautiful Lake Mapourika, we’ll enter Westland National Park and the town of Franz Josef where we’ll stay for two nights. 38 miles.
DAY 6: Today’s layover day is a chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Franz Josef Glacier. The glacier is unique because it descends from the
Southern Alps less than 1000’ above sea level. You can hike up the valley through the rain forest for a stunning view of the glacier. You could also choose to take an optional helicopter flight to view the glacier from a different perspective. 0 miles.
DAY 7: After a hearty breakfast, we’ll encourage you to shuttle the first few miles over three challenging hills. It’s a long cycling day and you’ll want to have time to enjoy our lovely 4-star resort tonight. Located on Lake Moeraki, we’ll feel in the midst of paradise. Take a short hike through the bush, over a swing bridge, along a raging river, or to the sea. Take a canoe or kayak out before dinner and you might catch a glimpse of a black swan. 55 miles.
DAY 8: You probably won’t want to leave our resort but there’s a beautiful ride in store for you today. Much of today’s route follows the coastline. Then we’ll turn inland toward the snow-capped peaks, following the Haast River into Mt. Aspiring National Park. Once up and over Haast Pass, we’ve left the West Coast and entered Otago, a region much warmer and drier than the rainforest. With a population of just 40 people, Makarora has some adorable A-frame cabins that will be our home for the night. 42 - 69 miles.
DAY 9: We’ll watch as the terrain today becomes dramatically drier and as dense brush opens up to sheep pastures. Our road will closely follow beautiful Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Maori legend describes both lakes as being formed by a chief who gouged them out with his mighty wooden stick. We’ll end the day in the village of Wanaka. With its bakeries and craft stores, it’s a welcome site and the first true town we’ve seen in several days. 41 miles.
DAY 10: Our last day on the bike takes us up the Crown Range over Cardrona Road, past the historic Cardrona Hotel. On the way down, we’ll see amazing views of Queenstown and the Remarkables, the mountain range made famous in the Lord of The Rings movies. We’ll pass through Arrowtown, with its quaint cottages and avenues lined with elms, before arriving in Queenstown.
Surrounded by mountain peaks on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an adventure paradise. It’s the site of the world’s first commercial bungee jump. It’s also the end of our South Island adventure. We’ll celebrate our accomplishments at our last dinner together tonight. 49 miles.
DAY 11: We’ve said farewell, but if you have the time, extend your stay to enjoy Queenstown. Take a jet boat or rafting trip, visit the high country sheep station on the steamer “Earnslaw”, enjoy Skippers Canyon, or take a trip on a gondola cableway before you fly home. 0 miles.