Around the Mountains & Doubtful Sound Day Tour

We will meet our guides in central Queenstown at 8:00am for a tour briefing and a bike fitting. Our warm up ride takes us along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, following the Queenstown Trail to the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge, where Lake Wakatipu flows into the Kawarau River. We continue past impressive lakeside mansions and numerous jetties and beaches until reaching the Sculpture Trail at Kelvin Heights. Be sure to watch out for the Wakatipu Kuikui, a figure with wild hair blowing in the wind and magnificent views out over the lake. We then transfer the short distance to the historic railway town of Kingston where we start the Around The Mountains Cycle Trail. Weaving our way through the pretty rural Mataura valley, surrounded by the Hector and Eyre mountains towards Garston and Athol, we cross a number of suspension bridges called the Golden Gate bridges. Our ride ends at Five Rivers where there is a cafe and gallery for us to visit before we drive to Lumsden and our accommodation in the historic Royal Mail Hotel for the night. We meet in the evening again for our first group dinner. Cycling Distance: Queenstown Trail to Kelvin Heights - 16km Kingston to Five Rivers - 48km

Meals:  L,D

From Lumsden we pass through rich farm lands by the banks of the Oreti River, and carry on along a mix of old railway line and well-graded track, threaded between the highway and farmland to Mossburn. Mossburn is known as the deer capital of New Zealand and a lunch stop at Bracken-Hall allows us to sample the region's famous venison pies and 'Southland sushi'. This afternoon we continue to follow the Oreti River on purpose built trail, with views towards the imposing Fiordland mountains. At Centre Hill the trail meets a busy gravel road and here we have the option to load up the bikes and return to Mossburn or for those wanting a longer ride, we can return the same way back along the trail. We meet again in the early evening for our well earned dinner. Cycling Distance: Five Rivers to Mossburn - 35km Mossburn to Centre Hill - 23km

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we drive to Manapouri where we are dwarfed by the mountains looming all around us and there is no question that we are on the edge of the wonderfully remote Fiordland National Park. Here we join a spectacular Doubtful Sound experience beginning with a short ride across Lake Manapouri, a drive over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove to meet our boat. We cruise out into the Doubtful Sound, formed by glaciers, with huge cascading waterfalls and vertical cliff faces. We sail for 3 hours surrounded by magnificent views with a nature guide sharing their knowledge of the region, and wildlife which might include dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguin. In the afternoon we return to Manapouri travelling back over Wilmot Pass and Lake Manapouri and then we drive to our accommodation in Te Anau. Tonight we are free to explore the town and make our own dinner arrangements.

Meals:  B,L

Todays ride takes us along the new Lake to Lake Trail connecting Lake Manapouri with Lake Te Anau, following the glistening Waiau River. When we arrive back in Te Anau we have lunch and then are free to walk a section of the Kepler track to Rainbow Reach, wander along the shores of Lake Te Anau or visit the bird sanctuary where Takahe and Kaka can be seen. There is an option to join an excursion to see the glow worm caves by boat. Your guides can help with suggestions and make any bookings. In the early evening we head to Fiordland Cinema to see "Ata Whenua" (Shadowland) a beautiful short movie showcasing Fiordland landscapes from the air before our final evening meal together. Cycling Distance: Lake to Lake Trail - 20km

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we leave Te Anau and after a short drive we cycle from the hidden Mavora Lakes, a site of scenes from Lord of the Rings. We ride by the lakes and through the beech forest before continuing on to the colourful Von Valley. There is a real sense of isolation and the huge mountain and tussock landscape is vast. We farewell our supporting coach as we cycle downhill to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and Mount Nicholas station. Here we are greeted with stunning views of alpine peaks and snow covered Mount Earnslaw at the head of the lake. We then follow the lakeside trail to Walter Peak Station where we board the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamer and cross Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown. A celebratory drink and platters at a local restaurant brings an end to our journey. It's time to say a sad farewell as we drop you off in the central city. Cycling Distance: Mavora Valley to Walter Peak Station - 55km

Meals:  B,L