Aoraki/Mount Cook & Southern Lakes Gravel

Welcome to Otautahi Christchurch. Today we find our cycle legs with a warm up ride along the stunning Port Hills overlooking Banks Peninsula. We will follow the paved Summit Road, around the crater rim of an extinct volcano with panoramic views towards the city, the snowy Southern Alps and into the vivid blue Lyttelton Harbour. We will ride out to Godley Head where the relics of the WW2 defense battery overlook the Pacific Ocean before heading towards the port town of Lyttelton. Our ride then follows the coastline, with plenty of short cheeky climbs and some fun descents between bays. On reaching Governor's Bay, we will load up the bikes at the jetty and hop in the van to drive to Christchurch and our hotel, arriving in the late afternoon. There will be time to explore the central city before meeting for our first group dinner in the evening. Cycling Stats: up to 52km, +857m (100% Paved) Accommodation: Pavilions Hotel, Christchurch - www.pavilionshotel.co.nz

Meals:  L,D

After breakfast we drive across the Canterbury Plains to beyond the rural town of Geraldine. We cycle along quiet rural roads getting our first taste of gravel, past small farmlets and communities nestled amongst gently rolling hills. We pass through limestone country with some interesting rock formations and follow the Opihi River. In the afternoon we explore more quiet rural roads with a photo stop at the historic St Davids Church at Raincliff before a gentle climb takes us to Lake Opuha, where our cycling ends for today. We will then transfer to our accommodation at Lake Tekapo, a beautiful destination amongst the snow capped alps and turquoise coloured glacial lakes. There could be time to take a dip in the hot pools or visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd before our first group dinner together. Cycling Stats: 86km, +1,144m, (33% Paved, 67% Gravel)

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s ride starts on the outskirts of Lake Tekapo where we head into vast, isolated tussock country with snow-capped mountains beckoning ahead. A scenic gravel road leads us through remote sheep stations before a gradual descent brings us to shimmering Lake Pukaki and our first view of the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook. We follow the lake shore and join the Alps to Ocean cycle way, enjoying an easy flowing trail as we round the bottom of the lake. We cross the wide-open Pukaki Flats to reach the hydro town of Twizel where our ride ends. After lunch, we load up the bikes and drive into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park where you will be awed by NZ’s highest peaks. Once we arrive in Mount Cook township, there will be an opportunity to take a walk to see amazing panoramic views. Choose between a climb to the Red Tarns or a shorter walk to Kea Point. You can also visit the Edmund Hilary Museum or interesting visitor information centre before making your own dinner arrangements. Be sure to admire the setting sun on the Southern Alps and take in the vast starry skies after dark. Cycling Stats: 62km, +269m (17% Paved, 83% Gravel)

Meals:  B,L

This morning, we begin with a walk up the renowned Hooker Valley. Following an easy path and crossing impressive swing bridges, we'll hike beneath towering summits, including the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook, until we reach a serene glacial lake. Here, we'll pause for refreshments amidst the awe-inspiring scenery. After retracing our steps, we'll return to the van and transfer to the southern end of Lake Pukaki to continue our journey by bike. This afternoon's ride takes us alongside vivid blue canals towards the beautiful Lake Ohau. Following a fun cycle trail, we'll speed around the lake shore to our lodge accommodation for the night. Relax on the deck with a glass of wine and take in the stunning lake and alpine views. Hiking Distance: 10km (mostly flat) Cycling Stats: 41km, +245m (58% Paved, 42% Gravel)

Meals:  B,L,D

Consider starting your day with an optional early morning dip in the lake before embarking on the longest ride of the tour (so far). We head away from the Alps and cycle towards the Pacific Ocean, beginning near the Benmore Dam. Our route takes us along a quiet back road around the picturesque Lake Aviemore, part of the impressive Waitaki Hydro Electric scheme, crossing the dams at either end of the lake. We will rejoin the Alps to Ocean trail through Kurow, continuing past the unique formations of Elephant Rocks and finishing our ride in the settlement of Windsor, before a short drive into the historic Victorian town of Oamaru. Oamaru boasts some of New Zealand's oldest and most beautifully restored buildings, along with a thriving art scene. You can explore the creative Steampunk Museum, visit the Penguin colony (best seen at dusk), and enjoy fresh seafood for dinner. Cycling Stats: 108km, +854m (43% Paved, 57% Gravel)

Meals:  B,L

Today's ride takes us into the heart of Central Otago, starting with a climb over Macrae's Pass, which rewards us with sweeping views of the Taieri Plains. Departing from the rural town of Palmerston, we travel through farming country to reach New Zealand’s largest operational gold mine and the historic settlement of Macraes, established in the 1850s. We'll pause for a break at the historic Stanleys Hotel before a fast descent leads us to Hyde, where we join the iconic Central Otago Rail Trail. The smooth, flat gravel trail allows us to make quick progress into Ranfurly, passing interesting railway relics, riding through gorges, and crossing old viaducts. Tonight, there's an option to go curling in Naseby (at your own expense) at the Southern Hemisphere’s only indoor ice rink, followed by a relaxing jacuzzi and a traditional Kiwi BBQ at our lodge. Cycling Stats: 91km, +1374m (46% Paved, 54% Gravel)

Meals:  B,L,D

Our final day celebrates classic gravel riding as we continue riding along the Central Otago Rail Trail. This easy trail takes us through wide open landscapes, allowing us to discover the pioneering history of the region. As we ride over numerous viaducts, railway tunnels, and hand-dug cuttings, we admire the craftsmanship of the early settlers. Reaching the highest point of the trail, we cycle through the scenic Ida Valley and the Pooleburn Gorge, to arrive at the historic village of Ophir. The ride concludes in Alexandra, where we can toast our week's cycling achievements at a local cafe before driving to Queenstown. In Queenstown, we'll say our farewells and drop you off in the downtown area. With its spectacular scenery and multitude of adventurous activities, it is worth staying an extra day or two in this vibrant town. Cycling Stats: 84km, +485m (100% Gravel)

Meals:  B,L