3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 7 day road cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights hotel/motel
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

7 Days$3595NZD

Trip Code: SLC

Trip highlights


  • Enjoy incredible views from the Summit Road of Banks Peninsula
  • Cycle alongside the bright turquoise hydro-canals from Lake Tekapo
  • Wonder at the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook on a hike to a glacial lake
  • Admire the impressive dams and lakes of the Waitaki Valley
  • Explore the Victorian quarter of historic Oamaru
  • Visit Central Otago's old gold mining settlements
  • Conclude the tour in iconic Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital

This superb cycling adventure from Christchurch to Queenstown offers you a chance to explore the vast and impressive Mackenzie Basin by bike to truly appreciate its huge glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains. The itinerary also allows you an opportunity to stretch the legs to admire the grandeur of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, when you walk beneath its flanks. The tour begins with an awesome ride on the Banks Peninsula with views of the vivid blue Lyttelton Harbour, the crater of an extinct volcano. Day 2 takes us through beautiful farm country before some superb riding alongside the stunning turquoise lakes of Tekapo and Pukaki. Following the Waitaki River to the coast via the "big-sky country" in Central Otago we head inland again to finish in Queenstown, nestled beside the impressive Lake Wakatipu. This charismatic town, widely regarded as the 'Adventure Capital of New Zealand', is a great place to spend a few extra days if your schedule allows.


Today we have the opportunity to find our cycle legs with a warm up ride along the stunning Port Hills overlooking Banks Peninsula. We will follow the 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 at the entrance of the harbour where there are relics of the WW2 defence battery and another scenic lookout before heading towards the port town of Lyttelton. Our ride then takes us around the sea shore, with lots of short climbs between bays and some fast descents.On reaching Governor's Bay, we will load up the bikes at the Jetty and hop in the van to drive back to the city centre and our hotel, arriving in the late afternoon. There will be time to explore the city centre before meeting for our first group dinner in the evening. Cycling Distance: up to 50km Accommodation: Pavilions Hotel, 42 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch - www.pavilionshotel.co.nz

Meals:  L,D

After breakfast we will drive across the Canterbury Plains to Temuka. We cycle along quiet rural roads past small farmlets and communities, to the quaint town of Geraldine, nestled amongst gently rolling hills. In the afternoon we explore more quiet rural roads with a photo stop at the historic St Davids Church at Raincliff before arriving at the rural town of Fairlie, 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 Distance: up to 77km / 47 miles

Meals:  B,L,D

Today has a relaxed start and after a hearty breakfast we can either walk or cycle to the Mt. John lookout with its spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The vast MacKenzie Basin with its views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps provide an awesome backdrop as you ride. We continue onto Aoraki/Mount Cook and enjoy riding the quiet hydro canal roads, with the view getting more expansive as you get close to the mountains. Once we arrive in Mount Cook township there will be the opportunity to take a short walk to see panoramic views of the mountains, visit the Edmund Hilary Museum or interesting visitor information centre. We are then free to make our own dinner arrangements. Admire the setting sun on NZ's highest mountain peaks and take in the vast starry skies after dark. Cycling Distance: 45 kms / 27 miles

Meals:  B,L

This morning we have the option to take a break from the bike and do some hiking in the lee of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Options include a three hour flat walk to the Hooker Glacier terminal lake or the shorter Tasman Glacier walk. New Zealand’s highest mountain dominates the region with its steep glacial slopes often providing a spectacular sideshow of avalanches. The prevailing wind should speed us along as the afternoon finds us cycling on the gradual downhill from Aoraki/Mount Cook towards beautiful Lake Ohau and our lodge accommodation for tonight. Cycling Distance: 55 to 101 km / 34 to 62miles Note: Today’s ride may be reversed to take advantage of the tail winds.

Meals:  B,L,D

An optional early morning lakeside cycle takes us away from the mountains into tussock-covered hill country. Our ride for today starts with a sweeping downhill before detouring onto a quiet back road around picturesque Lake Aviemore. The lake is part of the impressive Waitaki Hydro Electric scheme and we ride across the two dams at either end of the lake. In the afternoon we continue via the unusual formations of Elephant Rocks to the old Victorian town of Oamaru. Nestled on the Pacific Coast, Oamaru has some of New Zealand's oldest and most beautifully restored buildings as well as a thriving art culture. There are options to visit the creative Steam-punk Museum, the Penguin colony (best at dusk), and enjoy some fresh seafood for dinner. Cycling Distance: 62 to 89 kms / 38 to 55 miles

Meals:  B,L

Early this morning we enjoy a beautiful coastal ride out of Oamaru before visiting the perfectly round Moeraki boulders which make spectacular photos if the tide is right. After some refreshments our next ride takes us into the heart of Central Otago, with the optional challenge of a climb over MaCrae's pass before a spectacular descent to the Taieri Plains. Tonight there's the option to go curling (own expense) at an indoor ice-rink, before enjoying a jacuzzi and traditional Kiwi BBQ at our lodge. Cycling Distance: Oamaru Coast - 28 kms / 17 miles Palmerston to Hyde - 53km / 33 miles

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we cycle the scenic Ida Valley to the historic village of Ophir, via the challenging but optional climb over the Raggedy Range. From the top there are panoramic 360 degree views. The ride continues to historic Clyde, our final cycling destination and another former gold-mining village with beautiful old stone buildings. We celebrate the end of our riding at the local pub before we drive to Queenstown where we say farewell and drop you off in the downtown area. With its spectacular scenery, great shopping and multitude of adventurous activities it is worth staying an extra day or two in this vibrant town. Cycling Distance: Ranfurly to Ophir - 56 kms / 35 miles Ophir to Clyde - 33 kms / 20 miles

Meals:  B,L


Inclusions

  • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x6), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x7), two course restaurant dinners (x4) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 6 nights comfortable hotel/motel ensuite accommodation on twin share basis
  • Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides on groups of 8 or more)
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
  • Transport from Christchurch to Queenstown
  • Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

  • Bike hire (including helmet)
  • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • All beverages, other than breakfast
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Optional activities (eg. Tekapo hot springs, curling, penguin colony, Steampunk Museum Oamaru)
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)

About Your Leader

Our guides are one of our biggest assets and we pride ourselves on their level of quality and high standards. Once the trip reaches 8 people, we provide you with two of our expert guides to maximise your enjoyment and overall experience. You’ll know you’re in safe hands as all of our guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics. They come from all walks of life but our guides have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you.


Accommodation


Bike information


Grading

moderate  
3

To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the terrain, the altitude, the amount of climbing, the types of roads and the length of the trip. The Southern Lakes Cycle is graded moderate. You will need to be a competent road rider with stamina and a good level of fitness, you should be able to cycle comfortably for 4-6 hours or around 80km/50miles per day, day after day. There are some long undulating and hilly sections. You should be confident riding on main roads alongside traffic which can be travelling at speed. This tour is not for beginners. The tour is fully supported and if at any stage you feel like having a rest from cycling you will be able to ride in the support vehicle.


Departure dates


Notes

HS
Holiday Season

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$3595NZD

Options & Supplements*
  • Road Bike RentalNZD$350
  • Ebike RentalNZD$600
  • Single SupplementNZD$795
*Prices listed are per person

Essential information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Southern Lakes Cycle trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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