Coast to Coast NZ Bike Hike and Raft

An epic human powered journey from the west coast to the east crossing the mighty Southern Alps

Leaving Goat Pass Hut as we make our Southern Alps crossing | Department of Conservation, NZ

Climbing over boulders in Goat Pass, NZ | Lisa Jones

Linking arms, crossing the Deception River over Goat Pass. | Adventure South NZ

Rafting on the Waimakariri River | Southern White Water

Our vehicles are loaded with snacks | Lachlan Gardiner

Deception Valley | Janet Oldham

Quiet, rural, west coast roads | Stef Woodward

An array of red rain jackets in Goat Pass | Adventure South NZ

Leaving Goat Pass Hut as we make our Southern Alps crossing | Department of Conservation, NZ

Climbing over boulders in Goat Pass, NZ | Lisa Jones

Linking arms, crossing the Deception River over Goat Pass. | Adventure South NZ

Rafting on the Waimakariri River | Southern White Water

Our vehicles are loaded with snacks | Lachlan Gardiner

Deception Valley | Janet Oldham

Quiet, rural, west coast roads | Stef Woodward

An array of red rain jackets in Goat Pass | Adventure South NZ

challenging

Traveller Rating

Activities

2 day cycle
1 day hike
1 day raft

Accommodation

3 nights motel

Meals

3 Dinners
4 Lunches
3 Breakfasts

4 Days$2495NZD

View all pricing

View Inclusions

Trip Code: CCNZ

Trip highlights

Journey from west to east on a magnificent human powered challenge
Dip your toes in the Tasman Sea to mark the start of your adventure
Cycle through lush native bush and along the shores of Lake Brunner
Cross the Southern Alps via Goat Pass on a testing 30km hike
Raft through the stunning Waimakariri River Gorge
Descend from the mountains biking along quiet rural roads to reach your final destination at New Brighton Pier
Celebratory soak in the newly opened He Puna Taimoana Brighton Hot Pools

This epic 4 day journey takes you coast to coast from the Tasman Sea on the west, over the Southern Alps to the shores of the Pacific Ocean on the east.

Discover NZ's most diverse and remote landscapes through dense rainforests, over rocky mountains, between towering gorges, and along rural plains by bike, foot and raft.

Our experienced guides will lead the way over the iconic Goat Pass and down the Waimakariri River Gorge - with our support vehicle never far away on the bike stages.

Character-filled towns, atmospheric accommodation and friendly welcomes are all part of the package, as is the passion and local knowledge of our crew.

Join us on this classic Kiwi challenge and tick off this bucket-list adventure.

Talk to us about group prices and private departure dates.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Christchurch to Otira via the West Coast - 63km Cycle

Our coast to coast adventure begins early in Christchurch around 7am with a drive across the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass to the West Coast. After a short walk from the shore of the Tasman Ocean, where we have chance to dip our toes in the sea, we start our journey back to the East Coast. We cross Camerons Beach with vast views of the mountains to our bikes. Our first ride takes us inland along the West Coast Wilderness trail to Kumara where we cross the Taramakau River and follow a mix of sealed and unsealed roads towards Lake Brunner. We cycle through native bush round the lakeside, and then lush valleys with a mountainous backdrop to the small settlement of Jacksons. The last short section of riding is along highway and brings us to Morrisons River Bridge at Otira, where we load up our bikes and transfer to our comfortable accommodation where we will spend the next 2 nights. Tonight we enjoy a hearty group dinner together. Cycling Distance: up to 63km Accommodation: Bealey Hotel

Meals: L,D

Day 2
Deception-Mingha River over Goat Pass - 30km Hike

Today we cross the mighty Southern Alps by foot. After an early breakfast we transfer back to the bridge where we finished riding yesterday, and set away on our challenging hike up to Goat Pass. We walk up the Deception River which starts as wide river flats and narrows into a forested gorge. We follow a narrow track interspersed with long stretches of bolder hopping and scrambling along with multiple river crossings up to Goat Pass Hut, just before our high point, a fitting place for a rest and lunch. We cross Goat Pass, elevation 1070m and descend into the headwaters of the Mingha River and follow the valley southwards to the end of our walk at the confluence with the Bealey River. We emerge on the east side of ‘The Divide’ at Greyneys Shelter, near Klondyke Corner where our support vehicle will meet us and transfer back to our accommodation. Hiking Distance: 30km, total ascent 800m Accommodation: Bealey Hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Waimakariri River - 40km Raft

Today we take on the mighty Waimakariri River on a 40km rafting adventure through the Waimakarari Gorge from Goosebury Stream to Woodstock. After a short drive to Mt White Bridge, we meet our raft guides and prepare for the journey ahead. The river is Grade 2, which is very straight forward and suited to beginner rafters, the ability to swim is recommended. At the river out-take, we will meet our driver and head to our accommodation in Springfield or Darfield. Tonight we have our last group dinner, celebrating our Southern Alps crossing. Accommodation: Motel in Darfield or Springfield

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Gorge Bridge to New Brighton Pier - 70km Cycle

The final day of our Coast to Coast adventure takes us from the Waimakarari River all the way to the sea at New Brighton. We transfer from our accommodation to the Waimakarari River Bridge and get on our bikes for the last section of our tour. We ride through farms and rural landscapes along quiet country roads, trending downhill all the way to the coast. We will arrive in New Brighton and the pier marks the end of our incredible journey where we then enjoy a celebratory soak in the newly opened He Puna Taimoana Brighton Hot Pools around 3pm. In the early afternoon, we will be transferred into central Christchurch. We do not recommend getting a flight before 6pm. Cycling Distance: 70km

Meals: B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

Tasty cafe breakfasts (x3), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x4), two course restaurant dinners (x3) catered to all dietary requirements
3 nights hand picked hotel/motel accommodation on a twin share basis
Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides on groups of 8 or more)
Transport to and from the West Coast from Christchurch
Private support vehicle (never far away if you get tired on the bike)
Guided rafting trip on Waimakarari River (weather dependent)
Entry fee to the newly opened He Puna Taimoana Brighton Hot Pools
Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
Hiking poles (on request if required) - please let our staff know in advance
Pre-departure Information kit to help you plan and prepare
Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

What's not included

Bike hire (including helmet)
All drinks, other than with breakfast
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own drink bottle or hydration system)
International or domestic flights and taxes
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel insurance
Visas (if required)

About Your Leader

Our guides are one of our biggest assets. We pride ourselves on the standard and quality of these great people who you will be spending your holiday with. They come from all walks of life but they all have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, heaps of fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you. We provide you with the services of two guides for many of our trips, (this may depend on the size of the group). All are certified in first aid and CPR and many are advanced mountain guides.

Accommodation

Bealey Hotel

We spend 2 nights at the 4 star Bealey Hotel, located in majestic alpine splendour on the edge of Arthur's Pass National Park. The rooms are all spacious with ensuite facilities and small kitchenettes, boasting expansive views over the vast Waimakariri River Valley. After a full day hiking across the Southern Alps, the welcoming Crafty Moa restaurant and bar serves hearty homestyle meals.

Motel

Often family run, motels range from 3 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Rooms are spacious, warm and comfortable and they have ensuite bathrooms with tea and coffee making facilities. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Bike information

Road Bike (Gravel Bike)

The all-new Avanti Gran Durance 3 is a great do-it-all bike whether you're hitting the pavement or venturing off the beaten track onto trails or gravel routes. The bikes are equipped with Shimano's powerful, smooth and confidence-inspiring GRX 2x11 group-set and hydraulic disc brakes. We've chosen 40mm wide tyres which roll fast on pavement, but will offer grip on multiple surfaces and resist punctures. With drop handlebars, carbon fibre forks, and a relaxed geometry the Gran Durance is sure to be a comfortable ride for people with varying levels of cycling experience on any length cycle tour.

Hybrid Mountain Bike

Suitable for those with less confidence riding on gravel, the Avanti Discovery's have been built to suit the New Zealand trails with the best characteristics of a hybrid bike and a mountain bike. We've adapted this bike with faster rolling tyres, upgraded suspension forks, easy shifting 1 x gear system, quality disk brakes and a handy bike rack. This bike will be slower on the paved roads, but has a more upright riding style meaning you can still take in the amazing scenery you'll encounter along the way. This bike is also available in a low step model.

Electric Bike - Sizes XS, S, M

Our fleet of new Sinch ebikes, made and designed in New Zealand for New Zealand trails, are perfect for cyclists looking to enjoy a little assistance on their travels. Pedalling our ebikes takes away the strain of a traditional bike, particularly on the hills. The powerful Shimano batteries provide up to 100kms of pedal assistance before requiring recharging. The bikes are very simple to operate and they provide people with varying levels of fitness or cycling experience the opportunity to really enjoy our cycling holidays. The extra small, small and medium sized bikes all have a low step frame making it very easy to get on and off, hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable braking and 80mm of air suspension travel is designed to make every ride comfortable.

Electric Bike - Sizes L & XL

Our fleet of new Sinch ebikes, made and designed in New Zealand for New Zealand trails, are perfect for cyclists looking to enjoy a little assistance on their travels. For our taller guests, large and extra large ebikes have a high cross bar, 120mm of front suspension travel and hydraulic disc brakes to ensure effective braking and a comfortable ride.

Grading

challenging
5

This trip is graded Challenging. While much of this itinerary is moderate, the Goat Pass hike is challenging in an exposed alpine environment with sections of untracked trails, riverbeds and multiple river crossings. The sense of isolation and wilderness is a strong feature of this trip and our support vehicle is not available during the walk. To enjoy this epic trip, you need to be confident walking across uneven terrain and able to walk comfortably for up to 8-10 hours at a time (with breaks included) with some steep uphill sections.

Departure dates

Notes

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

$2495NZD

Options & Supplements*

Single SupplementNZD$395
Ebike RentalNZD$400

*Prices listed are per person

Essential information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Coast to Coast NZ Bike Hike and Raft 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.