5
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$2595NZD

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.


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

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

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

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

  • 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

  • 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


Bike information


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

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

$2595NZD

Options & Supplements*
  • Bike HireNZD$120
  • 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.


Trip reviews


Videos

Our Guides: The Heart and Soul of Your Adventure

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