Aged Peddlers Kaikoura & Molesworth High Country Cycle

We will meet our Adventure South Guides at Christchurch Airport off our flight arriving around 11.30am. We will immediately head towards the Waipara Valley (1 hour drive) which has emerged as the fastest growing wine region in New Zealand – winning international awards for the quality of its wines including Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay. We will enjoy a winery lunch before our first short ride takes us along the Waipara wine trail, which winds through the region’s many wineries, providing spectacular views over the rolling Canterbury landscape. We then drive northwards to Kaikoura, arriving in the early evening and check into our hotel, where we will spend the next 2 nights and meet again for our first group dinner. Cycling Distance: Waipara Wine Trail - up to 15km Accommodation: White Morph Hotel - Kaikoura

Meals:  L,D

Today's ride follows quiet undulating rural roads alongside the Amuri and Seawards Kaikoura Mountains. After breakfast our ride starts directly from our hotel, we cross the Kowhai River and head towards the hills on the Inland Kaikoura Road. Entering rolling farm country, the route soon crosses from the Kaikoura District to the Hurunui, climbing several inclines and passing over the Conway River and the historic Doone Station and gravesite. The landforms around here still show the effects of the massive November 2016 earthquake, with the road crossing faultlines and scars. From the high point at the Whale Back Saddle it is all downhill to Mt Lyford Village where the lodge will be a welcome sight for refreshments before returning to Kaikoura. In the late afternoon we have free time to explore, walk on the beach and to visit Kaikoura lookout or the Peninsula before meeting again for dinner. Cycling Distance: Kaikoura to Mt Lyford - 61km Accommodation: White Morph Hotel - Kaikoura

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we leave Kaikoura early and drive north to the start of the Awatere valley (approx 1.5 hours) with a short stop at Ohau Point lookout to see fur seals on the rocks below. The next 3 days we travel through stunning back country wilderness of the Molesworth Station, which at 180,787 hectares, is New Zealand's biggest farm and supports the country's largest herd of beef cattle, as well as almost 30 endemic plant species. Our 185km journey to Hanmer Springs follows the Awatere River, then crosses Wards Pass to follow the Acheron to its confluence with the Clarence River. We set off riding on a paved road up the wide Awatere Valley, surrounded by vineyards. We climb up the valley, through rolling farmscapes where the road turns to gravel and we become dwarfed by the impressive Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku (2885m) and the massive Inland Kaikoura Ranges. After a steep climb we reach the top of Upcot Saddle, we get a short downhill respite before another climb over a higher saddle brings us to Middlehurst Station, and our comfortable accommodation in the upper valley. Our support vehicle will always be near by for anyone who wants a breather or wants to cycle a shorter distance. Tonight's farm stay has shared facilities and a hearty evening meal will be prepared by the onsite chef. Cycling Distance: Awatere Road to Middlehurst Station - up to 60km

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we enjoy a day at Middlehurst Station which offers a range of activities on their vast farm property, including bike trails, farm tours, heli-hiking, fishing, hunting and four wheel driving – there will be an extra cost for some of these activities, prices to be confirmed. For those keen to continue cycling there will be the opportunity to ride further along the Molesworth Road and the Awatere Valley towards Isolated Saddle. We pass by the original cob homestead built by John Murphy in 1866 and the gateway to Molesworth Station. The road climbs to Wards Pass (1145m) and across the 250-hectare expanse of Isolated Flat, an outwash plain, bounded by the Awatere Fault. From January until April, masses of tall, white gentian flowers and blue borage can be seen growing colourfully amongst clumps of short tussock and pasture grass. At the end of our ride we load up the bikes and return to Middlehurst Station for a second night. We have plenty of time to relax in this amazing mountainous environment before another delicious home cooked meal is served. Optional Cycling Distance: Middlehurst Station to Isolated Saddle - 43.5km

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we say farewell to our hosts to ride the final section of the Molesworth Road, savouring the remoteness of the spectacular landscape around us. Flanked by mountain ranges the road follows the Acheron River to the historic Acheron House, which was built in 1863 as an overnight stopover in the early stock droving days. Here we reach the mighty Clarence River and ride alongside the river before one final push up and over Jacks Pass and a fast descent brings us into Hanmer Springs. The total distance from Middlehurst Station is 106km, we can ride a number of sections depending on how much, if any, we cycled yesterday. Some riders might like to attempt to complete the full journey to Hanmer Springs. After settling into our accommodation, we head to the thermal hot pools for a well deserved soak in the therapeutic waters. We meet again in the evening for our final group dinner to celebrate our weeks cycling achievements. Cycling Distance: Middlehurst Station to Hanmer Springs - 50-80km Accommodation: St James Apartments - Hanmer Springs

Meals:  B,L,D

Hanmer Springs is a hub for mountain biking and hiking, and a great place to rest, relax and enjoy the mountain air. Today we have a choice to ride or walk and to revisit the hot pools depending on our energy levels. Cycle Option: An easy section of the new St James cycle trail leaves from St James Station in the Clarence Valley and climbs slowly up a gravel cycle path for 6km to Peters Pass before returning through the Rainbow valley. The ride gives panoramic views in all directions and then returns to Hanmer Springs over Jacks Pass, to give a scenic loop of approx up to 30km. Hiking Option: A short relaxed walk takes us through the forest to a lookout at Conical Hill, 30 minutes each way. After our morning's activities we are free to go for lunch or another dip in the hot pools before we set away on our return journey to Christchurch. We will be delivered to Christchurch airport or the central city in the late afternoon.

Meals:  B