Wishbone Relay - West Coast Wilderness & Kawatiri Cycle

Support Wishbone by riding the very best of the West Coast by bike

Wishbone NZ Logo

The Tasman Sea from above | Lachlan Gardiner

Experience lush west coast bush with a walk through the Pororari River Gorge | Sandra Appleby

Milltown Creek switchbacks | West Coast Wilderness Trail | Lachlan Gardiner

Incredible coastal views from the Cape Foulwind Walkway | Sandra Appleby

West Coast Wilderness Trail | Lachlan Gardiner

You can't beat a Hokitika sunset | Lachlan Gardiner

McPherson Creek swingbridge | Lachlan Gardiner

It's hard not to smile on the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail | Lachlan Gardiner

Wishbone NZ Logo

The Tasman Sea from above | Lachlan Gardiner

Experience lush west coast bush with a walk through the Pororari River Gorge | Sandra Appleby

Milltown Creek switchbacks | West Coast Wilderness Trail | Lachlan Gardiner

Incredible coastal views from the Cape Foulwind Walkway | Sandra Appleby

West Coast Wilderness Trail | Lachlan Gardiner

You can't beat a Hokitika sunset | Lachlan Gardiner

McPherson Creek swingbridge | Lachlan Gardiner

It's hard not to smile on the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail | Lachlan Gardiner

moderate

Activities

4 day cycle trail

Accommodation

3 nights hotel/motel

Meals

3 Dinners
4 Lunches
3 Breakfasts

4 Days$NZD

View all pricing

View Inclusions

Trip Code: SOG7750

Trip highlights

Fundraising for Wishbone and promoting orthopaedic research
Ride both the West Coast Wilderness and the new coastal Kawatiri Trails
Enjoy the spectacular Tranzalpine train journey across the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Greymouth
Experience rain forest, wild seas, mountains, lakes and rivers - all in one location
Explore the Hokitika Gorge, Pororari River Gorge & the Truman Track – 3 West Coast must-do’s
Taste and tour at the Reefton Distilling Company

Why Book With Us

Pioneers in group cycle tours since 1992
Stay at the charming Theatre Royal Hotel and spend a night in Punakaiki
Choose from a large selection of dates
Our support vehicle is always nearby if you are feeling tired
Flexibility to change the itinerary on tour if effected by weather or trail closures

Join Wishbone's Perry Turner and Ian Galley on leg 5 of their Length of NZ relay. Travelling along the west coast of the South Island, famed for its untamed wilderness, the highest mountains, crystal clear rivers, turbulent seas, lush rain forests, glaciers, geological landforms and notably few people. This 4 day guided tour explores the West Coast Wilderness and the Kawatiri Trail; the newest of cycle trails between Charleston and Westport.

Meeting in Christchurch, this trip sets away with a spectacular train journey over the Southern Alps where we embark on the West Coast Wilderness trail. Following historic tramways, crossing railway and suspension bridges, we ride alongside rivers, lakes and water races, and we visiting the Lake Mahinapau waterway. Next up is Punakaiki known for its unusual Pancake Rocks and the impressive Pororari River Gorge, which leads us to incredible coastal cycling and the newly built Kawatiri Trail.

Hand-picked accommodation, delicious food and local hospitality together with knowledgeable guides will make this tour the ultimate west coast experience.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Christchurch to Lake Mahinapua - 33km Cycle

Your adventure begins with the world class train journey across the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train. We meet early in Christchurch and head to the railway station. On the west side of the Southern Alps, we reach the historic gold town of Ross, backed by ranges cloaked in native bush. After a starting photo in the official West Coast Wilderness picture frame, we’ll saddle up for our first ride along the trail. On leaving the town we cross the Totara River over a railway bridge dating back to 1908 and follow the old tramway through native bush, wetlands and mill sites to reach Lake Mahinapua. We’ll then continue cruising through to Hokitika, a loveable little town fronted by a dramatic beach and famous for pounamu (greenstone) and other arts & crafts. And sunsets. Cycling distance: 33km

Meals: L,D

Day 2
Hokitika to Kumara - 70km Cycle

After breakfast we ride inland through rural country to reach the bush-lined Kaniere water race – always a favourite for its flowing riding and babbling waters. Nestled in the forested foothills, Lake Kaniere is a grand sight indeed before a short climb takes us to the coffee stop at Milltown, home of saw-milling in earlier times. The trail crosses a swing bridge and then a kilometre of switchback climbing sees us to the highpoint and more superb riding. From here it's mainly downhill, as we follow water races, bush tracks and reservoir roads taking in the spectacular views as we gradually descend to our overnight at Kumara and the beautiful historic hotel that is our accommodation. Cycling distance: 70km

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Kumara to Punakaiki - 28km Cycle

Our final day on the Wilderness Trail see us riding on the old tramway out of Kumara and then north to Greymouth on a combination of riverside and coastal pathways. The views of the Southern Alps back down the coast can be impressive on a clear day. After a café lunch, there’s time for a stroll around the town or an optional visit to the historic Monteith's Brewery. In the afternoon we drive the stunning coastal highway to explore Paparoa National Park. First, we’ll explore the Pororari River with its dramatic limestone gorge, with a 3.5km walk up to a suspension bridge, returning the same way. Then we take a leisurely stroll around Punakaiki’s Dolomite Point, famous for its Pancake Rocks and thundering blow holes. Cycling distance: 28km

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Kawatiri Trail to Westport, drive to Christchurch via Reefton: 25km Cycle

After breakfast we drive north to test drive the new Kawatiri Cycle Trail from Tauranga Bay to Westport. Some sections are yet to be completed, but follow quiet roads and we get to sample the breathtaking route meandering alongside the crashing sea, through native forest and wetland, over suspension bridges and boardwalks. From Tauranga Bay the trail climbs gently for 3km to the lighthouse and then meets the road to continue downhill to Carters Beach, the final 5.5km section takes us off-road again to the Buller River and onto the centre of Westport. Here we grab a coffee before we leave the West Coast behind and begin our journey back to Christchurch. Firstly we follow the mighty Buller (Kawatiri) River twisting inland through the bush clad Buller Gorge to Reefton. We have time for lunch and to explore this small gold mining town, famous for having the first electrical lighting in the Southern Hemisphere. More recently it's been known for Reefton Distilling Company, producers of some of New Zealand's most awarded gin, and here we enjoy a tour and tasting. Onwards we cross over the Southern Alps via the Lewis Pass and enjoy the scenic mountainous drive back to arrive in Christchurch in the evening. Cycling distance: 25km

Meals: B,L

Inclusions

What's included

NZ$300 per person donation to Wishbone, plus NZ$100 for every bike hired
Tasty breakfasts (x3), lunches (x4), all dinners (x3) catered to all dietary requirements
3 nights comfortable motel/lodge 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)
Scenic TranzAlpine train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth
Commemorative Wishbone performance T-shirt
Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats
Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

What's not included

Bike hire (including helmet)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages, other than breakfast
Optional activities (eg. Monteith's Brewery tour in Greymouth)
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel insurance

About Your Leader

Perry has set himself (often together with his family) the challenge of completing all the South Island legs (even adding in some great bits in-between) and Ian will be joining as many of the North Island legs as he & his family can. They are both pouring vast amounts of time & energy into organising this Wishbone Relay – Why?

“My main motivation was to bring all those involved in care of our patients together and share what orthopaedic surgery is achieving in NZ with the public. I want to help bring us together in a fun activity and common goal.” – Ian

“This is an opportunity for myself and my family to give back to a job and career that has given us so much.” – Perry

Health & Safety and Contracting Parties:

Take note that Wishbone Trust and the NZ Orthopaedic Association Inc are not organising the trips and they or their staff or officers have no role to play in providing the trips or managing any aspects of Health & Safety in relation to the trips. Wishbone Trust is only acting as the recipient of donations made by those choosing to participate in a trip.

You must follow all Health and Safety requirements of the trip organiser (Adventure South NZ) and any other provider of services or other organisations with any H&S responsibilities during the trip. Adventure South NZ have experienced guides supporting you on the journey whose goal is purely to maximise your enjoyment and overall experience. All their guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics.

Accommodation

Hotels

Hotels range from 3 to 4 stars and provide a quality, comfortable and relaxed nights stay.

Heritage Accommodation

Similar to a B&B, these family-owned heritage accommodations are rich in local character, clean, comfortable and run by hosts that help add to your experience. Most rooms are en suited, however, due to the heritage nature of these buildings, on occasion there may be shared bathrooms.

Bike information

Electric Bike

Our fleet of new Sinch e-bikes, 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 e-Bikes 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.

Hybrid Mountain Bike

Our fleet of custom 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 has a more upright riding style meaning you can still take in the amazing scenery you'll encounter along the way.

Hybrid Mountain Bike (Low-step)

Just like our Avanti Discovery hybrid mountain bike, the low-step version of combines the best characteristics of a hybrid bike and a mountain bike to give you a great ride and comfort on gravel cycle trails. The low step frame, makes it easy to get on and off - particularly handy when you stop for a coffee or take a photo!

Trail Surface

Compacted Gravel

Majority of the West Coast Wilderness trail is compacted gravel with a range of wide and narrower trails (along water races). Cyclists need to be confident riding on uneven surfaces and aware that riding on this surface will reduce cycling speeds.

Boardwalk

There are sections of smooth sweeping boardwalk over wetlands.

Sealed Roads

Most of these roads are quiet back-roads. Cyclists need to be aware of the road rules and able to cope with small amounts of traffic.

Grading

moderate
3

This tour is graded introductory to moderate. You will be cycling on a mix of wide trails, narrow water races and boardwalk with some undulating hills. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 2 hours of cycling per week for the three months leading up to your trip. We recommend training on compacted gravel trails, and completing a multi-day ride prior to your trip to get used to being in the saddle for long periods of time. The more training you have done on hills and on compacted gravel, the more enjoyable your trip will be.

Departure dates

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

$NZD

Options & Supplements*

Single SupplementNZD$395
e-Bike HireNZD$400
Mountain Bike HireNZD$120

*Prices listed are per person

Essential information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Wishbone Relay - West Coast Wilderness & Kawatiri 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.