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5 Days
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From IntroductoryTo Challenging
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Wedged between the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea is the 140km West Coast Wilderness Trail. Weaving through the dense rainforests, glacial rivers, lakes and wetlands, a series of smooth flowing off-road tracks takes you from Ross to Greymouth.
Following the path of long-gone railways, logging trams, and water races from the mining days, you’ll soak up colourful stories from the past.
Our expert guides will show you the trail’s best sights such as gold rush relics, wildlife, and hidden natural wonders.
You'll also enjoy some stunning short walks along the way and some additional cycle rides on quiet back country roads and along the coast.
Character-filled towns, atmospheric accommodation and friendly welcomes are all part of the package, as is the passion and local knowledge of our crew.
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Day 1
Christchurch to Hokitika - 33km Cycle
Your adventure begins with the drive inland across the picturesque Canterbury Plains, and across Arthur’s Pass with its towering, snow-capped peaks. On the west side of the Southern Alps, we reach the old gold town of Ross, backed by ranges cloaked in native bush. After a late lunch, we’ll saddle up for our first ride on the West Coast Wilderness Trail. A stretch of rail trail leads to Treetop Walkway (optional) where you can see Lake Mahinapua’s rainforest and wetlands from on high. 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. Two nights here won’t feel like enough. Cycling distance: 33km
Meals: L,D
Day 2
Hokitika to Hokitika Gorge via Lake Kaniere - 63km Cycle
Our ride today takes us 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. We’ll follow its shores to reach the small township of Kokatahi where we’ll stop for a picnic lunch. Hokitika Gorge is up next. A short walkway offers a chance to see its granite boulders and swirling, surreal turquoise waters from many angles. From there, we’ll drive back to Hokitika where there’ll be time to explore the town some more and hopefully enjoy another West Coast sunset. Enjoy dinner of your choice in one of the town’s many restaurants and pubs. Cycling distance: 63km Accommodation: Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika
Meals: B,L
Day 3
Lake Kaniere to Punakaiki - 77km Cycle
Today we drive back to Lake Kaniere and continue our ride through the amazing bush trails of this cycleway. Firstly on rural roads and then the dedicated trail that 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 takes 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 the historic gold mining town of Kumara. Our final ride on the Wilderness Trail see us riding north to Greymouth on a combination of riverside and coastal pathways. The old road and rail bridge is just one highlight as we head towards the town centre. Our day finishes with driving the stunning coastal highway to Punakaiki. Cycle Distance: Lake Kaniere to Kumara - 55km Kumara to Greymouth - 22km Accommodation: Beachfront Motel, Punakaiki
Meals: B,L,D
Day 4
Paparoa National Park - upto 32km Cycle
This morning we have a rest off the bike to explore Paparoa National Park. First, we’ll explore the Pororari River with its dramatic limestone gorge, then take the Truman Track through striking sub-tropical forest to reach a rugged beach. Our final walk is the leisurely stroll around Punakaiki’s Dolomite Point, famous for its Pancake Rocks and thundering blow holes. After lunch we hop back on our bikes to ride the stunning coast upto Whitehorse Bay We’ll return to Punakaiki for our final group dinner and reflection on our West Coast adventure. Cycling distance: 16km (optional extra 16km) Accommodation: Punakaiki Beachfront Motel
Day 5
Punakaiki to Christchurch - 40km Cycle
Leaving the West Coast behind us, we’ll begin our journey back towards Christchurch. Before we cross the alps, we’ll get dropped off for one last ride along quiet roads to reach Moana on the shores of Lake Brunner. With luck there’ll be time for a refreshing dip (optional!). After lunch we'll drive back via Arthur's Pass to arrive in Christchurch in the early evening. Cycling distance: 40km
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
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.
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. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.
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.
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.
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!
Our Avanti or Merida e-Bikes are perfect for cyclists that may require a little assistance on their travels. Pedalling our e-Bikes is easier on knees and joints than riding a traditional bike. They provide up to 80kms of pedal assistance before requiring recharging. Very simple to operate and they provide people with varying levels of cycling experience, health and fitness levels the opportunity to enjoy our cycling holidays.
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.
There are sections of smooth sweeping boardwalk over wetlands.
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.
The West Coast Wilderness Trail 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.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
6Days
Moderate
5Days
Introductory to Moderate