Marlborough and West Coast Cycle Tour

Package Overview

Trip Highlights
Roadside snacktime, West Coast
Challenge yourself on this scenic 7 day road cycle adventure at the top of NZ's South Island
Experience one of the best coastal rides in the world which takes us to the amazing geology of Punakaiki and its Pancake Rocks
Relax tired muscles in the hot pools of Hanmer Springs
Cycle over the Southern Alps via the picturesque Rahu Saddle
Travel through beautiful rain forest clad mountains and along scenic river valleys
Discover the beauty of Queen Charlotte Drive as we cycle alongside the Marlborough Sounds
Swim with the dolphins or join a whale watch tour in Kaikoura (optional)
Trip Summary
Cycling along the West Coast - Photo: Geoff Gabites
Exploring the northern regions of the South Island, this action packed cycling tour is sure to inspire as you cycle past bush clad lakes and tracks, along wild coastlines as well as sample some of New Zealand's very best wines! From Christchurch, you'll cycle towards Hanmer Springs to soak in the outdoor hot pools and experience their therapeutic qualities. Returning to the saddle at Springs Junction, pedal along beech forest lined roads towards the rugged beauty of the 'Wild' West Coast. From here the scenery, not the cycling, will leave you breathless as you head north along the flatter, picturesque landscapes of Lake Poerua, Rotomanu and Moana, nestled between the Southern Alps and tranquil Lake Brunner. Continue along one of the best coastal rides in the world before encountering the natural blowholes at Punakaiki, the mighty Buller Gorge as well as the serene beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound, stopping to sample the produce at local wineries along the way. As you head back towards Christchurch along the stunning Kaikoura coastline, dotted with fur seals, there is the option to take an early morning whale watching cruise to provide a fitting finale to this memorable cycling adventure.

Trip Grading
To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the terrain, the altitude, the number of pass crossings and the length of the trip. The Marlborough and West Coast Cycle is graded moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 60 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. The tour is fully supported and if at any stage you feel like having a rest from cycling you will be able to ride in the support vehicle.International or domestic flights and taxes
Arrival and departure transfers
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages, other then breakfast
Bike hire (including helmet)
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
Optional activities (eg. Hanmer Springs thermal pools)
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel insurance
Visa (if required)
Tips

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Christchurch to Hanmer Springs

  After a pick up from a central city location and a bike fitting at our depot in Christchurch we drive out of the city and start to cycle. The Canterbury Plains are vast and with Hanmer Springs being our objective it's a matter of turning the pedals and watching the road slip by. By late afternoon we arrive at the thermal resort with a chance to soak in the hot pools before dinner. Cycling Distance: up to 60km / 40miles

• Day 2 : Hanmer Springs to Lake Brunner

  This morning the beautiful beech forests of the Lewis Pass beckon. By cycle and coach we gradually climb over the picturesque Lewis and Rahu Saddles, after each climb is a downhill rush with long sweeping corners. On beautifully sealed roads with lush temperate rainforest lining the roadside we ride until we reach the rugged beauty of the West Coast Region. The afternoon sees us finish our ride at a country pub called "Formerly the Blackball Hilton." There is a story to be told over your drinks before we drive to Moana, nestled between the spectacular Southern Alps and tranquil Lake Brunner. Cycling Distance: morning – up to 45km / 28miles Optional afternoon ride – 30km / 19miles

• Day 3 : Lake Brunner to Punakaiki

  Heading out of Moana, we follow an undulating and winding course through the picturesque Arnold Valley to Stillwater. A flat ride beside the banks of the Grey River takes us out to the coastal township of Greymouth. One of the trips many highlights is the coastal riding as we head along the coast to the famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. The riding is pure quality – with enough hills to keep you honest. Cycling Distance: 76km / 47miles

• Day 4 : Punakaiki to St Arnaud

  We cycle the sealed roads through the impressive Buller Gorge where the upper gorge landscape provides us with snapshot vistas of the Buller River whose white water attracts many a rafting and kayak enthusiast. There are plenty of photo opportunities on this scenic and gently undulating ride, before we board our coach for a final ride into St Arnaud, nestled in the heartland of the Nelson Lakes National Park. We recommend doing one of the many short walks around nearby Lake Rotoiti. This area is known as a “mainland island” and the results of the pest eradication programme means that the native birdlife is flourishing. Cycling Distance: morning - up to 91km / 57miles

• Day 5 : St Arnaud to Nelson

  Early risers are encouraged to take a walk into the nearby native forest at sunrise to hear the native birds & their “dawn chorus”. From behind St Arnaud we cycle the sealed forestry roads on a long mainly downhill ride towards the coast. We continue along a quiet road beside the beautiful Motueka River and through an area known for growing hops. We enter the township of Motueka and transfer by coach to nearby Nelson where we have time to explore the arts and craft capital of New Zealand. Cycling Distance: up to 97km / 60miles

• Day 6 : Nelson to Kaikoura

  By coach we motor over the steep outlying hills to arrive at the start of the beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive, which skirts the Marlborough Sounds into Picton. From here it is a short hop over the hill to Blenheim, NZ’s premier wine producing region. After a great lunch at one of the countries leading wineries, we head south down the dramatic East Coast to reach Kaikoura, home of whale watching in New Zealand. Cycling Distance: 60km / 37miles

• Day 7 : Kaikoura to Christchurch

  For the early risers, an optional chance to view one of the great natural sights as whales surface against the spectacular mountain backdrop of the seaward Kaikoura Mountains (www.whalewatch.co.nz). Swimming with or watching dolphins is also highly recommended . Due to the popularity, however, it is essential to make a booking well in advance. Following a late breakfast we head further south cycling some of the great back roads and enjoying the scenery as we eventually return to Christchurch and drop you in the downtown area around 6pm. Cycling Distance: up to 60km / 37miles

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• Visa Services
• 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 3 dinners
• 6 nights hotel/motel/lodge ensuite accommodation on twin share basis
• Professional qualified driver/guide
• 2 professional guides/drivers on trips with 8 or more people
• Private vehicle transport
• Water and snacks while cycling
• Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
• New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST)

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Exclusions

• International or domestic flights and taxes
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• All beverages, other then breakfast
• Bike hire (including helmet)
• Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
• Optional activities (eg. Hanmer Springs thermal pools)
• Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
• Travel insurance
• Visa (if required)
• Tips

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

Adventure South Ltd View Profile

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• Phillipstown, Christchurch, New Zealand - 8145
• XXXXXX1222 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@adventuresouth.co.nz View Mail ID

About Adventure South Ltd

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