West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail Tour

Package Overview

Take in the rugged coastlines, pristine lakes and alpine landscapes of the West Coast
Admire NZ's native birds and forest from a Treetop Walkway
Walk the unmissable trails of the Pororari River and Truman Track
Spend a night in a charming historic hotel
Explore the ancient Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki
Travel on the TranzAlpine Express, one of the top 10 train journeys in the world

Trip Summary
Wedged between the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea is one of the South Island's most diverse, rugged and beautiful Cycle Trails. Snaking through the dense rainforests, glacial rivers, lakes and wetlands is the West Coast Wilderness Trail - a graded cycle trail formed from a series of tracks originally carved by pioneering gold miners. The track also follows extensive water races, logging tramways and historic railway lines. This 140km trail opens up some of the West Coast’s wildest and most spectacular natural settings, and our supported trip will find the highlights as well as visit some nearby must-see attractions. From Christchurch we cross the Southern Alps via Arthurs Pass to start cycling the trail at Ross. We experience a treetop canopy walk before continuing along the coast to Hokitika and then inland to the serene setting of Lake Kaniere and the spectacular Hokitika Gorge nestled in the Southern Alps. After negotiating some swing bridges and switchback climbs it's all downhill to our accommodation at the beautifully restored historical Theatre Royal Hotel in Kumara. We enjoy a final night at Punakaiki known for its interesting Pancake Rocks before returning to Christchurch, aboard the TranzAlpine Express, one of New Zealand's great train rides.


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 West Coast Cycle Trail is graded introductory-moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. The main factor for this is that the cycling is on hard packed gravel - if you can get in some cycling on gravel before your tour it will make the experience a lot more fun.International or domestic flights and taxes
Arrival and departure transfers
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages, other than breakfast
Bike hire (including helmet)
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
Optional activities (eg. Monteath's Brewery tour in Greymouth)
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel insurance
Visa (if required)

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Christchurch to Hokitika

  At 08:00am we collect you from a central Christchurch location for a bike fitting and briefing at our depot. We then start our drive (approx 4hours) across the spectacular Southern Alps via Arthurs Pass, dropping down to the beautiful bush-covered coastal region on the other side, and on to the coastal gold mining town of Ross, where we enjoy a late lunch at a local cafe before starting our first ride on the West Coast Wilderness trail. We follow the cycleway north to Hokitika, with a stop at the tree top walkway, to experience a unique treetop adventure walking on custom built platforms among temperate rainforest giants. The Southern Alps provide an awesome backdrop for our approach to Hokitika, a quiet coastal town known for the crafting of Pounamu (greenstone) from the West Coast. We stay here for the next two nights. Cycle Distance: Ross to Hokitika - 33km / 22miles

• Day 2 : Lake Kaniere & Hokitika Gorge

  Today we continue on the Wilderness trail, which takes us through small townships and farms, joining the old Kaniere water race for a time, before leading us to the shores of the beautiful Lake Kaniere. From here we explore the rural roads that circumnavigate it, ending our riding in the small township of Kokatahi, where we have a picnic lunch. In the afternoon we will enjoy a short walk by the vivid turquoise water of the Hokitika river in a magnificent granite gorge surrounded by lush native bush. From here we load up and drive back into Hokitika for a second night. There will be time to explore the town and later for a walk on the beach to admire a stunning West Coast sunset (if conditions are right). You will be free to make your own dinner arrangements. Cycle Distance: Hokitika -Lake Kaniere- Kokatahi - 40km / 24miles

• Day 3 : Cycle to Kumara, Overnight in Historic Hotel

  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 our overnight at Kumara and the beautiful historic hotel that is our accommodation. Cycle Distance: Lake Kaniere to Kumara - 55km / 34miles

• Day 4 : Kumara to Punakaiki

  This morning we get back on the bikes for a final ride on the Wilderness trail into Greymouth. The cycle trail takes us alongside a beautiful river before crossing a unique road and rail bridge. From here it is a coastal ride into Greymouth where we enjoy lunch at a local cafe followed by an optional visit to the local Monteith's Brewery for a tour and tasting (own expense), or if you prefer you can use this time to explore Greymouth. In the afternoon we drive the stunning coastal route from Greymouth to Punakaiki, where we enjoy a series of short walks that give us a full appreciation of the natural beauty in this area. First is the Pororari River trail (1-2 hours), this track passes through the Pororari River Gorge – a valley lined on both sides by dramatic limestone cliffs and bluffs towering over the gorge and river. We then take the Truman track (30 mins) through beautiful sub-tropical rainforest of Nikau palms and Rimu before emerging on the rugged and remote Truman Beach. Our final walk of the day takes us to the iconic Pancake Rocks (30 mins) that Punakaiki is famous for. The fascinating limestone formations began to form 30 million years ago and when conditions are right, heavy ocean swells thunder into the caverns beneath the rocks and huge water spouts blast skywards through the blowholes. We spend our last night in Punakaiki, a fitting spot to enjoy a final group dinner and reflect on our West Coast adventures. Cycle Distance: Kumara to Greymouth - 30km / 19miles

• Day 5 : Punakaiki to Christchurch

  Waking up beside the wild Tasman Sea for the last time, we start our journey East and back towards Christchurch, but not before one more stunning West Coast ride. We transfer by bus and bike on quiet inland roads through native forests to Lake Brunner. We lunch at a local cafe in the township of Moana, with stunning lakeside views and an option for the hardy to swim. Here we board the famous TranzAlpine Express, rated as one of the top 10 train rides in the world, which takes us on a spectacular journey across the Southern Alps back to Christchurch. On arrival we will drop you off in central Christchurch, where trip arrangements conclude. Cycle Distance: Nelson Creek to Moana - 25km / 15miles

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
• 4 nights hotel/motel ensuite accommodation on a twin share basis
• Professional qualified driver/guide
• 2 professional guides/drivers on trips with 8 or more people
• Private vehicle transport (except for TranzAlpine Train)
• Entry to tree tops walkway
• TranzAlpine train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch
• Water and snacks while cycling
• Concession and access fees paid to the Department of Conservation
• New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST)
• $50 donation to The South Westland Wilderness Trail Trust to support the proposed 150km extension of the trail to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

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Exclusions

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

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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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