14-Day New Zealand South Island Scenic Trails Bike Tour

Overview

This epic adventure explores the very best of the South Island of New Zealand's bike trails, such as the Alps 2 Ocean, Central Otago Rail Trail, and Queenstown Cycle trail, with a few iconic hikes including the Routeburn and Milford Tracks to experience. Over 14 unforgettable days, you'll ride some of the South Island's most spectacular trails. From the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, Central Otago Rail Trail, Queenstown Trails, West Coast Wilderness Trail and Hawea River Track, each day reveals a different side of New Zealand's landscapes. Ride beside turquoise lakes, through rugged mountains, across golden valleys, and into lush rainforest on an adventure that showcases the South Island's incredible diversity. Designed for riders who enjoy a little variety and adventure, this tour combines rail trails, unsealed roads, and sections of natural, uneven terrain. Expect a mix of well-formed gravel trails and firm paths through to rougher, uneven sections of natural terrain that add variety and adventure to the journey. It's a rewarding experience that blends outstanding riding, iconic scenery, and authentic South Island experiences from start to finish. Day by day, you’ll ride a greatest-hits collection of New Zealand’s South Island — from the Southern Alps and turquoise glacial lakes to vineyard-lined valleys, wild coastlines, and a spectacular finale at Milford Sound. This morning we'll head west to Kuru Tawhiti Conservation Area in the heart of the Southern Alps. We'll take a gentle one-hour walk among the imposing limestone tors of Castle Hill, which were once a meeting place for moa hunters of the Ngai Tahu tribe. The Dalai Lama visited this area and described it as a "spiritual center of the universe". We'll start of our next ride along another section of the West Coast Wilderness Trail. This trail offers contrasting cycling along water races, tramways and railway lines and through dense, lush rainforest. From Wanaka, it's a short but dramatic journey over the Cardrona Saddle to the Gibbston Valley, an area best known for producing worldclass grapes. You'll be amazed by the vistas riding along the Gibbston River Trail - with the Kawarau River far below, impressive suspension bridges and iconic Central Otago landscapes. You'll also pass through a rare pre-1900 fruit orchard and rock huts left over from the gold rush. Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand (if not the world!) and all the comforts of civilization are packed into this tiny resort town: restaurants galore, stylish lounge bars, day spas, and boutiques. You'll also find incredible optional activities here including horse trekking, a gondola, fishing, winery tours, bungy jumping, jet boating and skydiving as well as some great hiking opportunities. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere at one of many local cafes. Today, we'll follow the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Kingston, where we'll hop on our bikes and join a section of the famous Around the Mountains Cycle Trail. Stretching through the remote wilderness of southern Otago, this iconic cycle trail showcases the region's diverse landscapes and rich rural heritage. Today's bike ride takes us to Mossburn, travelling from lakeside scenery into high-country farmland, through small towns, along historic rail corridors, and past working farms. There'll be plenty of opportunities to stop, take in the views, and enjoy the ride at your own pace. It's worth the early start this morning as we set off for our largest and perhaps most spectacular national park, Fiordland. When we arrive, we'll be greeted with jaw-dropping views of Mitre Peak and the surrounding jagged granite peaks - quite possibly the most picturesque mountain range in New Zealand - though we'll let you be the judge of that! Today we'll head east from Te Anau right into the heart of the Maniototo region in Central Otago. The trail here follows an old train line built in the early 1900s. The tracks were retired and removed in 1990 and now the Central Otago Rail Trail is one of the most iconic cycling trails in New Zealand. We'll cross numerous bridges and viaducts, winding our way along the smooth track past Raggedy Range and Rough Ridge. This morning we'll journey to the East Coast, stopping for a break at Moeraki and visiting the famous Moeraki Boulders, before continuing up the Waitaki Valley where we'll jump on our bikes to ride alongside Lake Aviemore. We'll bike along to Benmore Hydro Dam where the trail winds its way around the Ahuriri arm of Lake Benmore with views over the Benmore Dam. Well hidden from the highway, we'll be on a single track and finish up at Sailors Cutting. Today is our last day on two wheels, so we'll make it extra special with a ride that'll knock your socks off! We'll set off around Lake Ohau and then alongside the Ohau Canal to Twizel. From Twizel, the dramatic scenery steps up a notch with the shimmering cobalt-blue Lake Pukaki on the left, and Aoraki/Mt. Cook straight ahead. Along this section of the trail, you'll also pass a range of native plants including Kowhai (with brilliant yellow flowers, popular with endemic Tui birds), flax and tussocks. A short distance away is Mt. Cook, named Aoraki or 'cloud piercer' by South Island Maori, the highest mountain in New Zealand. Directly opposite Aoraki/Mt. Cook, there's a stunning day hike to the main ridge above Mueller Glacier. This area has a unique alpine environment and includes endemic flora such as the Mt. Cook lily (Ranunculus lyallii), the world's largest buttercup. Our travelers often say this is the best hike they've ever done and it's a fine way to finish off a great trip. It's a bit of a hike, and you'll remember the view of the glacier and the surrounding peaks forever! This is the last day of your trip and we'll drive back to Christchurch, with airport and central drop-offs. We'll leave you refreshed and invigorated from the good food, exercise, rest, and great times you'll have had with us in New Zealand!

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included