Best of South Island’s Great Rides: Cycling Tour in New Zealand

by 57hours
Region
South Island
Duration
8 days
Guided Status
Guided
Difficulty
Moderate
D-Score™
N/A - Unknown

Overview

The Best of South Island’s Great Rides: Cycling Tour in New Zealand is an 8-day, fully supported cycling adventure that links together the finest sections of the South Island’s top cycle trails. The tour starts in Christchurch and concludes in Queenstown, traversing alpine lakes, high country, and gold rush valleys. It offers a seamless experience of five of the South Island’s best biking trails, including glacier-blue lakes and big mountain backdrops. Logistics such as transfers, luggage handling, and accommodation are managed by local experts. Accommodation is provided in a mix of 3 to 4-star hotels and motels, selected for their comfort and convenient locations. Specific mentions include Sudima hotels for modern comfort and Carrick Lodge Motel for a practical base. The tour is designed for riders with a good level of fitness, involving several hours of cycling most days with distances up to 60 km. Preparation recommendations include cycling 90 minutes, three to five times a week for at least three months, with training on gravel trails and multi-day rides suggested. The tour is fully supported with vehicle assistance available. Included in the tour are an experienced guide-driver, 7 nights' accommodation (double occupancy), almost all meals (7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners), snacks, drinks, and treats. Vehicle support with luggage trailer, a wine tasting at a Central Otago vineyard, a scenic Roxburgh Gorge jet boat transfer, and Department of Conservation fees are also covered. Add-ons include single occupancy rooms and bike rentals (standard and e-bikes). Not included are flights, airport transfers, bike hire (including helmet), beverages (except breakfast), optional activities, personal expenses, visa, insurance, and guide gratuities.

Daily Ride Schedule

Day 1: Christchurch Port Hills ride

30 km 0 m

N/A

Christchurch Port Hills ride

Day 2: Christchurch to Twizel

54 km 0 m

N/A

Christchurch to Twizel

Day 3: Twizel to Omarama

38 km 0 m

N/A

Twizel to Omarama

Day 4: Omarama to Cromwell

51 km 0 m

N/A

Omarama to Cromwell

Day 5: Cromwell to Clyde

55 km 0 m

N/A

Cromwell to Clyde

Day 6: Clyde to Clyde

60 km 0 m

N/A

Clyde to Clyde

Day 7: Clyde to Alexandra

40 km 0 m

N/A

Clyde to Alexandra

Day 8: Queenstown trails & Arrowtown finish

54 km 0 m

N/A

Queenstown trails & Arrowtown finish

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included

Catering services
Accommodation arrangements
Bike rental
Mechanical support
Support vehicle following all rides

About the South Island

A dedicated guide for this region is not available yet.