A fully supported 8-day journey spanning over 300 miles on New Zealand's legendary Great West Coast Cycle. It is ranked among the world's top five cycle touring routes and offers a rollercoaster through high alpine passes, lakes, snow-capped peaks, rainforests, coastlines, and glaciers. Daily rides can reach up to 80 miles. Includes a scenic train ride on the TranzAlpine Express and visits to Franz Josef Glacier and Wanaka. Accommodation is carefully chosen for comfort, character, and location, using charming, character-filled properties with rooms based on twin or double share. Single occupancy rooms are available at an additional fee. The tour is graded moderate to challenging, requiring a competent road rider with high stamina and a solid level of fitness, able to cycle comfortably for 6-8 hours (around 80km/50 miles) per day, multiple days in a row, including extended uphill ascents. Confidence riding on main roads alongside traffic is necessary, making it not for beginners. A support vehicle is always available. Included are an experienced guide-driver, 7 nights accommodation in 3 & 4-star hotels/motels (double occupancy), all meals catered to dietary requirements (7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners), full vehicle support with luggage trailer, snacks, drinks, TranzAlpine train journey, transport from Christchurch to Queenstown, pre-departure information kit, and access/concession fees. Add-ons include bike rental and single occupancy rooms. Not included are international/domestic flights, transfers, meals not mentioned, beverages (other than breakfast), bike hire, water bottle, personal expenses, visas, optional activities, guide gratuities, and insurance. The tour starts in Christchurch and ends in Queenstown. Day 1 involves a TranzAlpine train ride to Lake Brunner, then cycling to Greymouth and Punakaiki. Day 2 goes from Punakaiki to Franz Josef Glacier. Day 3 is a rest day in Franz Josef. Day 4 is a short but intense ride from Franz Josef to Fox Glacier. Day 5 is from Fox Glacier to Haast. Day 6 involves cycling the Haast Pass to Makarora. Day 7 is from Makarora to Wanaka. Day 8 is from Wanaka to Queenstown. Bike rental is available with options for Road bike (non e-bike - Avanti Gran Durance 3), Mountain bikes (non-e-bike - Avanti Discovery Hardtail or Low-Step), and E-bikes (Sinch e-bike with front suspension or step-through options). Single occupancy rooms are available at an additional fee. Solo travelers can share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost or pay for a private room. Group sizes range from a minimum of 4 people to a maximum of 14 participants. The client-to-guide ratio is typically 7:1. For groups up to 7, one guide-driver is present; for groups of 8+, two guide-drivers are present. Minimum age is 18, but children as young as 10 can go with a legal guardian. Riders under 18 require prior arrangement. The tour starts in Christchurch at Cathedral Junction at 7:15 am on Day 1. It is recommended to arrive a day prior. Travel and medical insurance are highly recommended and can be added at checkout through Redpoint. A 30% deposit is required upon booking. The remaining 70% is due 90 days prior to departure. Full payment is required if booking within 90 days of departure. Full refund within 48 hours of booking. 70% refund if canceled 60+ days before departure. No refund if canceled within 59 days of departure. Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours. The company champions and uplifts local guides.
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