Our fully supported cycle program is the finest way to explore the lakes and high country between Christchurch and Milford Sound, one of the most scenic regions on the South Island of New Zealand.
The itinerary will appeal to cyclists keen to appreciate the island at a relaxed pace. Each night we stay in comfortable lodges or farm stays renowned for their convivial atmosphere and fresh local cuisine.
While cycling we have ample time to appreciate the magnificent scenery and lakeside vistas and to also hike beneath Mt Cook and 'tramp' along a section of the Routeburn Track. A unique overnight stay on Milford Sound is another highlight of this exhilarating itinerary.
Trip begins in Christchurch (60-70kms cycling)
The Port Hills overlooking Christchurch provide us with our first great ride with spectacular views over the city and Lyttelton Harbour. After this early familiarisation of our equipment we drive onto the vast Canterbury plains and cycle/drive into the foothills before cycling into Farlie to meet our farm-stay hosts for the night.
Cycle to Lake Tekapo (42kms cycling)
Following a traditional breakfast we set up for a days cycling. The turquoise blue of Lake Tekapo is approximately 63 kms via Burkes Pass. Those who wish to can cycle the entire way at their own speed, while others can enjoy the full comfort of the occasional vehicle ride. The vast Mackenzie Basin with its views of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps provides an awesome backdrop to the beautiful wild flower fringed highway, before dropping into Tekapo and our lake side accommodation.
Walking Hooker Valley, Cycle to Lake Ohau (110kms cycling)
Huge glacial lakes and flat sealed hydro canal roads add interest to the day as we cycle and then walk beneath Mt Cook and the alpine village. World Expeditions Adventure Travel … Taking the Paths Less Travelled Page 3 of 5 The Hooker Valley is dominated by New Zealand’s highest mountain with its step glacier sides regularly providing a spectacular sideshow. At day's end we drive and cycle the final section into Lake Ohau and our lodge accommodation.
Cycle Lindis Pass to Lake Wanaka (109kms cycling)
An early morning lakeside cycle takes us away from the mountains and onto the Lindis Pass, crossing into the Otago watershed. This is a chance to freewheel through the historic gold mining areas of New Zealand's past. A combination of coach and cycle will take us to Lake Wanaka and a superb final lakeside track to our lodge accommodation for the night.
Cycle in to Queenstown Basin and Glenorchy (100kms+ cycling)
Our day starts with a 20km cycle on a smooth sealed road, towards the historic Cardronna Hotel where we stop for a relaxing coffee or tea. We drive onto the Crown Range and cycle into the Queenstown basin. Via scenic trails we enter and explore Arrowtown, a historic goldmining centre. By coach and bike we travel through Queenstown where we stay for the next two nights.
Adventure Options
Surrounding the lodge the opportunities to explore the nearby Rees and Dart Valleys are endless. There are several options available for you on this day including superb cycling, jetboating, kayaking and walking. Alternatively, you may choose to use this day to relax and enjoy the scenery.
To Te Anau (60-100kms cycling)
From Queenstown we take a leisurely cycle and drive via Kingston through to Lake Te Anau and our Lodge accommodation. For the rest of the day we walk the lakeside sections of the Kepler Track through beech forests. After the past six days activities this is a relaxing day before the pace steps up once again.
To Fiordland (cycling distance varies from 17kms – 100kms+)
Departing Te Anau we drive into the Fiordland National Park amid the beech forests and mountains that the region is famous for. The scenic road winds through wilderness as we coach and then walk along the Routeburn to experience spectacular views surrounded by mountains. We coach through the Milford Tunnel and then enjoy the sheer delight of a 17km cycle descent down into Milford Sound and our accommodation for the night on the SS Milford Mariner. This boat takes us out of the Sound to the open seas beyond before returning to a sheltered spot for the night. By 9am the next morning we have enjoyed optional kayaking or fishing before returning to shore and the start of another day.
Gertrude, Hollyford and Eglington Valleys (cycling distance according to preference)
By bus we travel back up to the top of the Homer Tunnel and then enjoy a spectacular walk into the Gertrude Valley or a cycle down the Hollyford Valley. Local bush walks and cycling down the majestic Eglington Valley slowly return us to Te Anau and our Lodge for the night.
To Queenstown (50-60kms cycling)
Out of Te Anau we cycle and bus the back roads into Lake Mavora. We enjoy a further cycle by the lakeside and through the beech forest. By bus we travel to the Von Valley for lunch. From here we farewell our supporting coach as we cycle on to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and down to Walter Peak station. Here we join the day-trippers at the farm and enjoy the hospitality of a farm show and farm-style afternoon tea. Finally on to the steam ship SS Earnslaw we sail across the waters to Queenstown. On arrival we will have an optional final meal in Queenstown before we go our separate ways.
- 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 5 dinners
- guides and emergency medical kit
- transportation by bus and boat as indicated
- accommodation as detailed on a twin share basis
- overnight accommodation on Milford Sound
- cycle and helmet
- all activities as shown
- access and concession fees to the Department of Conservation land
- New Zealand Goods and Service Tax (GST)
| 29 October 2007 |
07 November 2007 |
| 24 November 2007 |
03 December 2007 |
| 21 December 2007 |
30 December 2007 |
| 17 January 2008 |
26 January 2008 |
| 12 February 2008 |
21 February 2008 |
| 01 March 2008 |
10 March 2008 |
| 02 April 2008 |
11 April 2008 |
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