West Coast New Zealand Bicycle Tour Title
West Coast New Zealand Bicycle Tour Photo

Countries: New Zealand



 
West Coast Bicycle Tour Map

Explore the spectacular scenery along the wild West Coast by bike, bus and on foot as we journey from Queenstown to Christchurch. Take in lush rainforests after an exhilarating swoop down Haast Pass out of the grasslands of Central Otago. Experience cycling at its best on forest rimmed roads. Glide along the spectacular coastline with high cliffs and crashing seas. Centuries of water and ice have sculpted a stunning natural paradise. Those who combine this trip with the Milford Wilderness tour will be in Queenstown before the tour starts.

Day 1 Queenstown
Arrive in Queenstown and enjoy one of the most scenic settings in the world. Stroll to the town center mall and onto the Maintown Pier. There are numerous natural areas to explore in this town established during the 1860s gold rush.
Climate New Zealand  

Day 2 Wanaka
Bike from the Coronet peak ski base to the picturesque gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown. Then on to Kawarau Gorge, taking time to view bungy jumpers on the historic bridge. Roll downhill via Crown Ridge in the scenic Cardrona Valley into Wanaka and break for afternoon tea. Next we cycle along the lakeside or the Clutha river edge.

Day 3 Haast
Bike along the brilliant blue Lake Hawea. We drive to the top of the Haast Pass and enter the famous West Coast forests. Bike down through the "Gates of Haast" to the flats of the Landsborough River for lunch.

Day 4 Fox Glacier
Start off with a spin on the peaceful forest roads to Bruce Bay and then bus to the mighty Fox Glacier for a guided walk through the rainforest. Opt for a whirl in a helicopter for a spectacular bird's eye view. Or, go to nearby Lake Matheson famous for its reflective views of the Southern Alps.

Day 5 Franz Josef
Enjoy biking between Fox and Franz Josef Glacier and walk to a majestic view of the advancing terminal face. The rest of the day is for sightseeing, a second chance at a helicopter ride or any of the local walks.

Day 6 Hokitika
Meander by bike through the Podacarp forests to hidden Lake Ianthe. We spend the day cycling and exploring the plentiful lakes, valleys and gold mines as we continue up the coast to the rainforests of Lakes Kaniere and Mahinapua.

Day 7 Christchurch
By bus and bike we wind inland through the forests to Lake Brunner. Ride through sweeping rural landscapes with a gentle climb into the Alps and the rugged mountain peaks. By coach we travel over Arthur's Pass and then bike amongst the alpine pastures. Relax with an end-of-day ride on Tranz Alpine Express, one of the world's greatest scenic train rides.

Day 8 Christchurch
After breakfast we transfer to the airport or train station.


West Coast Escape (bicycle tour in New Zealand)

Sign-up Arrival in
Queenstown
Depart from
Christchurch
Tour Price Bike Rental Optional
Single
Supplement
Bicycle Tour
Difficulty Level
Please Call Jan  2, 2008 Jan  9, 2008 $1,910 Included $530 Moderately_Easy1
Moderate
Please Call Jan 28, 2008 Feb  4, 2008 $1,910 Included $530
Please Call Feb 23, 2008 Mar  1, 2008 $1,910 Included $530
Please Call Mar 12, 2008 Mar 19, 2008 $1,910 Included $530
Please Call Apr 13, 2008 Apr 20, 2008 $1,910 Included $530
Click here to sign-up for the West Coast Escape Tour (Tour Number:860) Nov 12, 2008 Nov 19, 2008 $1,910 Included $530
Click here to sign-up for the West Coast Escape Tour (Tour Number:875) Dec  9, 2008 Dec 16, 2008 $1,910 Included $530
1May require some van support on a few days.