Explore the scenic Kaikoura Peninsula and hinterland by bike and foot over 7 memorable days. Starting and ending in Christchurch, this guided bike tour explores a somewhat unexplored part of the South Island. You'll experience lunch and wine tasting at an award winning vineyard in the Waipara Valley, cycle the length of the remote Molesworth Road and visit the historic Molesworth Cob Cottage and Acheron Accommodation House. Soak in the thermal hot pools surrounded by mountains at Hanmer Springs and view the incredible Giant Sperm Whales on a whale watch cruise from Kaikoura (optional).
From scenic wine regions to surreal mountain landscapes this trip in the Northern Canterbury and Marlborough districts is a delight. Ride a new cycle trail in the emerging wine growing district of the Waipara Valley, learn regional history and explore the stunning Kaikoura coastline, dotted with fur seals; there is the option to take an early morning whale watching cruise.
You'll journey through the vast Molesworth Station along isolated roads flanked by rugged mountains and overnight on a remote back country merino sheep farm nestled under Mt. Tapuae-o-Uenuku, the highest mountain outside of the Southern Alps. Before heading back to Christchurch, explore the forest trails and a soak in the therapeutic thermal pools at Hanmer Springs, which provides a fitting finale to this memorable cycling adventure.
This cycle tour is graded moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and the tour operator suggests 90 minutes of cycling three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. Much of the riding is on hard packed gravel, some is loose gravel which can be rough and uneven in places and there are plenty of hills. You will need to be able to cycle an average of 60km day after day, however the support vehicle is always available if you have tired legs. It is recommended to practice cycling up hills and on gravel before your tour – it will make the experience more enjoyable.