Marlborough and West Coast Cycle

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Christchurch to Hanmer Springs

   After a pick up from a central city location and a bike fitting at the depot in Christchurch, you'll be driven out of the city and start to cycle.

   The Canterbury Plains are vast and with Hanmer Springs being your objective it's a matter of turning the pedals and watching the road slip by. By late afternoon you'll arrive at the thermal resort with a chance to soak in the hot pools before dinner. (www.hanmersprings.co.nz).

   
   
   

   • 37.3 miles
   • Accommodation in Hanmer Springs
   • Lunch
2. Day 2Hanmer Springs to Lake Brunner

   This morning the beautiful beech forests of the Lewis Pass beckon. By cycle and coach you'll gradually climb over the picturesque Lewis and Rahu Saddles; after each climb is a downhill rush with long sweeping corners. On beautifully sealed roads with lush temperate rainforest lining the roadside, you'll ride until you reach the rugged beauty of the West Coast Region.

   The afternoon sees you finish your ride at a country pub called "Formerly the Blackball Hilton." There is a story to be told over your drinks before you are driven to Moana, nestled between the spectacular Southern Alps and tranquil Lake Brunner.
   

   • 28 - 46.6 miles
   • Accommodation in Moana
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
3. Day 3Lake Brunner to Punakaiki

   Heading out of Moana, you'll follow an undulating and winding course through the picturesque Arnold Valley to Stillwater. A flat ride beside the banks of the Grey River takes you out to the coastal township of Greymouth. One of the trip's many highlights is the coastal riding as you head along the coast to the famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. The riding is pure quality – with enough hills to keep you honest.
   

   • 47.2 miles
   • Punakaiki Accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
4. Day 4Punakaiki to St Arnaud

   You'll cycle the sealed roads through the impressive Buller Gorge where the upper gorge landscape provides you with snapshot vistas of the Buller River whose white water attracts many a rafting and kayak enthusiast. There are plenty of photo opportunities on this scenic and gently undulating ride before you board the coach for a final ride into St Arnaud, nestled in the heartland of the Nelson Lakes National Park.

   The tour operator recommends doing one of the many short walks around nearby Lake Rotoiti. This area is known as a “mainland island” and the results of the pest eradication programme mean that the native birdlife is flourishing.
   

   • 56.5 miles
   • Accommodation in St Arnaud
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
5. Day 5St Arnaud to Nelson

   Early risers are encouraged to take a walk into the nearby native forest at sunrise to hear the native birds & their “dawn chorus”. From behind St Arnaud, you will cycle the sealed forestry roads on a long mainly downhill ride towards the coast.

   You'll continue along a quiet road beside the beautiful Motueka River and through an area known for growing hops. You will enter the township of Motueka and transfer by coach to nearby Nelson where you will have time to explore the arts and craft capital of New Zealand.
   

   • 60.3 miles
   • Accommodation in Nelson
   • Breakfast and Lunch
6. Day 6Nelson to Kaikoura

   By coach, you will motor over the steep outlying hills to arrive at the start of the beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive, which skirts the Marlborough Sounds into Picton. From here it is a short hop over the hill to Blenheim, NZ’s premier wine-producing region.

   After a great lunch at one of the countries leading wineries, you will head south down the dramatic East Coast to reach Kaikoura, home of whale watching in New Zealand.
   

   • 37.3 miles
   • Accommodation in Kaikoura
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
7. Day 7Kaikoura to Christchurch

   For the early risers, an optional chance to view one of the great natural sights as whales surface against the spectacular mountain backdrop of the seaward Kaikoura Mountains (www.whalewatch.co.nz). This is only possible if the operator is running their dawn departure which is not guaranteed. Swimming with or watching dolphins is also highly recommended (www.dolphinencounter.co.nz). Due to the popularity, however, it is essential to make a booking well in advance.

   Following a late breakfast, you will head further south, cycling some of the great back roads and enjoying the scenery as you eventually return to Christchurch and are dropped in the downtown area around 6pm.

   • 37.3 miles
   • Breakfast and Lunch