West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Christchurch to Hokitika

   Start the tour with a meet up at Cathedral Junction in central Christchurch at 7:15am. Your guide will drive you to the Christchurch train station in time for the TranzAlpine Train, which is rated as one of the top train rides in the world. This unforgettable journey across the Southern Alps will bring you to Greymouth around 1pm. If you're not taking the train, we'll drive inland across the picturesque Canterbury Plains and through Arthur’s Pass, with its towering, snow-capped peaks.

   Today’s lunch is on your own; you can enjoy it at the scenic café on the train or stop at a café on the drive to the West Coast. On the west side of the Southern Alps, you'll regroup in Greymouth and drive an hour to the old gold town of Ross, surrounded by ranges cloaked in native bush.

   After a starting photo in the official West Coast Wilderness picture frame, you'll saddle up for the first ride along the trail. You'll cruise through to Hokitika, a charming town fronted by a dramatic beach and famous for pounamu (greenstone) and other arts and crafts and sunsets. Two nights here won’t feel enough.

   In the evening, you’ll be hosted by local couple Rob and Col for a paddock-to-plate home-cooked dining experience in their architecturally designed eco home.

   • 20.5 miles
   • Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika
   • Lunch and Dinner
2. Day 2Hokitika to Lake Kaniere

   Your ride today takes you inland through rural country to reach the bush-lined Kaniere water race – always a favourite for its flowing riding and babbling waters. Nestled in the forested foothills, Lake Kaniere is a grand sight indeed. You’ll follow its shores to reach the small township of Kokatahi where you’ll stop for a picnic lunch.

   Hokitika Gorge is up next. A short walkway offers a chance to see its granite boulders and swirling, surreal turquoise waters from many angles. From there, you’ll drive back to Hokitika where there’ll be time to explore the town some more and hopefully enjoy another West Coast sunset. Enjoy dinner of your choice in one of the town’s many restaurants and pubs.
   

   • 24.9 miles
   • Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika
   • Breakfast and Lunch
3. Day 3Lake Kaniere to Kumara

   Today, you will drive to the Treetop Walkway, where you can view Lake Mahinapua’s rainforest and wetlands from above. Next, you'll head to Lake Kaniere, where you'll get back on your bike and continue riding through the stunning bush trails of this cycleway.

   Starting on rural roads, you'll then transition to a dedicated trail that takes you to a coffee stop at Milltown, a historic saw-milling town. The trail crosses a swing bridge, followed by a kilometer of switchback climbing to the highpoint, offering more superb riding. From here, it’s mostly downhill as you follow water races, bush tracks, and reservoir roads, enjoying spectacular views as you gradually descend to Kumara. You'll spend the night at a beautiful historic hotel.

   • 34.2 miles
   • Theatre Royal Hotel, Kumara
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Theatre Royal Hotel, Kumara

     Stay in historic lodgings for one night of the tour

   • 

     Theatre Royal Hotel, Kumara

     Stay in historic lodgings for one night of the tour

4. Day 4Kumara to Punakaiki

   On the final day on the Wilderness Trail, you’ll ride north to Greymouth along a mix of riverside and coastal pathways. One highlight is the old road and rail bridge as you head toward the town centre. After a café lunch, you’ll have time for a stroll around town or an optional visit to the historic Monteith's Brewery.

   In the afternoon, you’ll drive along the stunning coastal highway to explore Paparoa National Park. First, you’ll visit the Pororari River with its dramatic limestone gorge, then take the Truman Track through striking sub-tropical forest to reach a rugged beach. The final walk is a leisurely stroll around Punakaiki’s Dolomite Point, famous for its Pancake Rocks and thundering blowholes. You’ll stay overnight in Punakaiki, a fitting finale for the final group dinner and reflection on your West Coast adventure.

   • 18.6 miles
   • Scenic Punakaiki Hotel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
5. Day 5Punakaiki to Christchurch

   Leaving the West Coast behind, you’ll begin your journey back to Christchurch. Before crossing the Alps, you’ll be dropped off for one last ride along quiet roads to reach Moana on the shores of Lake Brunner. If time permits, you can enjoy a refreshing dip before lunch! After lunch, you’ll drive back via Arthur's Pass, arriving in Christchurch in the early evening.
   
   

   Note: Please let us know at the time of booking whether you wish to reserve a seat on the TranzAlpine train.
   

   • 15.5 miles
   • Breakfast and Lunch