Around the Mountains Cycle Trail

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Queenstown to Lumsden

   You will meet the guides in central Queenstown at 8:00 am for a tour briefing and a bike fitting. The warm-up ride takes you along the shores of Lake Wakitipu, following the Queenstown Trail to the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge, where Lake Wakatipu flows into the Kawarau River. You will then continue past impressive lakeside mansions and numerous jetties and beaches until reaching the Sculpture Trail at Kelvin Heights. Be sure to watch out for the Wakatipu Kuikui, a figure with wild hair blowing in the wind and magnificent views out over the lake.

   You will then transfer the short distance to the historic railway town of Kingston where you will start the Around The Mountains Cycle Trail. Weaving your way through the pretty rural Mataura valley, surrounded by the Hector and Eyre mountains towards Garston and Athol, you'll cross a number of suspension bridges called the Golden Gate bridges. The ride ends at Five Rivers where there is a cafe and gallery for you to visit before you are driven to Lumsden and your accommodation in the historic Royal Mail Hotel for the night. You will meet in the evening again for your first group dinner.
   

   • 39.8 miles
   • Royal Mail Hotel, Lumsden
   • Lunch and Dinner

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     Royal Mail Hotel

     Stay in comfortable accommodation on tour

2. Day 2Lumsden to Mossburn

   This morning you'll transfer back to Five Rivers to continue the Around the Mountains Trail. You will pass through rich farmlands by the banks of the Oreti River, to complete the section to Lumsden and then carry on along a mix of old railway line and well-graded track, threaded between the highway and farmland to Mossburn. Mossburn is known as the deer capital of New Zealand and a lunch stop at Bracken-Hall allows you to sample the region's famous venison pies and 'Southland sushi'.

   This afternoon you'll continue to follow the Oreiti River on a purpose-built trail, with views towards the imposing Fiordland mountains. At Centre Hill, the trail meets a busy gravel road and here you'll have the option to load up the bikes and return to Mossburn or for those wanting a longer ride, you can return the same way back along the trail. You will meet again in the early evening for a well-earned dinner.
   

   • 36 miles
   • Accommodation in Mossburn
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
3. Day 3Mossburn to Te Anau - Lake to Lake Trail

   After breakfast, you'll drive to Manapouri where you are dwarfed by the mountains looming all around and there is no question that you are on the edge of the wonderfully remote Fiordland National Park. Today's ride takes you along the new Lake to Lake Trail connecting Lake Manapouri with Lake Te Anau, following the glistening Waiau River. On arrival in Te Anau you'll have lunch and then are free to walk a section of the Kepler track to Rainbow Reach, wander along the shores of Lake Te Anau or visit the bird sanctuary where Takahe and Kaka can be seen. There is an option to join an excursion to see the glow worm caves by boat. Your guides can help with suggestions and make any bookings.

   In the early evening, you will head to Fiordland Cinema to see "Ata Whenua" (Shadowland) a beautiful short movie showcasing Fiordland landscapes from the air before the final evening meal together.
   

   • 12.4 miles
   • Accommodation in Te Anau
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
4. Day 4Te Anau to Queenstown via the Von Valley

   This morning you'll leave Te Anau and after a short drive, you will cycle from the hidden Mavora Lakes, a site of scenes from Lord of the Rings. You will ride by the lakes and through the beech forest before continuing on to the colourful Von Valley. There is a real sense of isolation and the huge mountain and tussock landscape is vast. You'll farewell the supporting coach as you cycle downhill to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and Mount Nicholas station. Here you are greeted with stunning views of alpine peaks and snow-covered Mount Earnslaw at the head of the lake. You will follow the lakeside trail to Walter Peak Station, where you will enjoy a celebratory drink and BBQ lunch in the historic homestead. You'll then board the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamer and cross Lake Wakatipu, returning to Queenstown in the early evening. It's time to say a sad farewell as you are picked up from the wharf and dropped off in the central city.
   

   • 34.2 miles
   • Breakfast and Lunch