Ride both the West Coast Wilderness and the new coastal Kawatiri Trails, enjoy premium accommodation and gourmet meals on a 6-day bike tour in NZ. The west coast of the South Island is famed for its untamed wilderness, the highest mountains, crystal clear rivers, turbulent seas, lush rain forests, glaciers, geological landforms and notably few people. This 6-day guided tour explores the very best of the coastline between Ross and Westport, following the newest of cycle trails and allowing time off the bike to admire its diverse natural beauty.
Meeting in Christchurch, this trip sets away with a spectacular train journey (optional) over the Southern Alps where you'll embark on the West Coast Wilderness trail. Following historic tramways, crossing railway and suspension bridges, you'll ride alongside rivers, lakes and water races, visiting the Lake Mahinapau waterway and the vivid blue Hokitika Gorge. Next up is Punakaiki known for its unusual Pancake Rocks and the impressive Pororari River Gorge, which leads you to incredible coastal cycling and the newly built Kawatiri Trail. We visit the vast underworld in Charleston to see the large glowworm caves and have the chance to spot fur seals, penguins and dolphins from our walk at Cape Foulwind.
Hand-picked accommodation, delicious food and local hospitality together with knowledgeable guides will make this tour the ultimate west coast experience.
The Best of the West Cycle is graded introductory to moderate. You will be cycling on a mix of wide trails, narrow water races and boardwalk with some undulating hills. For the glowworm caves excursion, you will need to be able to walk for 2 hours and climb 130 steps. There will be an alternative option available if you are unable. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and the operator suggests 4 hours of cycling per week for the three months leading up to your trip. Training on compacted gravel trails is recommended, and completing a multi-day ride prior to your trip to get used to being in the saddle for long periods of time. The more training you have done on hills and on compacted gravel, the more enjoyable your trip will be.