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10 Day West Coast Cycle
Duration
9 days
Site savings
$32
From
$3,117 USD
Starting from Christchurch and driving down to the spectacular Arthur’s Pass, you'll then bike on minor roads on your way to the coast and Punakaiki and its famous BlowHoles. From here, you'll head south, pedalling through lush rainforest, past picture-perfect West Coast Glaciers and lakes. There is a rest day at Franz Josef Glacier with the opportunity for hiking or sightseeing and the tour concludes in the epic hub of Queenstown.
- CategoryRoad Cycling
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration9 days
- Culture LevelFamiliar
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainCoastal
- Distance220.6 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance27.5 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration9 days
- Main DestinationSouth Island
- Distance220.6 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance27.5 miles
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainCoastal
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Meeting Day
On the morning your tour starts, if you're already on the West Coast, you'll meet the guide at the hotel in Greymouth. Alternatively, you can take the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth, where the guide will meet you at the train station and transfer you to the hotel.
You'll have the chance to explore Dolomite Point and the fascinating Pancake Rocks, where the sea has carved impressive layered rock formations and dramatic blowholes, particularly at high tide.
- Copthorne Hotel
- Dinner
- Day 2Greymouth to Hokitika
You head south along the coast on a road squeezed between the mountains and the sea, crossing a few rivers, to Greymouth, the principal town of Westland. Named after Sir George Grey, New Zealand’s first Governor, it was the site of Mawhera, the largest Māori settlement on the West Coast. From here, it's a flat run to Hokitika—a town famous for its gold rush in the 1860s and more recently for timber milling. The town boasts greenstone (jade) and glass-blowing factories and now relies on tourism.
Greymouth to Hokitika: 37km/23mil +580m
Greymouth to Ross: 64km/55mil +980m- 23 - 39.8 miles
- Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 3Hokitika to Franz Josef
Crossing the Hokitika River, you head south through native bush of rimu and kahikatea (white pine). Your route takes you through an agricultural valley and forest. The terrain is rolling, with one climb up Mt. Hercules after the town of Harihari (not as daunting as the name suggests!) and a final flat run from Whataroa. As you enter Westland National Park and pass the beautiful Lake Mapourika, you enjoy superb views of snow-capped peaks.
Mt Hercules summit to Franz Josef: 51km/32mil +450m
Lake Ianthe to Franz Josef: 80km/50mil +725m -620m
Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier: 135km/84mil +1300m- 31.7 miles
- Punga Grove, Franz Josef
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 4Franz Josef to Lake Moeraki
The ride from Franz Josef to Fox Glacier covers just 24 km, but includes three challenging climbs and descents through stunning native forest. Afterward, the terrain becomes gently rolling. From Fox Glacier to Lake Paringa, the road winds through lush rainforest filled with rimu and rata trees, flax-filled swamps, and rugged hills. After rain, the rivers swell into raging torrents. On clear days, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps.
Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge, founded in 1989 by Anne Saunders and biologist Gerry McSweeney, was created to protect the rainforest and offer visitors a chance to experience this incredible lakeside environment. Upon arrival, you can paddle canoes on the trout-filled lake or hike to Monro’s Beach to spot fur seals and, during the right season, penguins. Dinner will be served in the lodge’s dining room, overlooking the pristine wilderness.Bruce Bay to Lake Moeraki: 43km/27mil
Fox to Lake Moeraki: 89km/56mil
Franz Josef to Lake Moeraki: 114km/71mil- 26.7 - 2.5 miles
- Heartland Hotel Haast
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Day 5Lake Moeraki to Makarora
Just south of Lake Moeraki, Knights Point offers excellent views of the rugged coastline, where seals can often be seen basking in the sun. From Haast, you head inland, following the Haast River toward the snow-capped peaks. You pass numerous waterfalls and abundant birdlife, including keas, fantails, and bellbirds. After lunch, you tackle the steep climb through the Gates of Haast before enjoying a gentle descent to the tiny, isolated Makarora. Makarora is a base for trampers (hikers) and the renowned Siberia Experience.
Lake Moeraki to Haast: 30km/19mil
Lake Moeraki to Haast Pass: 81km/51mil
Lake Moeraki to Makarora: 112km/70mil- 18.6 miles
- Makarora Tourist Center
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 6Makarora to Wanaka
The landscape now becomes dramatically drier, with dense bush giving way to open sheep paddocks. The road closely follows Lake Wanaka, crosses the Neck to Lake Hawea, and then returns to Lake Wanaka. You'll enjoy dramatic views of jagged, rocky mountains across the lake. Wanaka serves as the gateway to Mt. Aspiring National Park and several winter ski regions.
Makarora to Hawea turnoff: 50km/ 31mil +580m -540m
Makarora to Wanaka: 66km/ 41mil +705m -730m- 31.1 miles
- Lake Wakanaka Lodge
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 7Wanaka Rest Day
Wanaka is located at the southern end of Lake Wanaka and is surrounded by mountains, making it a playground for outdoor enthusiasts with a multitude of options to fill your day.
- Te Wanaka Lodge
- Breakfast
- Day 8Wanaka to Queenstown
Your route today takes you up the Crown Range and over the Cardrona Road. You’ll climb through tussock hills, passing the historic Cardrona Hotel. Upon reaching the top, you’ll be treated to amazing views of the Remarkables mountain range and Queenstown. The adjacent Pisa Range (1,963m) features New Zealand’s only Nordic ski-touring and snowshoe trails.
You'll descend the exhilarating hairpin bends down to Arrowtown, an attractive, well-preserved gold-mining village with quaint old cottages and avenues of elms. An easy flat ride beneath Coronet Peak, a winter ski field, takes you to Arthur’s Point, where you cross the Shotover River on your way to Queenstown. Look out for jet boats speeding through the narrow gorge. Surrounded by mountain peaks, including the famous Remarkables, and set on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown has much to offer.Wanaka to Cardrona Hotel: 27km/17mil
Wanaka to Queenstown: 78km/49mi- 16.8 miles
- Queenstown Scenic Hotel
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Day 9Queenstown