West Coast Wilderness Trail - (5 days) Guided
Prices From: NZD$1895
Bike Rental: NZD$170
E-Bike Rental: NZD$400
Single Supplement: NZD$495
2019: Aug 19th / Sep 16th / Oct 27th / Nov 24th / Dec 01st / Dec 27th
2020: Jan 05th / Jan 26th / Feb 02nd / Feb 23rd / Mar 01st / Apr 06th / Apr 20th
Wedged between the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea is one of the South Island's most diverse, rugged and beautiful Cycle Trails. Snaking through the dense rainforests, glacial rivers, lakes and wetlands is the West Coast Wilderness Trail - a graded cycle trail formed from a series of tracks originally carved by pioneering gold miners. The track also follows extensive water races, logging tramways and historic railway lines.
This 140km trail opens up some of the West Coast’s wildest and most spectacular natural settings, and our supported trip will find the highlights as well as visit some nearby must-see attractions. From Christchurch we cross the Southern Alps via Arthurs Pass to start cycling the trail at Ross.
We experience a treetop canopy walk before continuing along the coast to Hokitika and then inland to the serene setting of Lake Kaniere and the spectacular Hokitika Gorge nestled in the Southern Alps. After negotiating some swing bridges and switchback climbs it's all downhill to our accommodation at the beautifully restored historical Theatre Royal Hotel in Kumara. We enjoy a final night at Punakaiki known for its interesting Pancake Rocks before returning to Christchurch, aboard the TranzAlpine Express, one of New Zealand's great train rides.
Bike Rental: NZD$170
E-Bike Rental: NZD$400
Single Supplement: NZD$495
2019: Aug 19th / Sep 16th / Oct 27th / Nov 24th / Dec 01st / Dec 27th
2020: Jan 05th / Jan 26th / Feb 02nd / Feb 23rd / Mar 01st / Apr 06th / Apr 20th
Wedged between the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea is one of the South Island's most diverse, rugged and beautiful Cycle Trails. Snaking through the dense rainforests, glacial rivers, lakes and wetlands is the West Coast Wilderness Trail - a graded cycle trail formed from a series of tracks originally carved by pioneering gold miners. The track also follows extensive water races, logging tramways and historic railway lines.
This 140km trail opens up some of the West Coast’s wildest and most spectacular natural settings, and our supported trip will find the highlights as well as visit some nearby must-see attractions. From Christchurch we cross the Southern Alps via Arthurs Pass to start cycling the trail at Ross.
We experience a treetop canopy walk before continuing along the coast to Hokitika and then inland to the serene setting of Lake Kaniere and the spectacular Hokitika Gorge nestled in the Southern Alps. After negotiating some swing bridges and switchback climbs it's all downhill to our accommodation at the beautifully restored historical Theatre Royal Hotel in Kumara. We enjoy a final night at Punakaiki known for its interesting Pancake Rocks before returning to Christchurch, aboard the TranzAlpine Express, one of New Zealand's great train rides.
Day 1: Christchurch to Hokitika:
From your central Christchurch accommodation we collect you for a bike fitting and briefing at our depot. We then start our drive (approx. 4hrs) across the spectacular Southern Alps via Arthurs Pass, dropping down to the beautiful bush-covered coastal region on the other side, and on to the coastal gold mining town of Ross, where we enjoy a late lunch at a local cafe before starting our first ride on the West Coast Wilderness trail. We follow the cycleway north to Hokitika, with a stop at the tree top walkway, to experience a unique treetop adventure walking on custom built platforms among temperate rainforest giants.
The Southern Alps provide an awesome backdrop for our approach to Hokitika, a quiet coastal town known for the crafting of Pounamu (greenstone) from the West Coast. We stay here for the next two nights.
Cycle Distance: Ross to Hokitika - 33km / 22 miles
Meals: L,D
From your central Christchurch accommodation we collect you for a bike fitting and briefing at our depot. We then start our drive (approx. 4hrs) across the spectacular Southern Alps via Arthurs Pass, dropping down to the beautiful bush-covered coastal region on the other side, and on to the coastal gold mining town of Ross, where we enjoy a late lunch at a local cafe before starting our first ride on the West Coast Wilderness trail. We follow the cycleway north to Hokitika, with a stop at the tree top walkway, to experience a unique treetop adventure walking on custom built platforms among temperate rainforest giants.
The Southern Alps provide an awesome backdrop for our approach to Hokitika, a quiet coastal town known for the crafting of Pounamu (greenstone) from the West Coast. We stay here for the next two nights.
Cycle Distance: Ross to Hokitika - 33km / 22 miles
Meals: L,D
Day 2: Lake Kaniere & Hokitika Gorge:
Nestled against the alps lies the beautiful Lake Kaniere and today we explore the rural roads that circumnavigate it. Our ride take us through small townships and farms before descending into the Hokitika gorge. Here we enjoy a picnic lunch by the vivid turquoise water of the Hokitika river in a magnificent granite gorge surrounded by lush native bush. In the afternoon we will enjoy a short walk across a swing bridge and further into the gorge to fully appreciate this magical spot. From here we load up and drive back into Hokitika for a second night.
There will be time to explore the town and later for a walk on the beach to admire a stunning West Coast sunset (if conditions are right). You will be free to make your own dinner arrangements.
Cycle Distance: Lake Kaniere to Hokitika Gorge - 40 kms / 24 miles
Meals: B,L
Nestled against the alps lies the beautiful Lake Kaniere and today we explore the rural roads that circumnavigate it. Our ride take us through small townships and farms before descending into the Hokitika gorge. Here we enjoy a picnic lunch by the vivid turquoise water of the Hokitika river in a magnificent granite gorge surrounded by lush native bush. In the afternoon we will enjoy a short walk across a swing bridge and further into the gorge to fully appreciate this magical spot. From here we load up and drive back into Hokitika for a second night.
There will be time to explore the town and later for a walk on the beach to admire a stunning West Coast sunset (if conditions are right). You will be free to make your own dinner arrangements.
Cycle Distance: Lake Kaniere to Hokitika Gorge - 40 kms / 24 miles
Meals: B,L
Day 3: Cycle to Kumara - Overnight Historic Hotel:
Today we drive back to Lake Kaniere and continue our ride
through the amazing bush trails of this cycleway. Firstly on rural roads and then the dedicated trail that takes us to the coffee stop at Milltown, home of saw-milling in earlier times. The trail crosses a swing bridge and then a kilometre of switchback climbing takes us to the highpoint and more superb riding. From here it's mainly downhill, as we follow water races, bush tracks and reservoir roads taking in the spectacular views as we gradually descend to our overnight at Kumara and the beautiful historic hotel that is our accommodation.
Cycle Distance: Lake Kaniere to Kumara - 55 kms / 34 miles
Meals: B,L,
Today we drive back to Lake Kaniere and continue our ride
through the amazing bush trails of this cycleway. Firstly on rural roads and then the dedicated trail that takes us to the coffee stop at Milltown, home of saw-milling in earlier times. The trail crosses a swing bridge and then a kilometre of switchback climbing takes us to the highpoint and more superb riding. From here it's mainly downhill, as we follow water races, bush tracks and reservoir roads taking in the spectacular views as we gradually descend to our overnight at Kumara and the beautiful historic hotel that is our accommodation.
Cycle Distance: Lake Kaniere to Kumara - 55 kms / 34 miles
Meals: B,L,
Day 4: Kumara to Punakaiki:
This morning we get back on the bikes for a final ride on the Wilderness trail into Greymouth. The cycle trail takes us alongside a beautiful river before crossing a unique road and rail bridge. From here it is a coastal ride into Greymouth where we enjoy lunch at a local cafe followed by an optional visit to the local Monteith's Brewery for a tour and tasting (own expense), or if you prefer you can use this time to explore Greymouth.
In the afternoon we drive the stunning coastal route from Greymouth to Punakaiki, where we enjoy a series of short walks that give us a full appreciation of the natural beauty in this area. First is the Pororari River trail (1-2 hours), this track passes through the Pororari River Gorge – a valley lined on both sides by dramatic limestone cliffs and bluffs towering over the gorge and river. We then take the Truman track (30 mins) through beautiful sub-tropical rainforest of Nikau palms and Rimu before emerging on the rugged and remote Truman Beach.
Our final walk of the day takes us to the iconic Pancake Rocks (30 mins) that Punakaiki is famous for. The fascinating limestone formations began to form 30 million years ago and when conditions are right, heavy ocean swells thunder into the caverns beneath the rocks and huge water spouts blast skywards through the blowholes. We spend our last night in Punakaiki, a fitting spot to enjoy a final group dinner and reflect on our West Coast adventures.
Cycle Distance: Kumara to Greymouth - 30kms / 19 miles
Meals: B,L,D
This morning we get back on the bikes for a final ride on the Wilderness trail into Greymouth. The cycle trail takes us alongside a beautiful river before crossing a unique road and rail bridge. From here it is a coastal ride into Greymouth where we enjoy lunch at a local cafe followed by an optional visit to the local Monteith's Brewery for a tour and tasting (own expense), or if you prefer you can use this time to explore Greymouth.
In the afternoon we drive the stunning coastal route from Greymouth to Punakaiki, where we enjoy a series of short walks that give us a full appreciation of the natural beauty in this area. First is the Pororari River trail (1-2 hours), this track passes through the Pororari River Gorge – a valley lined on both sides by dramatic limestone cliffs and bluffs towering over the gorge and river. We then take the Truman track (30 mins) through beautiful sub-tropical rainforest of Nikau palms and Rimu before emerging on the rugged and remote Truman Beach.
Our final walk of the day takes us to the iconic Pancake Rocks (30 mins) that Punakaiki is famous for. The fascinating limestone formations began to form 30 million years ago and when conditions are right, heavy ocean swells thunder into the caverns beneath the rocks and huge water spouts blast skywards through the blowholes. We spend our last night in Punakaiki, a fitting spot to enjoy a final group dinner and reflect on our West Coast adventures.
Cycle Distance: Kumara to Greymouth - 30kms / 19 miles
Meals: B,L,D
Day 5: Punakaiki to Christchurch:
Waking up beside the wild Tasman Sea for the last time, we start our journey East and back towards Christchurch, but not before one more stunning West Coast ride. We transfer by bus and bike on quiet inland roads through native forests to Lake Brunner. We lunch at a local cafe in the township of Moana, with stunning lakeside views and an option for the hardy to swim. Here we board the famous TranzAlpine Express, rated as one of the top 10 train rides in the world, which takes us on a spectacular journey across the Southern Alps back to Christchurch.
On arrival we will drop you off at your central Christchurch accommodation, where trip arrangements conclude.
Cycle Distance: Stillwater to Moana - 25kms / 15 miles
Meals: B
Trip Grading:
To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the terrain, the altitude, the number of pass crossings and the length of the trip. The West Coast Cycle Trail is graded introductory-moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. The main factor for this is that the cycling is on hard packed gravel - if you can get in some cycling on gravel before your tour it will make the experience a lot more fun.
Highlights:
Waking up beside the wild Tasman Sea for the last time, we start our journey East and back towards Christchurch, but not before one more stunning West Coast ride. We transfer by bus and bike on quiet inland roads through native forests to Lake Brunner. We lunch at a local cafe in the township of Moana, with stunning lakeside views and an option for the hardy to swim. Here we board the famous TranzAlpine Express, rated as one of the top 10 train rides in the world, which takes us on a spectacular journey across the Southern Alps back to Christchurch.
On arrival we will drop you off at your central Christchurch accommodation, where trip arrangements conclude.
Cycle Distance: Stillwater to Moana - 25kms / 15 miles
Meals: B
Trip Grading:
To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the terrain, the altitude, the number of pass crossings and the length of the trip. The West Coast Cycle Trail is graded introductory-moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. The main factor for this is that the cycling is on hard packed gravel - if you can get in some cycling on gravel before your tour it will make the experience a lot more fun.
Highlights:
- Take in the rugged coastlines, pristine lakes and alpine landscapes of the West Coast
- Admire NZ's native birds and forest from a Treetop Walkway
- Walk the unmissable trails of the Pororari River and Truman Track
- Spend a night in a charming historic hotel
- Explore the ancient Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki
- Travel on the TranzAlpine Express, one of the top 10 train journeys in the world