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Autumn Ride of NZ South Island, 8 days

Autumn Ride of NZ South Island, 8 days

“Experience Self-Guided with Travel Wander” on this trip brings together some of New Zealand, South Island Central Otago’s most rewarding trail sections, each selected for its scenery and easy, welcoming grading. Ride beside turquoise waters of Lake Dunstan, then follow the wide-open gravel of the historic Otago Central Rail Trail. A scenic jet-boat ride carries you through the dramatic Roxburgh Gorge, past old gold-mining relics and towering schist cliffs, before you pedal on along the Clutha Gold Trail, tracing New Zealand’s largest river through orchards and rolling farmland. The journey finishes in style on the most picturesque Queenstown Trail, winding through wine country and gold-rush history into one of New Zealand’s prettiest heritage towns. Easygoing off-trail terrain, big scenery, and warm autumn colour – this is New Zealand cycling at its most memorable.

Autumn is when Central Otago truly shines with the poplars and vineyards blaze gold and crimson against a backdrop of tussock hills and snow-capped peaks. It’s the kind of cycling that rewards you with sweeping views at every turn, at a pace that lets you enjoy them.

Cycling trails around New Zealand are generally off trail, compacted gravel surfaces, smooth crushed limestone paths, sometimes on loose gravel and nature trails. Only a small percentage of dedicated cycling trails are paved surface.

New Zealand’s Great Rides are a collection of the country’s most scenic cycling trails, purpose-built to let riders soak in unforgettable landscapes without needing technical mountain-biking skills.

This trip is designed for cyclists who may wish to have almost complete control of their ride yet with added support and assistance of having a trip facilitator to ensure everything runs seamlessly. Alternatively, simply follow the trip facilitator who will ride with the main group each day.

Duration: 8 days

DEBUT Departure Date:  29 April – 6 May 2027

You need to have a spirit for adventure, accept spontaneous change while cycling on this trip.

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Itinerary

Day 1                   Arrive Queenstown

Meet on arrival with transfers to the accommodation. The rest of time is free at leisure until it’s time for dinner.

Official check in time: 3 PM.

Meal: Dinner

Stay: 4* hotel, Queenstown

 

Day 2                   Queenstown – Cromwell – Clyde

This morning, transfer to Cromwell to begin the ride along the Lake Dunstan Trail in the Bannockburn wine region. Think of today as a warm-up ride – a chance to get comfortable with the ebike and get a first taste of New Zealand’s cycling trails.

Enjoy a lovely ride on the gently undulating Lake Dunstan Trail passing by the Cromwell Historic Precinct and heading along Bannockburn Inlet to the wine region. There are impressive views across the vineyards and olive groves.

Return to Cromwell, where transport awaits for the transfer to Clyde – our base for the next 3 days.

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: boutique accommodation, Clyde

Cycling Distance: approx. 20-30 KM

 

Day 3                   Clyde & the Otago Central Rail Trail

Transfer to Auripo. Take on the most stunning section the Otago Central Rail Trail, with Poolburn Gorge – a 37-metre high viaduct followed by two awesome tunnels and secluded gorge. Pass through the settlements of Lauder, Omakau and Chatto Creek. Enjoy famous Southern hospitality along the way.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay: boutique accommodation, Clyde

Cycling Distance: approx. 49 KM

 

Day 4                   Clyde & the Roxburgh Gorge Trail

Start pedaling from the accommodation to access one of the most stunning Great Rides in the New Zealand cycling network – the Roxburgh Gorge Trail.

Follow along the picturesque 12-KM river trail which travels alongside the mighty Clutha Mata’au River. Meandering alongside spectacular countryside, there’s a gorge to wind through and zigzags to climb in order to access “The Narrows” – an ancient rockslide where care is required to negotiate the narrower sections of trail.

At Doctors Point, jump on board the 45-minute jet boat trip (with the bikes) down the river, looking out for swathes of gold mining history. From Shingle Creek with a series of switchbacks making a fitting finale to Roxburgh Hydro Village.

Transfer back to Clyde.

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner

Stay: boutique accommodation, Clyde

Cycling Distance: approx. 32 KM

 

Day 5                Clyde & the Clutha Gold Trail

Transfer to Lake Roxburgh Hydro Village.

The cycling journey winds from Roxburgh Village to Millers Flat passing by the Roxburgh township. Pop off the trail into Roxburgh to enjoy a great coffee and legendary Jimmy’s pie before continuing on to Millers Flat. The route winds along the riverside, offering stunning views of hillside rock formations and pastoral farmland. Pass through dramatic landscapes and charming small towns along the way.

Transfer back to Clyde.

Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch

Stay: boutique accommodation, Clyde

Cycling Distance: approx. 30 KM

 

Day 6                Clyde – Gibbston – Arrowtown

Check out and transfer to Gibbston on boat and vehicle.

It’s going to be a super leisurely ride today along The Gibbston River Trail that winds above the Kawarau River and past several vineyards, with gorgeous views and plenty of opportunity for sampling local wine and delicious food – perfect for wine enthusiasts.

Start the ride with thyme-scented mountain air as you make your way over the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge, home to the world’s first commercial bungy jumping operation. The AJ Hackett Bungy Centre is a stunning piece of architecture, well worth a visit. Of course, tickets are available for that bungy jump you’ve been promising yourself. For those who prefer to join the adventure as a spectator. There’s a bungy viewing deck with many informative panels about the history of the area.

The willow-lined Arrow River and the bush lined trail opens out to stunning autumn colours view of the surrounding mountain ranges before crossing the Swain Bridge. One of the most popular photo stops is midway across the Edgar suspension bridge – rising high above the gorge below.  Across the bridge, ride past historic cottages and grazing horses down Whitechapel country lane – a landscape painting straight out of a picture book.

In the later afternoon, there’s free time to explore the town before dinner.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: boutique accommodation, Arrowtown

Cycling Distance: approx. 23 KM

 

Day 7                Arrowtown – Queenstown

A late morning transfer to Queenstown. After lunch, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore more of Queenstown.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay: 4* hotel, Queenstown

 

Day 8                Depart Queenstown

Rest and relax until it is your time for the transfer to Queenstown Airport. Official check out time is 11 AM.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ 7 nights in 4* accommodation on twin/double occupancy;

~ 7 breakfasts 5 lunches, 4 dinners;

~ non-alcoholic beverages during listed lunches and dinners;

~ provision of drinking water;

~ ebike rental, premium package*;

~ necessary luggage transfers – limited to 1 piece of luggage per person weighing a maximum. 20 KG and not exceeding 28-inch in size;

~ necessary land and boat transfers;

~ jetboat ride;

~ carefully planned and detailed route description (1 per room);

~ accidental damage e-bike insurance;

~ emergency service hotline during cycling, day 2 to day 6;

~ Travel Wander cycling jersey.

 

*premium package includes: helmet, pannier & handlebar bags, repair kit, odometer, eBike charger and bike lights.

Exclusions

~ air/land travel to Queenstown, New Zealand;

~ visa and/or NZeTA arrangement;

~ meals not listed within the itinerary;

~ comprehensive personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ anything not specified in the trip inclusion and itinerary.

Price

Twin/Double Occupancy:            SGD 4,748 per person

Single Occupancy:                         SGD 5,548 per person

< WBWG Rate Applicable >

 

Early Bird Savings!

Until 30 November 2026, save SGD 50 per person

Important Notes

~ A deposit, SGD 500 is required at the time of booking. Deposit paid is non-refundable and non-transferrable unless trip is withdrawn or cancelled by Travel Wander.

~ Travel Wander may cancel or withdraw the trip by providing notice at least 60 days before the trip start date. If you choose to withdraw from the trip before the withdrawal notice is issued, your deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ This trip requires minimum 6 cyclists to depart and the maximum group size is 10 cyclists.

~ Only book your air ticket to Auckland, New Zealand when you have been informed to do so.

~ Should you require a visa to enter New Zealand, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require.

~ Nationalities from over 60 visa waiver countries and territories require an NZeTA to enter New Zealand, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement HERE and apply for your NZeTA HERE if you require.

~ For cyclists who are travelling alone and have opted for twin-share occupancy, Travel Wander will do our utmost to pair you with another cyclist of the same gender to share the room. If this is not possible, cyclists are required to top up the difference for a single room. Should you choose not to go on this trip, the deposit paid will not be refunded.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases the local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Trip grading is an indication on the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the cyclists. Therefore, the inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due  (not limited) to bad weather, local conditions, accommodation bookout, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary, and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue the trip.

~ Because cycling requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for cyclists with chronic and/or acute diseases. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Cyclists must ensure they are medically and physically able to cycle.

~ If cyclist presents difficulty in completing the ride of the day, we strongly discourage the cyclist from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the cyclist and team in mind. At suitable location, the cyclist can fast track to the next accommodation by booking private transfer at cyclist’s own expense. There is no refund on this portion of the trip.

~ Cyclist may choose to terminate the ride early during any time of the planned cycling day or make it a rest day, and at suitable location, fast track to the next accommodation by booking private transfer at cyclist’s own expense. Should the cyclist wish to partake in other activities or sightseeing on the rest day, it will be at the cyclist’s own expense. There is no refund on this portion of the trip.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

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