Winter West Coast Wilderness NZ Ride, 5 days

Bike and indulge on this West Coast Wilderness of New Zealand cycle trip. The West Coast is just as cycle-able in Winter as it is during Summer. Blue sky days and mild winter temperatures are common, with the snow covered alps providing a stunning backdrop as you cycle from Ross to Greymouth. Majority of the route is on compacted gravel with a range of wide and narrow trails, sealed roads and some boardwalks over wetlands.

Duration: 5 days

Itinerary

Trip Highlights

~ Explore rugged natural wilderness as you cycle the West Coast Wilderness Trail;

~ Relax in the comfort of cosy accommodation;

~ Experience the West Coast Treetop Walk;

~ Enjoy hearty meals in Hokitika and the Theatre Royal;

~ Encounter unique, beautiful birdlife;

~ Walk the Pororari River & Truman Track – two West Coast must-do’s;

~ See Punakaiki’s incredible pancake rocks.

Day 1 Christchurch – Hokitika

Your winter adventure begins with the drive inland across the picturesque Canterbury Plains, and across Arthur’s Pass with its towering, snow-capped peaks. On the west side of the Southern Alps, reach the old gold town of Ross, backed by ranges cloaked in native bush.

After a late lunch, saddle up for your first ride on the West Coast Wilderness Trail. A stretch of rail trail leads to Treetop Walkway where you can see Lake Mahinapua’s rainforest and wetlands from on high. Continue cruising through to Hokitika, a loveable little town fronted by a dramatic beach and famous for pounamu (greenstone) and other arts & crafts. And sunsets. Two nights here won’t feel like enough.

Meal: Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Motel/Lodge

Cycling Distance: 32 KM

Day 2 Hokitika – Lake Kaniere

Your ride today takes you inland through rural country to reach the bush-lined Kaniere water race – always a favourite for its flowing riding and babbling waters. Nestled in the forested foothills, Lake Kaniere is a grand sight indeed. Follow its shores to reach the small township of Kokatahi where you will stop for a picnic lunch.

Hokitika Gorge is up next. A short walkway offers a chance to see its granite boulders and swirling, surreal turquoise waters from many angles. From there, drive back to Hokitika where there will be time to explore the town some more and hopefully enjoy another West Coast sunset. Enjoy dinner of your choice in one of the town’s many restaurants and pubs.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay: Motel/Lodge

Cycling Distance: 40 KM

Day 3 Lake Kaniere – Kumara

Today drive back to Lake Kaniere and continue your ride through the amazing bush trails of this cycleway. Firstly on rural roads and then the dedicated trail that takes youto 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 you follow water races, bush tracks and reservoir roads taking in the spectacular views while gradually descend to your overnight at Kumara and the beautiful historic hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Motel/Lodge

Cycling Distance: 55 KM

Day 4 Kumara – Punakaiki

Our final day on the Wilderness Trail see you riding north to Greymouth on a combination of riverside and coastal pathways. The old road and rail bridge is just one highlight as you head towards the town centre. After a café lunch, there’s time for a stroll around the town or an optional visit to the historic Monteith’s Brewery. In the afternoon, drive on the stunning coastal highway to explore Paparoa National Park.

First, explore the Pororari River with its dramatic limestone gorge, then take the Truman Track through striking sub-tropical forest to reach a rugged beach. Your final walk is the leisurely stroll around Punakaiki’s Dolomite Point, famous for its Pancake Rocks and thundering blow holes.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Motel/Lodge

Cycling Distance: 30 KM

Day 5 Punakaiki – Christchurch

Leaving the West Coast behind, begin your journey back towards Christchurch. Before crossing the alps, embark on one last ride along quiet roads to reach Moana on the shores of Lake Brunner. There will be time for lunch and a warm drink before the return journey.

If the winter TranzAlpine train schedules allows, there will be the option to take the spectacular train journey across the Southern Alps and across the Canterbury Plains back to Christchurch. If the train is not running, you will be driven back via Arthur’s Pass to arrive in Christchurch in the early evening.

Note: Please let us know at the time of booking whether you wish to reserve a seat on the TranzAlpine train, if running.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: nil

Cycling Distance: 25 KM

Inclusions

~ return transport from Christchurch;

~ 4 nights comfortable motel/lodge ensuite accommodation;

~ 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners;

~ E-bike or standard bike hire;

~ 1 x mulled wine or wine of choice;

~ tree top walkway entry;

~ tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats during ride;

~ full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage;

~ experienced cycling leads;

~ Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation.

Exclusions

~ air travel to New Zealand;

~ arrival and departure airport transfers;

~ meals not mentioned in the itinerary;

~ personal expenses;

~ comprehensive travel insurance;

~ anything not mentioned in the itinerary and inclusion.

Important Notes

~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of total tour price is required at the time of booking. Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ This trip requires minimum 4 cyclists to go and takes up to maximum 14 cyclists per departure.

~ Should you require a visa or NZeTA to enter New Zealand, it is your responsibility to obtain such a document before departure.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the cyclists. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, 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 with the trip.

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

~ 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.

~ All cyclists are strongly encouraged to be appropriately dressed in the right footwear (covered shoes), cycling helmet and attire suitable for cycling.

~ 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 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.

~ A mixture of comfortable accommodation will be provided. They can be motels, lodges, cottages, Bed & Breakfast.

~ There is no refund for uncompleted cycling distances or missed inclusions.

~ 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.

Activity	Cycling
Country	New Zealand
Cycling Grade	Grade 2+ – Beginner Plus
Season	06 – June, 07 – July, 08 – August

Winter West Coast Wilderness NZ Ride, 5 days