Premium West Coast Wilderness and Kawatiri Cycle

Your adventure kicks off with the spectacular TranzAlpine train journey across the Southern Alps (optional, with an upgrade available to first-class level comforts of "ScenicPlus"). We begin early in Christchurch, heading to the railway station for this world-class ride. Alternatively, you can opt for a scenic road transfer in our modern, comfortable vehicles. Upon crossing the Southern Alps, we arrive at the historic gold mining town of Ross, nestled against ranges covered in lush native bush. After a group photo at the official West Coast Wilderness picture frame, we’ll gear up for our first ride along the trail. Leaving Ross, we cross the historic Totara River railway bridge, built in 1908, and follow an old tramway through native bush, wetlands, and former mill sites before reaching the picturesque Lake Mahinapua. Our welcoming hosts will greet us at our first night’s accommodation, where we’ll embark on a sunset cruise. Take in the serene beauty of the Mahinapua waterways with stunning views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps in the background. The day will end with a delicious evening meal prepared by our hosts. Cycling distance: 28km/18 miles Accommodation : Lake Mahinapua Waterway Accommodation

Meals:  D

After breakfast we head towards Hokitika and then ride 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. We’ll follow its shores to reach the small township of Kokatahi where we’ll stop for a picnic lunch. Hokitika Gorge is up next. A short walkway crossing 2 impressive swing bridges offers a chance to see its granite boulders and swirling, surreal turquoise waters from many angles. From there, we’ll drive back to Hokitika, a quirky little town known for its arts and crafts, pounamu (greenstone) and glassware. There will be time to explore the small town and take a walk along the dramatic wild beach with its driftwood sculptures and incredible sunsets. Cycling distance: 44km/27 miles Accommodation : Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika

Meals:  B,L,D

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 - 50km/31miles Accommodation : Theatre Royal Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

Our final day on the West Coast Wilderness Trail see us riding on the old tramway out of Kumara and then north to Greymouth on a combination of riverside and coastal pathways. The views of the Southern Alps back down the coast can be impressive on a clear day. 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 we drive the stunning coastal highway to explore Paparoa National Park. First, we’ll explore the Pororari River with its dramatic limestone gorge, with a 3.5km walk up to a suspension bridge, returning the same way. Then we take a leisurely stroll around Punakaiki’s Dolomite Point, famous for its Pancake Rocks and thundering blow holes. Cycling distance: 28km/17 miles Accommodation : Scenic Punakaiki Hotel, PunakaikiWest Coast

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we head north out of Punakaiki following the trail to the Truman Track, where a short walk takes us through striking sub-tropical forest to reach a rugged beach. We then drive along the quiet coastal road with vantage points high above the sandy beaches and wild sea and we wind our way inland to the sleepy west coast township of Charleston. Here we join an excursion to experience spectacular calcite formations, water-sculpted canyons and one of the world's best glowworm displays. It starts by taking a rainforest train through the Nile River Canyon and then guided by the light of head torches, a walk deep into the cave system. You can explore the vast Te Ananui caves and be awed by the magical array of glowworm galaxies! To join this tour you must be sure footed, be able to walk comfortably for 2 hours and be able to climb 135 steps. Back out in daylight, we drive to the famous surfing beach at Tauranga Bay for our last walk of the day along the panoramic Cape Foulwind walkway. The easy track takes us high above rocky coastal bluffs to a fur seal breeding colony and along to the Cape Foulwind lighthouse. Our final night is spent out on the Cape, with wonderful ocean views and dramatic sunsets, a fitting finale with our final group dinner and reflection on our West Coast adventure. Walking distance: approx 5km/3miles Accommodation : Omau Settlers Lodge, Cape Foulwind

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we will set away to test drive the new Kawatiri Cycle Trail from Tauranga Bay to Westport. Some sections are yet to be completed, but follow quiet roads and we get to sample the breathtaking route meandering alongside the crashing sea, through native forest and wetland, over suspension bridges and boardwalks. From Tauranga Bay the trail climbs gently for 3km to the lighthouse and then meets the road to continue downhill to Carters Beach, the final 5.5km section takes us off-road again to the Buller River and onto the centre of Westport. Here we grab a coffee before we leave the West Coast behind and begin our journey back to Christchurch. Firstly we follow the mighty Buller (Kawatiri) River twisting inland through the bush clad Buller Gorge to Reefton. We have time for lunch and to explore this small gold mining town, famous for having the first electrical lighting in the Southern Hemisphere. More recently it's been known for Reefton Distilling Company, producers of some of New Zealand's most awarded gin, and here we enjoy a tour and tasting. Onwards we cross over the Southern Alps via the Lewis Pass and enjoy the scenic mountainous drive back to arrive in Christchurch in the early evening. Cycling distance: 20km

Meals:  B