Winter West Coast Wilderness

Cycle the trails of early gold rush miners through NZ's wild & rugged West Coast by bike

The cycle trail weaves it's way along the Tasman coastline | Lachlan Gardiner

The next coffee stop is never far away! | Lachlan Gardiner

West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail | Lachlan Gardiner

Cycling through the West Coast wetlands in New Zealand | Lachlan Gardiner

Fueling up before heading out on the trails for the day | Lachlan Gardiner

Theatre Royal Hotel | Kumara Accommodation | Lachlan Gardiner

The cycle trail weaves it's way along the Tasman coastline | Lachlan Gardiner

The next coffee stop is never far away! | Lachlan Gardiner

West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail | Lachlan Gardiner

Cycling through the West Coast wetlands in New Zealand | Lachlan Gardiner

Theatre Royal Hotel | Kumara Accommodation | Lachlan Gardiner

introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

Activities

5 day cycle trail

Accommodation

4 nights hotel/motel

Meals

3 Dinners
4 Lunches
4 Breakfasts

5 Days$2895NZD

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View Inclusions

Trip Code: WWTC

West Coast Wilderness 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
Stay at Kumara’s historic Theatre Royal Hotel

Bike and indulge on our special winter version of our 5 day West Coast Wilderness cycle trip.

The West Coast is just as cycle-able in Winter as it is during Summer. So much so, that we haven't needed to change much of our summer itinerary! Blue sky days and mild winter temperatures aren't uncommon, with the snow covered alps providing a stunning backdrop as we cycle from Ross to Greymouth.

Regular morning tea and afternoon tea stops provide a much welcomed 'pick-me-up' with all you can drink tea and coffee and plentiful snacks.

Character-filled towns, atmospheric accommodation and friendly welcomes are all part of the package, as is the passion and local knowledge of our crew.

So why save cycling for summer? Keep going all year round and join us on this epic cycling adventure.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Christchurch to Hokitika via TranzAlpine train, West Coast Wilderness Trail Ross to Hokitika - Cycle 33km

We will meet in central Christchurch at Cathedral Junction at 7:15am. Your guide will drive to the Christchurch train station in time for the TranzAlpine Train (optional, with an upgrade available to first-class level comforts of "ScenicPlus"). Rated as one of the top train rides in the world, this is an unforgettable journey across the Southern Alps arriving at Greymouth around 1pm. For those not taking the train, we continue to drive inland across the picturesque Canterbury Plains, and across Arthur’s Pass with its towering, snow-capped peaks. Lunch is own care today which can be taken at the scenic cafe on the train or by stopping at a cafe on the drive to the West Coast. On the west side of the Southern Alps, we regroup at Greymouth and drive 1 hour to the old gold town of Ross, backed by ranges cloaked in native bush. After a starting photo in the official West Coast Wilderness picture frame, we’ll saddle up for our first ride along the trail. 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. Cycling distance: 33km Accommodation: Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika

Meals: D

Day 2
West Coast Wilderness Trail Hokitika to Lake Kaniere, Kokatahi & Hokitika Gorge - Cycle 40km

Our ride today takes us 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 it shores to reach the small township of Kokatahi where we’ll 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, we’ll drive back to Hokitika where there’ll 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. Cycling distance: 47km

Meals: B,L

Day 3
Hokitika to Kumara via West Coast Wilderness Trail Lake Kaniere to Kumara - Cycle 55km

Today we drive to the Treetop Walkway where you can see Lake Mahinapua’s rainforest and wetlands from on high. Next up is Lake Kaniere, we get back on our bikes 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 - 49km

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Kumara to Punakaiki via West Coast Wilderness Trail Kumara to Greymouth, Pororari River & Pancake Rocks - Cycle 28km / Hike 5km

Our final day on the Wilderness Trail see us riding north to Greymouth on a combination of riverside and coastal pathways. The old road and rail bridge is just one highlight as we 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 we drive the stunning coastal highway to explore Paparoa National Park. First, we’ll explore the Pororari River with its dramatic limestone gorge, then take the Truman Track through striking sub-tropical forest to reach a rugged beach. Our final walk is the leisurely stroll around Punakaiki’s Dolomite Point, famous for its Pancake Rocks and thundering blow holes. We’ll stay overnight in Punakaiki, a fitting finale for our final group dinner and reflection on our West Coast adventure. Cycling distance: 28km

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Punakaiki to Christchurch via Moana - Cycle 25km

Leaving the West Coast behind us, we’ll begin our journey back towards Christchurch. Before we cross the alps, we’ll get dropped off for one last ride along quiet roads to reach Moana on the shores of Lake Brunner. After Lunch we'll drive back via Arthur's Pass to arrive in Christchurch in the early evening. Cycling distance: 25km

Meals: B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

Tasty cafe breakfasts (x4), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x4), two course restaurant dinners (x3) catered to all dietary requirements
4 nights comfortable motel/lodge ensuite accommodation on twin share basis
Ebike or standard bike hire
1 x mulled wine or wine of choice
Tree top walkway entry
Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides on groups of 8 or more)
Transport from Christchurch (return)
Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
Rider fees paid to West Coast Wilderness Trust and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

What's not included

Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages, other than breakfast
TranzAlpine Train Journey - dependent on winter timetable, costing $239
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel Insurance

About Your Leader

Our guides are one of our biggest assets and we pride ourselves on their level of quality and high standards. Once the trip reaches 8 people, we provide you with two of our expert guides to maximise your enjoyment and overall experience. You’ll know you’re in safe hands as all of our guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics. They come from all walks of life but our guides have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you.

Accommodation

Theatre Royal Hotel

The Theatre Royal Hotel is the West Coast's only fully restored gold miners’ hotel, and once world-renowned theatre. The historic gold rush hotel features six themed ensuite accommodation rooms. Each room is unique, with its blend of Victorian decor, antique furnishings, modern amenities and West Coast charm. There is also a range of comfortable and spacious restored and replica miners cottages.

Scenic Punakaiki Hotel

This well appointed 4 star hotel is located right on the beachfront with views of the Tasman Sea, Punakaiki Beach and surrounding rainforest. It is located just a few minutes walk from the famous Pancake Rocks. The restaurant and bar have large ocean facing windows and a open fire for cooler days. Offering large ensuite studio rooms with tea and coffee making facilities, some rooms have a small kitchenette.

Beachfront Hotel

Overlooking the beach, the stunning Beachfront Hotel is located in central Hokitika, with beachcombing, shopping, artisan shops, and galleries right on the hotel’s doorstep. Each room is spacious with ensuite bathroom and has tea and coffee making facilities.

Bike information

Electric Bike - Sizes XS, S, M

Our fleet of new Sinch ebikes, made and designed in New Zealand for New Zealand trails, are perfect for cyclists looking to enjoy a little assistance on their travels. Pedalling our ebikes takes away the strain of a traditional bike, particularly on the hills. The powerful Shimano batteries provide up to 100kms of pedal assistance before requiring recharging. The bikes are very simple to operate and they provide people with varying levels of fitness or cycling experience the opportunity to really enjoy our cycling holidays. The extra small, small and medium sized bikes all have a low step frame making it very easy to get on and off, hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable braking and 80mm of air suspension travel is designed to make every ride comfortable.

Electric Bike - Sizes L & XL

Our fleet of new Sinch ebikes, made and designed in New Zealand for New Zealand trails, are perfect for cyclists looking to enjoy a little assistance on their travels. For our taller guests, large and extra large ebikes have a high cross bar, 120mm of front suspension travel and hydraulic disc brakes to ensure effective braking and a comfortable ride.

Trail Surface

Compacted Gravel

Majority of the West Coast Wilderness trail is compacted gravel with a range of wide and narrower trails (along water races). Cyclists need to be confident riding on uneven surfaces and aware that riding on this surface will reduce cycling speeds.

Boardwalk

There are sections of smooth sweeping boardwalk over wetlands.

Sealed Roads

Most of these roads are quiet back-roads. Cyclists need to be aware of the road rules and able to cope with small amounts of traffic.

Grading

introductory to moderate
2

The West Coast Wilderness Trail is graded introductory to moderate. You will be cycling on a mix of wide trails, narrow water races and boardwalk with some undulating hills. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 2 hours of cycling per week for the three months leading up to your trip. We recommend training on compacted gravel trails, and completing a multi-day ride prior to your trip to get used to being in the saddle for long periods of time. The more training you have done on hills and on compacted gravel, the more enjoyable your trip will be.

Departure dates

Notes

Holiday Season

Option

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$2895NZD

Options & Supplements*

TranzAlpine Train (Christchurch to Greymouth)NZD$249
ScenicPlus (First Class) TranzAlpine Train (Christchurch to Greymouth)NZD$499
Single Supplement - Limited to 2 per departureNZD$595

*Prices listed are per person

Essential information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Winter West Coast Wilderness trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.