Aoraki/Mount Cook & Southern Lakes Gravel

Welcome to Otautahi Christchurch. Today we find our cycle legs with a warm up ride along the stunning Port Hills overlooking Banks Peninsula. We will follow the paved Summit Road, around the crater rim of an extinct volcano with panoramic views towards the city, the snowy Southern Alps and into the vivid blue Lyttelton Harbour. We will ride out to Godley Head where the relics of the WW2 defense battery overlook the Pacific Ocean before heading towards the port town of Lyttelton. Our ride then follows the coastline, with plenty of short cheeky climbs and some fun descents between bays. On reaching Governor's Bay, we will load up the bikes at the jetty and hop in the van to drive to Christchurch and our hotel, arriving in the late afternoon. There will be time to explore the central city before meeting for our first group dinner in the evening. Cycling Stats: up to 52km, +857m (100% Paved) Accommodation: Pavilions Hotel, Christchurch

Meals:  L,D

After breakfast, we load up our gear and drive to the small settlement of Cave on the edge of the Canterbury Plains with a coffee stop at Pleasant Point. This area, New Zealand’s only “flat” land, is wide open country with braided rivers teeming with trout and salmon. The Canterbury Plains are also rich in sheep and dairy farming and today’s ride finds us traveling through a pastoral landscape. Today our ride takes us up the Little Opawa River Valley and over the Waratah Saddle, winding through rolling farmland. We then head towards the tussock covered hills and over the Mackenzie Saddle (785m/2575ft) which cuts through the ranges and gives us our first views of the vast arid Mackenzie Country, where rivers flow through sweeping tussock plains with a backdrop of the snowy alps. We head northwards to meet the main highway at Dog Kennel Corner, a memorial to the importance of sheep dogs, prior to formal fencing of farmland. Here we load up to drive the final 15km along the main road to Tekapo. In early summer this road is lined with lupins creating an incredible splash of colour to the arid landscape. Upon arrival in Lake Tekapo, we take in views of the amazing turquoise water and the Southern Alps from the Church of the Good Shepherd. Dinner at your leisure tonight Cycling Stats: 66km, +1,293m, (76% Gravel)

Meals:  B,L

Today we join one of New Zealand's Great Rides, the Alps to Ocean cycle trail, starting from Lake Tekapo and following alongside vivid hydro canals to reach a high terrace overlooking Lake Pukaki and the surrounding mountains. The trail then dips down to meet the lakeshore, offering incredible views of Aoraki/Mt Cook. We join an easy flowing trail as we round the bottom of the lake before before crossing the wide-open Pukaki Flats to reach the hydro town of Twizel where our ride ends. After lunch, we load up the bikes and drive into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park where you will be awed by NZ’s highest peaks. Once we arrive in Mount Cook township, there will be an opportunity to take a walk to see amazing panoramic views. Choose between a climb to the Red Tarns or a shorter walk to Kea Point. You can also visit the Edmund Hilary Museum or the interesting Department of Conservation visitor information centre. Be sure to admire the setting sun on the Southern Alps and take in the vast starry skies after dark. Cycling Stats: 57km, +305m (27% Paved, 73% Gravel)

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, we begin with a walk up the renowned Hooker Valley. Following an easy path and crossing impressive swing bridges, we'll hike beneath towering summits, including the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook, until we reach a serene glacial lake. Here, we'll pause for refreshments amidst the awe-inspiring scenery. After retracing our steps, we'll return to the van and transfer to the southern end of Lake Pukaki to continue our journey by bike. This afternoon's ride takes us alongside vivid blue canals towards the beautiful Lake Ohau. Following a fun cycle trail, we'll speed around the lake shore to our lodge accommodation for the night. Relax on the deck with a glass of wine and take in the stunning lake and alpine views. Hiking Distance: 10km (mostly flat) Cycling Stats: 41km, +245m (58% Paved, 42% Gravel)

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we head away from the Alps and cycle towards the Pacific Ocean, beginning near the Benmore Dam. Our route takes us along a quiet back road around the picturesque Lake Aviemore, part of the impressive Waitaki Hydro Electric scheme, crossing the dams at either end of the lake. We will rejoin the Alps to Ocean trail through Kurow, where we'll load up and transfer through to the unique formations at Elephant Rocks. Back on the bikes we'll continue on a mix of trail and gravel roads through to the historic Victorian town of Oamaru. Oamaru boasts some of New Zealand's oldest and most beautifully restored buildings, along with a thriving art scene. You can explore the creative Steampunk Museum, visit the Penguin colony (best seen at dusk), and enjoy fresh seafood for dinner. Cycling Stats: Morning ride : 44.3km, +356m (59% Paved, 41% Gravel) Afternoon ride : 46.1km, +464m, (25% Paved 75% Gravel)

Meals:  B,L

Today's ride takes us into the heart of Central Otago, starting with a climb over Macrae's Pass, which rewards us with sweeping views of the Taieri Plains. Departing from the rural town of Palmerston, we travel through farming country to reach New Zealand’s largest operational gold mine and the historic settlement of Macraes, established in the 1850s. We'll pause for lunch at the historic Stanley's Hotel before a fast descent leads us to Hyde, where we join the iconic Central Otago Rail Trail. The smooth, flat gravel trail allows us to make quick progress into Ranfurly, passing interesting railway relics, riding through gorges, and crossing old viaducts. Dinner tonight at a typical rural Kiwi pub! Cycling Stats: 91km, +1374m (46% Paved, 54% Gravel)

Meals:  B,L,D

Our final day celebrates classic gravel riding as we continue riding along the Central Otago Rail Trail. This easy trail takes us through wide open landscapes, allowing us to discover the pioneering history of the region. As we ride over numerous viaducts, railway tunnels, and hand-dug cuttings, we admire the craftsmanship of the early settlers. Reaching the highest point of the trail, we cycle through the scenic Ida Valley and the Pooleburn Gorge, to arrive at the historic village of Ophir. The ride concludes in Alexandra, where we can toast our week's cycling achievements at a local cafe before driving to Queenstown. In Queenstown, we'll say our farewells and drop you off in the downtown area. With its spectacular scenery and multitude of adventurous activities, it is worth staying an extra day or two in this vibrant town. Cycling Stats: 84km, +485m (100% Gravel)

Meals:  B,L