New Zealand : West Coast Glaciers Cycle

Day 1 Queenstown-Wanaka 
Riding distance:  45-78kms/28-49 miles
Cycle out of Queenstown along the lakeside track to Frankton Arm and the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. Then cycle to Kawarau Gorge where bungy jumping was invented and visit a winery at Chard farm. Then, it’s on to Lake Dunstan and Wanaka. After a tea break, take the Fisherman’s Track along the Clutha River and back to Wanaka (L, D). 

Day 2 Wanaka-Haast 
Riding distance:  48-105kms/30-65 miles
Enjoy the quiet of the morning on a lakeside pedal along the shores of Lake Hawea. Once the road starts to climb, jump in the bus for a drive to the top of Haast Pass. Then cycle down through the ‘Gates of Haast’ to the flats of the Landsborough River for lunch. After lunch, continue cycling through the World Heritage rainforests to Haast, the headquarters for this important conservation area, for an overnight stay (B, L, D).

Day 3 Haast-Fox Glacier 
Riding distance:  49-115kms/31-71 miles
Beautiful forest and coastal landscapes dominate the first half of the day on the cycle to Bruce Bay. It is then back on the bus to Fox village for a guided walk on the nearby glacier. Optional helicopter trips are also available. If time permits, a walk around stunning Lake Matheson often rewards hikers with the most wonderful views of the Southern Alps, mirrored on its tranquil surface (B, L). 

Day 4 West Coast glaciers 
Riding distance:  25kms/15.5 miles
Walk to the base of the mighty Fox Glacier. For those who want to challenge themselves an optional guided walk will take you onto the face of the glacier as it grinds down through the rainforest. The afternoon provides another cycling challenge along the West Coast between Fox and Franz Josef Glacier (B, L). 

Day 5 Franz Josef-Hokitika 
Riding distance:  63-93 kms/39-58 miles
With some spectacular views providing the backdrop, cycle through the podocarp forests to hidden Lake Ianthe. Throughout the day cycle and explore the numerous lakes, valleys and gold mines, continuing up the coast to the rainforests of Lakes Kaniere and Mahinapua and the quiet roads and tracks that surround them (B, L, D). 

Day 6 Hokitika-Christchurch 
Riding distance:  56kms/35 miles
From Hokitika travel by bus and bike on quiet inland roads through native forests to Lake Brunner. There are stunning lakeside views and swims before more scenic quiet roads lead back the West Coast highway. Stop to enjoy a final meal as a group at the recently restored historic Jackson’s Tavern. There is the option to travel through the sweeping rural landscapes beneath the rugged mountain peaks to Arthurs Pass. Board the TranzAlpine for scenic train journey to Christchurch (B, L). 

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). 

Note on certain departures you can combine this itinerary with another cycling trip to create a longer holiday. 

OTHER CYCLING TOURS AVAILABLE
		Otago Rail Trail Cycling Travel through historic and scenic countryside on cycle trails based on disused railway lines on this 5-day cycling adventure. Ride along canals, quiet coastal roads, scenic river gorges and rolling countryside. more »

Contact our team for details of the following cycling holidays.

Glaciers & Wineries
This 13-night holiday combines the West Coast & Glaciers Cycle and the Marlborough & West Coast Cycle.  Glaciers and Wineries includes two nights accommodation in Christchurch.

Southern Explorer
The Marlborough & West Coast Cycle, the Milford Wilderness and the West Coast & Glaciers Cycle combine to create this 24-night holiday, which includes accommodation in Queenstown and Christchurch between tours. (NB - this combination can start with any of the three trips).