Travel from one coast of the South Island to the other over an alpine pass, through pristine rainforest and along rugged untouched coastlines.

Highlights

Alpine Pass. Rainforest. Hot Springs. Rugged Beaches.

Tour Detail

This tour starts and finishes with two of the finest train journeys in the world. The cycling begins in the seaside town of Kaikoura, made famous by its fantastic whale watching. You then head inland on a scenic route through the heartland of New Zealand and up into the mountains.

Along the way you will pass two of the best thermal resorts in the country and pass underneath the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. The road is flanked much of the way by the native beech forest which makes up Lewis Pass National Reserve.

As you get further west the forests become lusher before transforming into genuine rainforests. The West Coast provides some of the most dramatic landscapes in New Zealand (a land well known for dramatic landscapes!). The roads are quieter and the people even more laid back!

The return train journey takes you through the mountains of Arthurs Pass National park before crossing the Canterbury Plains and bringing you finally back to the East Coast city of Christchurch.

Inclusions

Bike and pannier hire, helmet, computer, map, self-guided notes and route information.

Regions

New Zealand, South Island, Canterbury, Christchurch