trip
NEW Trip – Ladakh Mountain Biking AdventureView Trip Details

4 Days$USD

Activities
  • 4 days cycling
Accommodation
  • 3 nights hotel/motel
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 3 Breakfasts
2
Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

Trip highlights


  • Ride the Queenstown Trails around Lake Wakatipu to Kelvin Heights
  • Ride the new Lake to Lake trail from Lake Manapouri to Lake Te Anau
  • Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring Te Anau
  • Cycle through the alpine landscapes of the remote Von Valley
  • Discover the pristine Mavora Lakes
  • Cruise on the iconic TSS Earnslaw steamship across Lake Wakatipu

Experience true Southern hospitality as you explore secluded alpine valleys and remote lakes on our fully supported, 4 day, Around the Mountains Cycle Trail Tour.

From Queenstown, we cycle alongside Lake Wakatipu before heading to Kingston to start the trail. A ride through the rural Mataura valley takes us through the small township of Lumsden before continuing through Southland farmland and along the Oreti river.

The supported nature of this tour makes for an easy visit to Lake Manapouri to ride the breathtaking Lake to Lake trail. From Te Anau, we head back to the Around the Mountains trail to explore the magnificent Mavora Lakes and secluded Von Valley.

We reach the end of our ride at Walter Peak Station, before cruising back to Queenstown on the iconic TSS Earnslaw steam ship.

Trip Code: ATM

We will meet our guides in central Queenstown at 8:00am for a tour briefing and a bike fitting. Our warm up ride takes us along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, following the Queenstown Trail to the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge, where Lake Wakatipu flows into the Kawarau River. We continue past impressive lakeside mansions and numerous jetties and beaches until reaching the Sculpture Trail at Kelvin Heights. Be sure to watch out for the Wakatipu Kuikui, a figure with wild hair blowing in the wind and magnificent views out over the lake. We then transfer the short distance to the historic railway town of Kingston where we start the Around The Mountains Cycle Trail. Weaving our way through the pretty rural Mataura valley, surrounded by the Hector and Eyre mountains towards Garston and Athol, we cross a number of suspension bridges called the Golden Gate bridges. Our ride ends at Five Rivers where there is a cafe and gallery for us to visit before we drive to Lumsden and our accommodation in the historic Royal Mail Hotel for the night. We meet in the evening again for our first group dinner. Cycling Distance: Queenstown Trail to Kelvin Heights - 16km Kingston to Five Rivers - 48km

Meals:  L,D

This morning we transfer back to Five Rivers to continue the Around the Mountains Trail. We pass through rich farm lands by the banks of the Oreti River, to complete the section to Lumsden and then carry on along a mix of old railway line and well-graded track, threaded between the highway and farmland to Mossburn. Mossburn is known as the deer capital of New Zealand and a lunch stop at Bracken-Hall allows us to sample the region's famous venison pies and 'Southland sushi'. This afternoon we continue to follow the Oreti River on purpose built trail, with views towards the imposing Fiordland mountains. At Centre Hill the trail meets a busy gravel road and here we have the option to load up the bikes and return to Mossburn or for those wanting a longer ride, we can return the same way back along the trail. We meet again in the early evening for our well earned dinner. Cycling Distance: Five Rivers to Mossburn - 35km Mossburn to Centre Hill - 23km

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we drive to Manapouri where we are dwarfed by the mountains looming all around us and there is no question that we are on the edge of the wonderfully remote Fiordland National Park. Todays ride takes us along the new Lake to Lake Trail connecting Lake Manapouri with Lake Te Anau, following the glistening Waiau River. On arrival in Te Anau we have lunch and then are free to walk a section of the Kepler track to Rainbow Reach, wander along the shores of Lake Te Anau or visit the bird sanctuary where Takahe and Kaka can be seen. There is an option to join an excursion to see the glow worm caves by boat. Your guides can help with suggestions and make any bookings. In the early evening we head to Fiordland Cinema to see "Ata Whenua" (Shadowland) a beautiful short movie showcasing Fiordland landscapes from the air before our final evening meal together. Cycling Distance: Lake to Lake Trail - 20km

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we leave Te Anau and after a short drive we cycle from the hidden Mavora Lakes, a site of scenes from Lord of the Rings. We ride by the lakes and through the beech forest before continuing on to the colourful Von Valley. There is a real sense of isolation and the huge mountain and tussock landscape is vast. We farewell our supporting coach as we cycle downhill to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and Mount Nicholas station. Here we are greeted with stunning views of alpine peaks and snow covered Mount Earnslaw at the head of the lake. We then follow the lakeside trail to Walter Peak Station where we board the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamer and cross Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown. A celebratory drink and platters at a local restaurant brings an end to our journey. It's time to say a sad farewell as we drop you off in the central city. Cycling Distance: Mavora Valley to Walter Peak Station - 55km

Meals:  B,L


Inclusions

  • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x3), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x4), two course restaurant dinners (x3) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 3 nights comfortable hotel/motel on a twin or double share basis
  • 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)
  • Entry to Ata Whenua movie at Fiordland Cinema
  • Journey across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw Steam ship
  • Celebratory end of ride refreshments
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • Transport from Queenstown (return)
  • Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

  • Bike hire (including helmet)
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • All beverages, other than with breakfast
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Optional activities from Te Anau (entry to bird sanctuary, glow worm tour etc)
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel Insurance

About Your Leader

Our guides are one of our biggest assets. We pride ourselves on the standard and quality of these great people who you will be spending your holiday with. They come from all walks of life but they all have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, heaps of fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you. We provide you with the services of two guides for many of our trips, (this may depend on the size of the group). All are certified in first aid and CPR and many are trained bike mechanics. To check out more about our guides see our ‘About us’ page on our website (www.advsouth.com).


Accommodation


Bike information


Trail Surface


Departure dates


Notes

HS
Holiday Season

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Bike RentalUSD$80
  • Single Supplement - Limited to 2 per departureUSD$240
  • Ebike RentalUSD$280
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Around the Mountains Cycle Trail 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.


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Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

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Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

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 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

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