Sailing on Doubtful Sound | Miles Holden

Cycling in Fiordland | Peter N

Cycling Around the Mountains with friends | Great South

Cyclists riding along the Clutha Gold Trail | Geoff Marks

Sailing on Doubtful Sound | Miles Holden

Around the Mountains Cycle Trail | Rossco Daubney

Cycling on the Around the Mountains Trail, between Mavora Lakes and Walter Peaks Station in the Vonn Valley | Izzi Barton

Cycling Around the Mountains with friends | Great South

Adventure South bikes lined up in vertical racking aboard the Real NZ ferry from Walter Peak Station to Queenstown at the end of the Around the Mountains cycle trail. | Izzi Barton

Spend an incredible overnight on a luxury yacht on the Doubtful Sound | Real Journeys

Cycling the Around the Mountains Trail in the Vonn Valley | Izzi Barton

Making new friends with the most populous locals in Aotearoa New Zealand: Sheep! On the road to Mavora Lakes. | Izzi Barton

Around the Mountains & Doubtful Sound Overnight

Name: Around the Mountains & Doubtful Sound Overnight
Brand: Adventure South
SKU: ATMD
Rating: 4.85 (33 reviews)

Combine the Around the Mountains cycle trail with a magical overnight expedition cruise at Doubtful Sound

New Zealand

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33 reviews

5 Days from

$3140 USD

Trip Code: ATMD

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Bike Rental

$100 USD

Single Supplement (excluding night on Doubtful Sound)

$260 USD

Sinch Ebike Rental

$350 USD

Merida Full Suspension eBike Rental

$520 USD

Doubtful Sound Single Supplement

$620 USD

Duration

5 Days

Activities

4 days cycling
1 day cruise on Doubtful Sound

Accommodation

3 nights hotel/motel
1 night cabin on luxury yacht

Meals

4 Dinners
5 Lunches
4 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

2 / 5

Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint

99kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(397kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Enjoy the Around the Mountains trail through small settlements and lush farmland
Overnight on a luxury yacht on the majestic Doubtful Sound
Experience the "sounds of silence" of Doubtful Sound
Ride the new Lake to Lake trail from Lake Manapouri to Lake Te Anau
Cycle through the alpine landscapes of the remote Von Valley
Discover the pristine Mavora Lakes
Unique barge transport across Lake Wakatipu

Overview

This tour combines the best of the Around the Mountains Trail with an overnight cruise on the majestic Doubtful Sound in the heart of Fiordland. Explore secluded alpine valleys and remote lakes on our fully supported 5 day tour.

From Queenstown, we transfer alongside Lake Wakatipu to Kingston to start the Around The Mountains trail. A ride through the rural Mataura valley takes us through the small township of Lumsden and continues through Southland farmland and along the Oreti River. We then head to Manapouri to join an excursion into Doubtful Sound which takes us across the lake and over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove. Here we overnight and cruise through the extensive deep-sided fiord which has to be the highlight of this tour.

From Lake Manapouri we ride the breathtaking Lake to Lake trail and from Te Anau, we head back to the Around the Mountains trail to explore the shimmering Mavora Lakes and secluded Von Valley. We then follow the lakeside trail to Walter Peak Station where we board a family owned barge for a unique journey across Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown, where our journey ends.

Itinerary

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We will meet our guides in central Queenstown at 8:00am for a tour briefing before a transfer along the lakeshore of Lake Whakatipu to the historic railway town of Kingston where we start the Around The Mountains Cycle Trail. After a bike sitting and safety briefing we weave our way through the pretty rural Mataura valley, surrounded by the Hector and Eyre mountains towards Garston and Athol. Crossing a number of suspension bridges called the Golden Gate bridges we end our morning ride at Five Rivers where there is a cafe and gallery for us to visit. After lunch, our afternoon ride continues on the trail to the outskirts of Lumsden, passing through rich farm lands by the banks of the Oreti River, and then along a mix of old railway line and well-graded track, threaded between the highway and farmland to Mossburn, known as the deer capital of New Zealand. We will check into our accommodation and meet in the evening again for our first group dinner. Cycling Distance: ATM Trail : Kingston to Five Rivers - 48km ATM Trail : Five Rivers to Mossburn : 29km

Meals: L,D

This morning 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 gravel road and we head off the trail on a gravel road back towards the Highway. There's a short 2km on the Highway to our lunch stop at the delightful Sprig & Thistle caravan, situated at the base of the Takitimu Mountain Ranges. Anna started the caravan cafe on Davaar Station which her family have been farming since 1915; the rugged hills and lush pastoral lands make it the perfect backdrop and inspiration for the food she creates. After lunch, it's a very short hop on the Highway before a scenic gravel road ride through to the outskirts of Te Anau, our home tonight. Cycling Distances : ATM Trail : Mossburn to Centre Hill Shelter - 24km Gravel section Centre Hill Shelter to Sprig & Thistle - 26km Gravel section Sprig & Thistle to Lake Luxmore - 19km

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we have time to enjoy the township of Te Anau, where the Bird Sanctuary is a 'must visit'. Here are some of Fiordland’s special birds that are difficult to see in the wild, including the Takahe, Kaka, blue duck, Parakeets and many more. Then its another short 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. At midday we join a spectacular Doubtful Sound experience beginning with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri, a drive over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove to meet our expedition style small ship. We cruise out into the Doubtful Sound, formed by glaciers, with huge cascading waterfalls and vertical cliff faces. As we sail we are surrounded by magnificent views with a nature guide sharing their knowledge of the region, and wildlife which might include dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguin. There also might be the chance to kayak from the boat. At the end of the day we relax into an evening of entertainment, fine food and comfortable sleep in our private cabins. In the heart of the wilderness of the Fiordland National Park we are constantly surrounded by magnificent views of the mountains, the sunset is superb and we feel quite insignificant amongst this grandeur.

Meals: B,L,D

After a delicious on-board breakfast and the the ship located in a stunning bay the captain and crew request your attention to enjoy a period of complete silence. The "sounds of silence" is a powerful way to highlight the immensity of Doubtful Sound and an opportunity to enjoy the morning bird call. We then have more time cruising through the fiord. We then return to Deep Cove and travel back to Manapouri over Wilmot Pass and Lake Manapouri, arriving at midday. This afternoon, we enjoy a delightful ride on the new Lake to Lake trail connecting Lake Te Anau to Lake Manapouri, following the glistening Waiau River. In the heart of Fiordland with lake, mountain and riverside views as well as native bush, wetlands and farmland scenery. On arriving into Te Anau in the late afternoon there will be time to relax or wander along the shores of Lake Te Anau. There is an option to join an excursion to see the glowworm 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 - 28km

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 a unique, family owned barge to transport us across Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown, which brings our journey to an end. (On occasion there may be need for an alternative transport option across the Lake) Cycling Distance: Mavora Valley to Walter Peak Station - 55km

Meals: B,L

Map

Elevation

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

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

Tasty cafe breakfasts (x4), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x5), two course restaurant dinners (x4) catered to all dietary requirements
3 nights comfortable hotel/motel on a twin or double share basis
1 night in a double or twin cabin on a Doubtful Sound cruise boat with ensuite bathroom
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 more more)
Entry to Ata Whenua movie at Fiordland Cinema
Journey across Lake Wakatipu on unique, family-owned barge.
Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
Transport from Queenstown (return)
Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

Not included

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, glowworm tour etc)
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel Insurance

About your guide

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).

Our Premium e-Bikes: Features and Benefits

Our Guides: The Heart and Soul of Your Adventure

Reviews (33)

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Responsible Travel

Extra trip info

Sinch eBikes - Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL

Designed right here in Aotearoa New Zealand, our fleet of Sinch eBikes is made to handle the country’s trails with ease. These pedal-assist bikes take the edge off hills and longer rides thanks to smooth, reliable Shimano motor systems and a comfortable, upright riding position.

They come with front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and air-sprung dropper seat posts to help fine-tune your comfort on the go. The smaller sizes (XS, S, M) feature step-through frames and swept-back handlebars for a relaxed touring posture, while large and XL frames are also available in a step-through option on request.

Whether you’re riding through the Mackenzie Basin, tracing the path of the Molesworth muster, or rolling past vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, the Sinch eBike is built to help you enjoy the ride.

Looking for a riding position more like a mountain bike? Prefer to stand on the pedals or want a full-suspension ride? Consider upgrading to our Merida eOne-FORTY 475 EQ for next-level comfort and capability across all terrain.

Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes on offer for this tour.

Sinch eBike (Front suspension mountain bike style) - Sizes L & XL

They come with front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and air-sprung dropper seat posts to help fine-tune your comfort on the go. Large and XL frames are also available in a step-through option on request.

Whether you’re riding through the Mackenzie Basin, tracing the path of the Molesworth muster, or rolling past vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, the Sinch eBike is built to help you enjoy the ride.

Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes on offer for this tour.

Avanti Discovery - Hard Tail Mountain Bike (Not an eBike)

Our custom Avanti Discovery bikes are built for real-world Aotearoa New Zealand trails — simple, solid, and comfortable. Fast-rolling tyres and upgraded suspension forks keep things smooth over mixed terrain, while the 1x10 drivetrain makes gear changes easy and intuitive.

Hydraulic disc brakes give you reliable stopping power, and the rear rack fitted with one of our rack bags (included in hire) is ideal for stashing your layers, lunch or camera. With a relaxed upright riding position, this is a great choice for those who want a traditional, pedal-powered ride without sacrificing comfort.

Whether you’re cruising through the Roxburgh Gorge, flying across the Shotover Bridge, or pedalling beside the wild surf of the Taranaki coast, the Avanti Discovery is a dependable trail mate.

This bike is also available in a low-step model on request!

Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes available to rent for this tour.

Avanti Discovery - Hard Tail Low-step Mountain Bike (Not an eBike)

Just like our Avanti Discovery hardtail mountain bike, the low-step version is simple, solid, and comfortable. Fast-rolling tyres and upgraded suspension forks keep things smooth over mixed terrain, while the 1x10 drivetrain makes gear changes easy and intuitive.

Whether you’re cruising through the Roxburgh Gorge, flying across the Shotover Bridge, or pedalling beside the wild surf of the Taranaki coast, the Avanti Discovery is a dependable trail mate.

Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes available to rent for this tour.

Merida eONE-FORTY 475 EQ - (subject to availability - through November 2025)

This is the e-bike for riders who want the lot — comfort, control, and a little electric boost when the legs need it. The Merida eONE-FORTY 475 EQ features full suspension, a relaxed riding position, and a powerful Shimano motor that’ll help flatten out hills and keep your day flowing smoothly.

A long-lasting battery means you can ride all day, and extras like integrated lights, mudguards and a rack make it practical too. Whether you’re gliding around the Great Taste Trail, cruising the West Coast Wilderness, or soaking in the sights of the Timber Trail, this bike turns the dial up on comfort and capability.

(photos will be updated mid-August)

Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes available to rent for this tour.