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The Tasman Sea from above - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
The Tasman Sea from above  | Lachlan Gardiner
LachlanGardiner_AdventureSouth_WESTCOAST_DAY_08-HIGHRES-9349 (1) - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
LachlanGardiner_AdventureSouth_WESTCOAST_DAY_08-HIGHRES-9349 (1)  | Lachlan Gardiner
You can't beat a Hokitika sunset - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
You can't beat a Hokitika sunset  | Lachlan Gardiner
Glide through the towering Tiritiri-o-te-moana / Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine — a spectacular prelude to your West Coast cycling journey. - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
Glide through the towering Tiritiri-o-te-moana / Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine — a spectacular prelude to your West Coast cycling journey.  | Jay French
Soak in the changing landscapes over a full-service breakfast in Scenic Plus, as you cross the mighty Southern Alps. - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
Soak in the changing landscapes over a full-service breakfast in Scenic Plus, as you cross the mighty Southern Alps.  | Jay French
Gin tasting at Reefton Distiling Co - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
Gin tasting at Reefton Distiling Co
Cycling through the West Coast wetlands in New Zealand - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
Cycling through the West Coast wetlands in New Zealand  | Lachlan Gardiner
Experience the serene beauty of the Lake Mahinapua waterways on a sunset cruise - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
Experience the serene beauty of the Lake Mahinapua waterways on a sunset cruise  | Lake Mahinapua Scenic Waterways
West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail  | Lachlan Gardiner
Kawatiri cycle trail - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
Kawatiri cycle trail
LachlanGardiner_AdventureSouth_WESTCOAST_DAY_09-HIGHRES-9404 - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
LachlanGardiner_AdventureSouth_WESTCOAST_DAY_09-HIGHRES-9404  | Lachlan Gardiner
Milltown Valley | West Coast - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
Milltown Valley | West Coast  | Lachlan Gardiner
Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki  | Lisa Drysdale
Unknown-2-original-[100211] - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
Unknown-2-original-[100211]
Totara River bridge crossing | Ross to Hokitika - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
Totara River bridge crossing | Ross to Hokitika  | Lachlan Gardiner
West Coast Hokitika Gorge - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
West Coast Hokitika Gorge  | Clifford Ah Kit
Adventure South NZ travellers loving the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
Adventure South NZ travellers loving the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail  | UGC
McPherson Creek swingbridge - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
McPherson Creek swingbridge  | Lachlan Gardiner
Experience lush west coast bush with a walk through the Pororari River Gorge - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
Experience lush west coast bush with a walk through the Pororari River Gorge  | Sandra Appleby
Incredible coastal views from the Cape Foulwind Walkway - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
Incredible coastal views from the Cape Foulwind Walkway  | Sandra Appleby
Cycling through lush forest on the West Coast Wilderness Trail - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
Cycling through lush forest on the West Coast Wilderness Trail  | Stephen Roberts
Milltown Creek switchbacks | West Coast Wilderness Trail - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
Milltown Creek switchbacks | West Coast Wilderness Trail  | Lachlan Gardiner
West_Coast_Wilderness_Trail_-_Hokitika_sign_bike_and_sunset_(credit_Craig_Wilson)-original-[72579] (2) - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
West_Coast_Wilderness_Trail_-_Hokitika_sign_bike_and_sunset_(credit_Craig_Wilson)-original-[72579] (2)
McPherson Creek swingbridge - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
McPherson Creek swingbridge  | Lachlan Gardiner
ADS UGC SM - Clifford Ah Kit - WTC - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
ADS UGC SM - Clifford Ah Kit - WTC
It's hard not to smile on the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail - Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond, New Zealand
It's hard not to smile on the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail  | Lachlan Gardiner

Best of the West Coast Bike, Hike & Beyond

The very best of the West Coast by bike

New Zealand

 13 reviews

6 Days from

$2960 USD

Trip Code: BWC
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

ScenicPlus (First Class) TranzAlpine Train (Christchurch to Greymouth)
$190 USD
Sinch Ebike Rental
$420 USD
Single Supplement - Limited to 2 per departure
$500 USD
Merida Full Suspension eBike Rental
$630 USD
Duration
  • 6 Days
Activities
  • 6 day cycle trail
Accommodation
  • 5 nights hotel/motel
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
3 / 5

moderate

Carbon Footprint  

27kg of CO2-e PP per day

(136kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Enjoy the spectacular TranzAlpine train journey across the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Greymouth.
  • Enjoy premium accommodation and gourmet meals
  • Relax on a sunset cruise on the Lake Mahinapua waterway
  • Explore the Hokitika Gorge, Pororari River Gorge & the Truman Track – 3 West Coast must-do’s
  • Experience one of the world’s best Glow Worm displays in a pristine and untamed natural wilderness environment
  • Spot wildlife and birdlife from the beautiful Cape Foulwind walkway
  • Taste and tour at the Reefton Distilling Company

Overview

Discover the wild beauty of New Zealand’s South Island on this immersive 6-day guided tour along the West Coast, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, towering mountains, crystal-clear rivers, dense rainforests, and rugged coastlines. Setting off from Christchurch, the adventure begins with an optional scenic train ride, or a comfortable road transfer in one of our modern fleet vehicles, over the Southern Alps before embarking on the West Coast Wilderness Trail.

This journey takes you along historic tramways, across suspension bridges, and beside serene lakes and rivers, including the stunning Hokitika Gorge and Lake Mahinapua. Explore Punakaiki’s famous Pancake Rocks and marvel at the Pororari River Gorge, known for its striking coastal views and lush greenery.

Cycle along the newly completed Kawatiri Trail, and delve into the glowworm-lit caves of Charleston. At Cape Foulwind, enjoy a coastal walk with the chance to spot local wildlife such as fur seals, penguins, and dolphins.

With hand-picked accommodation, delicious local cuisine, and expert guides to enrich your experience, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of the West Coast’s untamed wilderness.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

We begin early in Christchurch, heading to the railway station for this world-class ride. Your guide will drive to the Christchurch train station in time for the TranzAlpine Train (with an optional upgrade available to first-class level comforts of "ScenicPlus"). Rated as one of the top train rides in the world, this is an unforgettable journey across the Southern Alps arriving in Greymouth around 1pm. Lunch is own care today which can be taken at the scenic cafe on the train. Upon crossing the Southern Alps, we arrive at the historic gold mining town of Ross, nestled against ranges covered in lush native bush. After a group photo at the official West Coast Wilderness picture frame, we’ll gear up for our first ride along the trail. Leaving Ross, we cross the historic Totara River railway bridge, built in 1908, and follow an old tramway through native bush, wetlands, and former mill sites before reaching the picturesque Lake Mahinapua. Our welcoming hosts will greet us at our first night’s accommodation, where we’ll embark on a sunset cruise. Take in the serene beauty of the Mahinapua waterways with stunning views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps in the background. The day will end with a delicious evening meal prepared by our hosts. Cycling distance: 28km / 17 miles Accommodation : Lake Mahinapua Waterway Accommodation

Meals: D

After breakfast we head towards Hokitika and then ride inland through rural country to reach the bush-lined Kaniere water race – always a favourite for its flowing riding and babbling waters. Nestled in the forested foothills, Lake Kaniere is a grand sight indeed. We’ll follow its shores to reach the small township of Kokatahi where we’ll stop for a picnic lunch. Hokitika Gorge is up next. A short walkway crossing 2 impressive swing bridges offers a chance to see its granite boulders and swirling, surreal turquoise waters from many angles. From there, we’ll drive back to Hokitika, a quirky little town known for its arts and crafts, pounamu (greenstone) and glassware. There will be time to explore the small town and take a walk along the dramatic wild beach with its driftwood sculptures and incredible sunsets. Cycling distance: 44km / 27 miles Accommodation : Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika

Meals: B,L,D

Today we drive back to Lake Kaniere and continue our ride through the amazing bush trails of this cycleway. Firstly on rural roads and then the dedicated trail that takes us to the coffee stop at Milltown, home of saw-milling in earlier times. The trail crosses a swing bridge and then a kilometre of switchback climbing takes us to the highpoint and more superb riding. From here it's mainly downhill, as we follow water races, bush tracks and reservoir roads taking in the spectacular views as we gradually descend to our overnight at Kumara and the beautiful historic hotel that is our accommodation. Cycle Distance: Lake Kaniere to Kumara - 48km / 30 miles Accommodation : Theatre Royal Hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Our final day on the West Coast Wilderness Trail see us riding on the old tramway out of Kumara and then north to Greymouth on a combination of riverside and coastal pathways. The views of the Southern Alps back down the coast can be impressive on a clear day. After a café lunch, there’s time for a stroll around the town or an optional visit to the historic Monteith's Brewery. In the afternoon we drive the stunning coastal highway to explore Paparoa National Park. First, we’ll explore the Pororari River with its dramatic limestone gorge, with a 3.5km walk up to a suspension bridge, returning the same way. Then we take a leisurely stroll around Punakaiki’s Dolomite Point, famous for its Pancake Rocks and thundering blow holes. Cycling distance: 31km / 17 miles Accommodation : Scenic Punakaiki Hotel, PunakaikiWest Coast

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we head north out of Punakaiki following the trail to the Truman Track, where a short walk takes us through striking sub-tropical forest to reach a rugged beach. We then drive along the quiet coastal road with vantage points high above the sandy beaches and wild sea and we wind our way inland to the sleepy west coast township of Charleston. Here we join an excursion to experience spectacular calcite formations, water-sculpted canyons and one of the world's best glowworm displays. It starts by taking a rainforest train through the Nile River Canyon and then guided by the light of head torches, a walk deep into the cave system. You can explore the vast Te Ananui caves and be awed by the magical array of glowworm galaxies! To join this tour you must be sure footed, be able to walk comfortably for 2 hours and be able to climb 135 steps. Back out in daylight, we drive to the famous surfing beach at Tauranga Bay for our last walk of the day along the panoramic Cape Foulwind walkway. The easy track takes us high above rocky coastal bluffs to a fur seal breeding colony and along to the Cape Foulwind lighthouse. Our final night is spent out on the Cape, with wonderful ocean views and dramatic sunsets, a fitting finale with our final group dinner and reflection on our West Coast adventure. Walking distance: approx 5km / 3 miles Accommodation : Omau Settlers Lodge, Cape Foulwind

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we will set away to test drive the new Kawatiri Cycle Trail from Tauranga Bay to Westport. Some sections are yet to be completed, but follow quiet roads and we get to sample the breathtaking route meandering alongside the crashing sea, through native forest and wetland, over suspension bridges and boardwalks. From Tauranga Bay the trail climbs gently for 3km to the lighthouse and then meets the road to continue downhill to Carters Beach, the final 5.5km section takes us off-road again to the Buller River and onto the centre of Westport. Here we grab a coffee before we leave the West Coast behind and begin our journey back to Christchurch. Firstly we follow the mighty Buller (Kawatiri) River twisting inland through the bush clad Buller Gorge to Reefton. We have time for lunch and to explore this small gold mining town, famous for having the first electrical lighting in the Southern Hemisphere. More recently it's been known for Reefton Distilling Company, producers of some of New Zealand's most awarded gin, and here we enjoy a tour and tasting. Onwards we cross over the Southern Alps via the Lewis Pass and enjoy the scenic mountainous drive back to arrive in Christchurch in the early evening. Cycling distance: 19km / 12 miles

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

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

Ready to start your adventure?

16 scheduled departures between 4 Oct 2026 and 18 Apr 2028.

  • Departs 4 Oct 2026 – ends 9 Oct 2026 (6 days)
  • Departs 17 Nov 2026 – ends 22 Nov 2026 (6 days)
  • Departs 14 Dec 2026 – ends 19 Dec 2026 (6 days)
  • Departs 23 Jan 2027 – ends 28 Jan 2027 (6 days)
  • Departs 3 Feb 2027 – ends 8 Feb 2027 (6 days)
  • Departs 24 Feb 2027 – ends 1 Mar 2027 (6 days)
  • … and 10 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • TranzAlpine train travel from Christchurch to Greymouth
  • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x5), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x3), two course restaurant dinners (x5) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 5 nights comfortable motel/lodge ensuite accommodation on twin share basis
  • Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides on groups of 8 or more)
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
  • Lake Mahinapua Waterways Sunset Cruise
  • Nile River rain forest train & glowworm tour
  • Standard Bike hire with helmet
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

Not included

  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • All beverages, other than breakfast
  • Optional activities (eg. Monteith's Brewery tour in Greymouth, TranzAlpine Scenic Plus Upgrade)
  • Electric Bike hire
  • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)
  • Scenic Plus

About your guide

Our guides are one of our biggest assets and we pride ourselves on their level of quality and high standards. Once the trip reaches 8 people, we provide you with two of our expert guides to maximise your enjoyment and overall experience. You’ll know you’re in safe hands as all of our guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics. They come from all walks of life but our guides have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you.

West Coast Wilderness Trail Video
West Coast Wilderness Trail Video
New Zealand Cycling Holidays | Webinar Replay
Our Premium e-Bikes: Features and Benefits
Our Guides: The Heart and Soul of Your Adventure

Reviews (13)

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Our Premium West Coast Wilderness and Kawatiri Cycle trip was fantastic.

It was well organized and supported throughout through some spectacular cycle trails and great accommodation. Our guide (Eli), made it a very personal and enjoyable experience.

Tom S|Australia
5 Feb 2026
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Everything about this trip was as good or better than I could have imagined. The food and accomodations were top-quality, our guide was extremely capable and delightful, and the biking was a perfect mix of physical challenge and appreciating this beautiful region.

Karin L|Virginia, United States
2 Feb 2026
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Guides very enthusiastic, good humoured and knowledgeable, worked hard to ensure all ran smoothly

Anne-Marie Whincup|United Kingdom
13 Mar 2025
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The guides were terrific! Routes excellent, great attention to detail, knew and shared a lot about the country and people.

Katherine L|United States
8 Mar 2025
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Just an excellent trip. We were able to enjoy the beauty of the west coast in such an “up close and personal” way and saw so many things and experienced so many adventures that you just would not have been able to if you were just driving by. Arrangements were great and accommodations were good.

Gretchen Jones|Ohio, United States
4 Mar 2025
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A great trip on all accounts. A nice mix of cycling, short walks and opportunities for swimming if tempted. The accommodation was excellent and provided meals were very good. A special mention must go to our two brilliant guides, Heather and Dorz whose leadership and catering skills made the trip run smoothly. As the oldest member of the group they constantly checked on my wellbeing throughout the trip.

Jeffery Summers|TAS, Australia
1 Feb 2025
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This was a fantastic trip for a first-time cycle adventure. The distances seemed daunting, but all were very manageable. Even on the day we biked to an elevation of 317m. Adventure South has organised the trip in the direction for a fun and easier ride. Our guide was fantastic. She spent time with each of us and made us all feel very welcome. Through talking with others on the trip, I think I know which will be my next adventure. Now I just need to find a date.

Justine Dale|VIC, New Zealand
21 Dec 2024
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Great trip, fabulous guide.

Linda Rickard|New Zealand
15 Dec 2024
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The Premium West Coast Wilderness and Kawatiri cycle trip was amazing. A great guide and diverse group of people - with a huge variety of tracks (nothing too hard), scenery and things to do. The various activities included with the trip were awesome and included a wetlands cruise, Hokitika and Pororari River Gorge walks, Punakaiki and Te Ananui caves and glowworms - not to mention the TranzAlpine train. Get togethers in the evenings were also a highlight, with lots of good food and conversation. I'd thoroughly recommend this adventure and Adventure South.

John Rickard|New Zealand
14 Dec 2024

Responsible Travel

Extra trip info

Heritage Theatre Royal Hotel in Kumara | Theatre Royal Hotel

Theatre Royal Hotel

The Theatre Royal Hotel is the West Coast's only fully restored gold miners’ hotel, and once world-renowned theatre. The historic gold rush hotel features six themed ensuite accommodation rooms. Each room is unique, with its blend of Victorian decor, antique furnishings, modern amenities and West Coast charm. There is also a range of comfortable and spacious restored and replica miners cottages.

Scenic Punakaiki Hotel | Scenic Punakaiki Hotel

Scenic Punakaiki Hotel

This well appointed 4 star hotel is located right on the beachfront with views of the Tasman Sea, Punakaiki Beach and surrounding rainforest. It is located just a few minutes walk from the famous Pancake Rocks. The restaurant and bar have large ocean facing windows and a open fire for cooler days. Offering large ensuite studio rooms with tea and coffee making facilities, some rooms have a small kitchenette.

Experience the serene beauty of the Lake Mahinapua waterways on a sunset cruise | Lake Mahinapua Scenic Waterways

Lake Mahinapua Scenic Waterways

Luxurious cottages hidden away beside the verdant Lake Mahinapua Waterways, beautifully furnished with their own bathroom and kitchen facilities. Dinner and breakfast is served by your welcoming hosts. In the evening, we experience the majesty of the snowy Southern Alps appearing mirrored in the waterways, amid ancient Rimu and Kamahi trees, as we relax on a sunset cruise.

Units at Omau Settlers Lodge, Cape Foulwind | Omau Settlers Lodge

Omau Settlers Lodge

Perched on a cliff top on the edge of isolated Cape Foulwind, with vast views of the wild Tasman Sea and Paparoa Ranges, the Omau Settlers Lodge offers comfortable well appointed studio units. All rooms have king sized beds, a bathroom, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Oceanview rooms in Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika | Beachfront Hotel

Beachfront Hotel

Overlooking the beach, the stunning Beachfront Hotel is located in central Hokitika, with beachcombing, shopping, artisan shops, and galleries right on the hotel’s doorstep. Each room is spacious with ensuite bathroom and has tea and coffee making facilities.

Sinch E-Bike Jaunt EZ 3.5 Auto

Sinch E-Bike Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL*

Designed specifically for Adventure South, our fleet of Sinch e-bikes is built to handle Aotearoa New Zealand’s cycle trails with ease.

These pedal-assist bikes take the effort out of hills and longer rides, thanks to a smooth and reliable Shimano motor system and a comfortable, upright riding position.

For premium comfort and control, they are equipped with:

Large 630Wh battery

Electronic and optional automatic gear shifting

Swept-back handlebars with ergonomic comfort grips

120mm front air suspension

20mm suspension dropper seat post

Hydraulic disc brakes

Adjustable handlebar stem

All sizes apart from XL feature an exceptionally low step-through frame (40cm) and 27.5” x 2.35” tyres.

*The XL bikes feature a step-over frame with 29” x 2.4” tyres for added stability and performance.

Whether you’re riding through the Mackenzie Basin, tracing the path of the Molesworth Muster, or cycling through Otago’s stunning gorges, our e-bikes are designed to help you enjoy every moment of the ride.

Merida Big 9 200

Merida Big Nine 200 (Hardtail Mountain bike NOT AN E-BIKE) - Sizes S, M, L & XL:

Our Merida Big Nine 200 hardtails are built for real-world Aotearoa New Zealand trails — reliable, capable, and comfortable. The lightweight aluminium frame and 29x2.4'' tires roll efficiently over a wide range of terrain, while the air suspension fork smooths out bumps and rough tracks. A modern, big range 1x10 drivetrain keeps shifting simple and intuitive, letting you focus on the ride ahead.

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.

With cleverly engineered geometry, this is a great choice for those who appreciate an engaging pedal powered ride without sacrificing the slightest bit of 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 Merida Big Nine 200 is a dependable trail mate.

* We have step-through bikes available on request, subject to limited availability. These are Avanti Discovery models.

Merida eONE-FORTY 475 EQ

Merida eONE-FORTY 475 EQ (Full suspension, MTB e-bike) - Sizes S, M, L:

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 sporty mountainbike position, 29x2.4'' tires and a powerful Shimano motor that’ll help flatten out hills and keep your day flowing smoothly.

A long-lasting 712 Wh 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 Timber Trail, cruising the West Coast Wilderness, or soaking in the sights of the Alps to Ocean, this bike turns the dial up on comfort and capability.

*Subject to limited availability

West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail | Lachlan Gardiner

Compacted Gravel

Majority of the West Coast Wilderness trail is compacted gravel with a range of wide and narrower trails (along water races). Cyclists need to be confident riding on uneven surfaces and aware that riding on this surface will reduce cycling speeds.

Kawhaka boardwalk | West Coast | Lachlan Gardiner

Boardwalk

There are sections of smooth sweeping boardwalk over wetlands.

Take in the views of Aoraki, Mt Cook as you ride along turquoise canals | Lisa Jones

Sealed Roads

Most of these roads are quiet back-roads. Cyclists need to be aware of the road rules and able to cope with small amounts of traffic.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings. 

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run. 

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route. 

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

  • Pioneers in group cycle tours since 1992
  • Stay at the charming Theatre Royal Hotel and spend a night in Punakaiki
  • Choose from a large selection of dates
  • Our support vehicle is always nearby if you are feeling tired
  • Flexibility to change the itinerary on tour if effected by weather or trail closures

Guaranteeing A Great New Zealand Trip

Pioneering World Firsts
Quality equipment
Quality accommodations
Innovative itineraries
Custom built, reliable transport
Our all inclusive approach

Multi Award Winning Adventures

Responsible Travel

Adventure Experts Since 1975

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