Cyclists enjoying the Awatere Valley, Molesworth High Country - Kaikoura & Molesworth High Country Cycle, New Zealand

Cyclists enjoying the Awatere Valley, Molesworth High Country | Colin Monteath

Riding the Kaikoura coastline - Kaikoura & Molesworth High Country Cycle, New Zealand

Riding the Kaikoura coastline | Destination Kaikoura

Admiring vast views of the Middlehurst Station on a 4WD tour - Kaikoura & Molesworth High Country Cycle, New Zealand

Admiring vast views of the Middlehurst Station on a 4WD tour | Heather Galliger

Pausing to take in the scenery on the Molesworth High Country cycle - Kaikoura & Molesworth High Country Cycle, New Zealand

Pausing to take in the scenery on the Molesworth High Country cycle | Colin Monteath

Sweeping views of the Kaikoura Peninsula. - Kaikoura & Molesworth High Country Cycle, New Zealand

Sweeping views of the Kaikoura Peninsula. | Paul Boocock

Picnic time on the trail - Kaikoura & Molesworth High Country Cycle, New Zealand

Picnic time on the trail | Lachlan Gardiner

Exploring Middlehurst Station on a 4WD farm tour takes you into the real back country - Kaikoura & Molesworth High Country Cycle, New Zealand

Exploring Middlehurst Station on a 4WD farm tour takes you into the real back country | Heather Gallagher

Panorama of Awatere vineyards - Kaikoura & Molesworth High Country Cycle, New Zealand

Panorama of Awatere vineyards | Colin Monteath

Kaikoura & Molesworth High Country Cycle

New Zealand

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56 reviews

6 Days from

Trip Code: MOL

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Duration

6 Days

Activities

6 days walking and cycling

Accommodation

2 nights hotel
2 nights farm stay
1 night luxury apartment

Meals

4 Dinners
5 Lunches
5 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: Moderate
This cycle tour is graded moderate. You will need a good level of cycling fitness and we suggest 90 minutes of cycling three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. Much of the riding is on hard packed gravel, yet some is loose gravel which can be rough, corrugated, dusty and uneven and there are plenty of hills. You will need to be able to cycle an average of 60km, day after day on hilly terrain, however the support vehicle is always available if you have tired legs. Additionally, the Molesworth Muster Trail is a public road and not a designated cycle trail, so the gradients are steeper than you would normally ride on a cycle trail. e-Bike riders will need to use their battery power conservatively or risk running out of power. Riders will need the fitness and skills to not continually use 'boost mode'. Please speak to your guides for ways to preserve your battery life.
3 / 5
Moderate

Carbon Footprint

28kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(142kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Explore the scenic Kaikoura Peninsula and hinterland by bike and foot
View the incredible Giant Sperm Whales on a whale watch cruise from Kaikoura (optional if early morning departure operating)
Cycle through the remote Molesworth Station and visit the historic Molesworth Cob Cottage and Acheron Accommodation House
Enjoy kiwi hospitality, fine local produce and hot tubs at our Middlehurst Station farm stay
Learn about life on a high country station first hand from the farmers on a remote 4WD excursion
Soak in the thermal hot pools surrounded by mountains at Hanmer Springs
Visit to the Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park and enjoy a wine tasting at an award winning vineyard in the Waipara Valley

Overview

From scenic wine regions to surreal mountain landscapes this trip in the Northern Canterbury and Marlborough districts is a delight. Travel through the emerging wine growing district of Waipara Valley to ride through stunning rolling hill country from Mt Lyford to Kaikoura where the landforms around here still show the effects of the massive November 2016 earthquake. Explore the stunning Kaikoura coastline, dotted with fur seals with the option to take an early morning whale watching cruise. We journey through the vast Molesworth Station along isolated roads flanked by rugged mountains and stay 2 nights on a remote back country merino sheep farm nestled under Mt. Tapuae-o-Uenuku, the highest mountain outside the Southern Alps. Before we head back to Christchurch, enjoy a soak in the therapeutic thermal pools at Hanmer Springs and enjoy visits to a unique sculpture park and boutique winery - all perfect activities to complement this memorable cycling adventure.

Vast coastal and mountain landscapes, luxury accommodation and friendly welcomes are all part of the package, as is the passion and local knowledge of your guides.

Itinerary

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We meet at one central Christchurch location at 8:00am; after a brief introduction and tour overview our adventure starts as we drive north through the Waipara Valley wine region – home of international award winning Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay wines. A brief stop in Amberley, a service town supporting local food growers and producers, and the gateway to the renowned Waipara Wine Valley, the jewel of the North Canterbury Wine Region. Turning to head up the Valley, we continue in the van following this historic inland road as it climbs away from the farmed Canterbury Plains over the Weka Pass and through several charming inland towns. We start today's ride from the alpine village of Mt Lyford, situated amongst the stunning Inland Kaikoura mountain range. From here we traverse through a diverse range of landscapes with the Amuri and Seawards Kaikoura mountain ranges, tussock lands and back through more farming country before reaching the rocky Pacific Coast and the seaside town of Kaikoura. We check into our luxurious beachfront hotel, where we will spend the next 2 nights and meet again in the early evening for our first group dinner. Cycling Distance: 61km, +716m 100% seal Overnight : Kaikoura

Meals: L,D

After breakfast, if the early morning departure is running, we have the option to join a whale watch tour offering an up-close encounter with the world's largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale. We might get to spot any number of Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Minke, Pilot, Orca and Southern Right Whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, as well as Elephant Seals and Leopard Seals. The tour lasts around 3 hours and only operates in calm conditions. The rest of the group have time to explore the town and stretch our legs on the stunning Kaikoura Peninsula coastal walk for impressive views of rugged cliff formations, tidal platforms and the Seaward Kaikoura Range. We regroup for lunch and then ride the newly developed Kaikoura cycle trail following the perimeter of the plains under the towering peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges and Mt Fyffe. The trail takes a mix of single track and quiet country roads, some gravel and some paved, through bush and open farmland giving many glimpses of the ocean from above. We return to our hotel and are free to make our own dinner arrangements. Cycling Options : Standard : 29km, +198m, 52% easy unpaved Avid :44km, +372m, 56% unpaved, including moderate single track Hiking Distance: Kaikoura Peninsula Walk - 4km Overnight : Kaikoura

Meals: B

Today we leave Kaikoura early and drive north to the start of the Awatere valley (approx 1.5 hours) with a short stop at Ohau Point lookout to see fur seals on the rocks below. The next 3 days we travel through stunning back country wilderness including the Molesworth Station, which at 180,787 hectares, is New Zealand's biggest farm and supports the country's largest herd of beef cattle, as well as almost 30 endemic plant species. Our journey to Hanmer Springs follows the Awatere River, then crosses Wards Pass to follow the Acheron to its confluence with the Clarence River. We set off riding along the wide Awatere Valley, surrounded by vineyards. We climb up the valley, through rolling farmscapes where the road turns to gravel and we become dwarfed by the impressive Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku (2885m) and the massive Inland Kaikoura Ranges. After a steep climb we reach the top of Upcot Saddle, we get a short downhill respite before another climb over a higher saddle brings us to Middlehurst Station, and our comfortable accommodation in the upper valley. e-Bike riders will need to use their battery power conservatively or risk running out of power. Riders will need the fitness and skills to not rely on 'boost mode'. Please speak to your guides for ways to preserve your battery life. No spare batteries are carried nor available. Our support vehicle will always be near by for anyone who wants a breather or wants to cycle a shorter distance. Tonight's farm stay has shared premium bathroom facilities. We will be welcomed by our hosts with platters and drinks followed by a hearty evening meal prepared by the onsite chef. Cycling Options : Standard : Medway Rd to Middlehurst Station - 56km, +1325m 100% gravel Avid : Blairich Reserve to Middlehurst Station - 68km, +1452m 83% gravel (std bikes only) Accommodation: Middlehurst Station

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we enjoy a 4WD excursion into the high back country of Middlehurst Station. Guided by our hosts, we will learn all about life on the farm, hear interesting stories and the history of the property, while experiencing incredible remote scenery. We stop for 'Smoko' at one of the historic musters huts and have the chance to spot wildlife grazing on the vast skylines. We return to the beautiful Middlehurst Station by mid afternoon. There is the option of a short afternoon guided ride to Cobb Cottage, the original cob homestead built by John Murphy in 1866 and the gateway to the vast Molesworth Station. Otherwise, you may prefer a full day off the bike and instead soak in a hot tub surrounded by the amazing mountainous environment before another delicious home cooked evening meal is served. Cycling Option : Middlehurst Station to Cobb Cottage : 22km, 449m Accommodation: Middlehurst Station

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we say farewell to our hosts and into the Molesworth Station, savouring the remoteness of the spectacular landscape around us. We'll transfer by van back to the end of yesterday's ride at Cobb Cottage where we'll start today's ride. We climb to Wards Pass (1145m) and continue across the 250-hectare expanse of Isolated Flat, an outwash plain, bounded by the Awatere Fault. From January until April, masses of tall, white gentian flowers and blue borage can be seen growing colourfully amongst clumps of short tussock and pasture grass. Flanked by mountain ranges the road follows the Acheron River to the historic Acheron House, which was built in 1863 as an overnight stopover in the early stock droving days. Here some riders may prefer to hitch a ride for the final 26km which is on a rougher gravel road over Jacks Pass, followed by a steep gravel descent into Hanmer Springs, which is our destination tonight. After settling into our comfortable accommodation, you have the option to head to the thermal hot pools for a well deserved soak in the therapeutic waters. We meet again in the evening for our final group dinner to celebrate our weeks cycling achievements. Cycling Options : Standard : The Official Molesworth Road : 59km, +727m, 100% gravel Avid : Cobb Cottage to Hanmer Springs, including Std ride : 85km, 923m, 100% gravel Accommodation: Hanmer Springs

Meals: B,L,D

Hanmer Springs is a hub for mountain biking and hiking, and a great place to rest, relax and enjoy the mountain air. This morning we have a choice to ride or walk and to revisit the hot pools depending on our energy levels. Cycle Option: Enjoy riding the tracks in Hanmer Forest, ranging from easy to more technical trails. Hiking Option: A short relaxed walk takes us through the forest to a lookout at Conical Hill. After time for a coffee and snack, we'll leave Hanmer late morning and head to a boutique Waipara vineyard, Georges Road winery, for a tasting and platter lunch, a fitting way to celebrate all we've experienced and achieved. Our final experience is a visit to Iron Ridge Quarry Park, a magical wonderland, with stunning sculptures set against a carefully curated native garden, all under the shadow of breathtaking limestone hills. Here we'll enjoy a guided walk hosted by the owner and sculptor, Raymond Herber. It's a final hour's drive which should see us back in Christchurch around 5pm, where there will be a drop off in the city centre.

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

14 scheduled departures between 24 Nov 2026 and 2 Apr 2028.

Departs 24 Nov 2026 – ends 29 Nov 2026 (6 days)
Departs 13 Dec 2026 – ends 18 Dec 2026 (6 days)
Departs 6 Feb 2027 – ends 11 Feb 2027 (6 days)
Departs 16 Feb 2027 – ends 21 Feb 2027 (6 days)
Departs 2 Mar 2027 – ends 7 Mar 2027 (6 days)
Departs 13 Mar 2027 – ends 18 Mar 2027 (6 days)
… and 8 more departures.

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

Tasty cafe breakfasts (5), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches, including winery lunch (5), two course restaurant dinners (4)
3 nights superior hotel accommodation, double or twin share with ensuite bathroom facilities
2 nights farm stay accommodation at Middlehurst Station with premium shared bathrooms
Professional qualified driver/guide
2 professional guides/drivers on trips with 8 or more people
4WD tour on Middlehurst Station exploring the remote high country farm
Hot tubs at Middlehurst Station
Entry to Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park
Wine tasting at a boutique Waipara vineyard
Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare

Not included

International or domestic flights and taxes
Arrival and departure transfers
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages, other than breakfast
Bike hire (including helmet)
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
Optional activities (eg. Whale Watching Tour NZ$175 from Kaikoura, entrance to hot pools at Hanmer Springs $40)
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel insurance
Visa (if required)

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. Learn more about our guides on our team page at www.adventuresouth.co.nz.

Videos

Our Premium e-Bikes: Features and Benefits

Our Guides: The Heart and Soul of Your Adventure

Reviews (56)

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Trip was 5 stars. Overall the experience was faultless. Hats off to the designers with accommodation, food venues and other activities were excellent. The glue that held the trip together was the tour leaders Robbie and Sam. Their professionalism, attention to detail and good humour made for an experience I would repeat with AS. Well done all involved !!

Rodney K|NSW, Australia

21 Mar 2026

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The Molesworth ride was superb. Our guides, Teresa and Lewis were very knowledgeable and also fun to ride with. They made sure our group was well looked after and that we could all enjoy the magnificent scenery. Our only gripe was the poor ‘life’ of the bike batteries as even with riding carefully in ‘eco’ and turning off whenever possible, 3-4 of us ran out of battery or were close to on the longer days. Given the 2 long days riding, perhaps the newest bikes need to be allocated to this trip.

However that did not take away from an amazing experience and one we all highly recommend.

Peter L|Papamoa VIC, New Zealand

12 Apr 2025

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Amazing trip , great guides , just the right amount of support & encouragement. thanks for making it a great trip!

Stephen H|New South Wales, Australia

31 Mar 2026

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Had an excellent time....hard but what were we thinking NOT riding an e-bike!!

Gary Leahey|NSW, Australia

22 Mar 2026

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The guides were easy to get along with and very knowledgeable about what was ahead of us and the terrain.

The accommodation and meals provided were excellent and we all enjoyed our feed of fish and chips after going out on the Kaikoura fishing tour (much more fun than whale watching)

I thought that the whole experience was good value for money. Many thanks

Graham S|New Zealand

4 Mar 2026

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The accommodation was lovely Middlehurst Station amazing!! Our guides Dors and Annouk were heaps of fun and knowledgeable regarding the bikes.

Donna B|New Zealand

11 Apr 2025

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Variety of trails and destinations.

Caroline K|New Zealand

23 Mar 2025

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Really enjoyed our week, riding in different/varied types of terrain, spectacular scenery, interesting activities off the bikes, great accommodation/food, co-riders, and Rob our friendly, knowledgeable and capable guide.

Kevin J|New Zealand

16 Mar 2025

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We enjoyed our bike trip! Amazing scenery and views along the way. Wonderful accommodation and great food. Our own bikes were great - we noticed our fellow bikers on Adventure South bikes did not have sufficient battery capacity for the longer rides.

Rosemary Bradshaw|New Zealand

14 Dec 2024

Extra trip info

Accommodation Bikes Trail surfaces Will My Trip Run?

Hotel

We stay in the modern 4.5 star oceanfront Sudima Hotel in Kaikoura for the first 3 nights, offering stunning mountain or coastal views. Here rooms are available on a twin share or double room basis with private bathrooms. The hotel is the newest in Kaikoura, is centrally located and offers state-of-the-art facilities.

Farm Stay

We have a delightful 2 night stay in The Quaters at the remote Middlehurst Station. Each room has sliding doors that open up to panoramic mountain views. Finished with luxury linen, underfloor heating and unlimited Wifi, the rooms can be either super king or twin share configuration, bathrooms are shared. There are private wood fired hot tubs available for your use.

Apartment

Our final night is spent at the architecturally designed and elegantly furnished St James suites. Enjoy the tranquility and splendor of Hanmer Springs, in tastefully-appointed Studio units featuring luxurious fixtures and furnishings, modern bathrooms, soundproof units with blackout curtains and beautifully comfortable beds.

Sinch eBikes - 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 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 (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

Spectacular views greet you on the Molesworth high country cycle | Colin Monteath

Gravel Roads

Cyclists need to be comfortable riding on a mix of compacted and rough gravel surfaces including graded roads and deeper gravel.

Cycling on the Kaikoura Cycle Trail | Destination Kaikoura

Single Track

Parts of the Kaikoura Trail are narrow, relatively easy single track through forest

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.

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Kaikoura & Molesworth High Country Cycle

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Ready to start your adventure?