Kaikoura & Molesworth High Country Cycle

We meet at one central Christchurch location at 8:00am our adventure starts as we head north through the Waipara Valley wine region – home of international award winning Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay wines. We stop at Domett to enjoy our first bike ride on quiet back roads, visiting the North Canterbury coastline at the picturesque Cathedral Rocks and rugged Gore Bay, before arriving in Cheviot for a relaxed country lunch. Continuing north we arrive back at the coast where mountains meet the ocean and stretch our legs on the stunning Kaikoura Peninsula coastal walk. In the late afternoon we check into our motel, where we will spend the next 3 nights and meet again in the early evening for our first group dinner. Cycling Distance: Domett to Cheviot via Gore Bay - 20km Hiking Distance: Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway - 4km

Meals:  L,D

After breakfast, if the early morning departure is running, we have the option to join a whale watch tour offering a 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. For those more interested in bird life, there is an Albatross Encounter tour at the same time. Both tours last around 3 hours and only operate in calm conditions. The rest of the group have time to explore the town, visit the historic Fyffe House established with the whaling station in 1842 and enjoy a walk over the cliff tops from South Bay. The full loop around the Kaikoura Peninsula takes around 3 hours and provides 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 accommodation and are free to make our own dinner arrangements. Cycling Distance: up to 45km Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway: up to 12km - 3 hours

Meals:  B

Today's ride follows quiet undulating rural roads alongside the Amuri and Seawards Kaikoura Mountains. After breakfast our ride starts directly from our hotel, we cross the Kowhai River and head towards the hills on the Inland Kaikoura Road. Entering rolling farm country, the route soon crosses from the Kaikoura District to the Hurunui, climbing several inclines and passing over the Conway River and the historic Doone Station and gravesite. The landforms around here still show the effects of the massive November 2016 earthquake, with the road crossing faultlines and scars. From the high point at the Whale Back Saddle it is all downhill to Mt Lyford Village where the lodge will be a welcome sight for refreshments before returning to Kaikoura. In the late afternoon we have free time to explore, walk on the beach and to visit Kaikoura lookout or the Peninsula for those who missed it yesterday. Cycling Distance: Kaikoura to Mt Lyford - 61km

Meals:  B,L,D

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 of 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 185km 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 on a paved road up 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. 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 facilities and a hearty evening meal will be prepared by the onsite chef. Cycling Distance: Awatere Road to Middlehurst Station - up to 80km

Meals:  B,D

Today we enjoy a day at Middlehurst Station which offers a range of activities on their vast farm property, including bike trails, farm tours, heli-hiking, fishing, hunting and four wheel driving – there will be an extra cost for some of these activities, prices to be confirmed. For those keen to continue cycling there is an opportunity to ride further along the Molesworth Road and the Awatere Valley towards Isolated Saddle. The road passes by the original cob homestead built by John Murphy in 1866 and the gateway to Molesworth Station at 23km. Turning around we ride back to beautiful Middlehurst Station for a second night. We have plenty of time to relax in this amazing mountainous environment before another delicious home cooked meal is served. Optional Cycling Distance: Middlehurst Station to Isolated Saddle - 46km return

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we say farewell to our hosts to ride the final section of the Molesworth Road, savouring the remoteness of the spectacular landscape around us. We pass the historic Molesworth homestead and the road then climbs to Wards Pass (1145m) and 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 we reach the mighty Clarence River and ride alongside the river before one final push up and over Jacks Pass and a fast descent brings us into Hanmer Springs. The total distance from Middlehurst Station is 106km, we can ride a number of sections depending on how much, if any, we cycled yesterday. Some riders might like to attempt to complete the full journey to Hanmer Springs. After settling into our accommodation, we 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 Distance: Middlehurst Station to Hanmer Springs - up to 106km

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 boutiqe 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