Skip to main content
Cycle through lush native bush and birdsong - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Cycle through lush native bush and birdsong  | Lachlan Gardiner
Glide through the towering Tiritiri-o-te-moana / Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine — a spectacular prelude to your West Coast cycling journey. - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, 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
The Tasman Sea from above - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
The Tasman Sea from above  | Lachlan Gardiner
Cycling through the West Coast wetlands in New Zealand - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Cycling through the West Coast wetlands in New Zealand  | Lachlan Gardiner
West Coast Hokitika Gorge - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
West Coast Hokitika Gorge  | Clifford Ah Kit
Fueling up before heading out on the trails for the day - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Fueling up before heading out on the trails for the day  | Lachlan Gardiner
Slow sips* and good chats — this is how every cycling holiday should start. *(own cost) - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Slow sips* and good chats — this is how every cycling holiday should start. *(own cost)  | Jay French
Adventure South NZ travellers loving the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Adventure South NZ travellers loving the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail  | UGC
Guest photo on the West Coast Wilderness - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Guest photo on the West Coast Wilderness
Cycling through lush forest on the West Coast Wilderness Trail - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Cycling through lush forest on the West Coast Wilderness Trail  | Stephen Roberts
It's hard not to smile on the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
It's hard not to smile on the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail  | Lachlan Gardiner
Picnic time on the trail - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Picnic time on the trail  | Lachlan Gardiner
Enjoying the West Coast Wilderness Trail - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Enjoying the West Coast Wilderness Trail  | Tracey Croke
Cycling through the West Coast wetlands - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Cycling through the West Coast wetlands  | Lachlan Gardiner
Celebratiions at the finish line in Greymouth - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Celebratiions at the finish line in Greymouth  | Lachlan Gardiner
Milltown Valley | West Coast - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Milltown Valley | West Coast  | Lachlan Gardiner
Kawhaka boardwalk | West Coast - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Kawhaka boardwalk | West Coast  | Lachlan Gardiner
Lake Kaniere | West Coast - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Lake Kaniere | West Coast  | Lachlan Gardiner
Theatre Royal Hotel | Kumara Accommodation - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Theatre Royal Hotel | Kumara Accommodation  | Lachlan Gardiner
Thumbs up! - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Thumbs up!  | Lachlan Gardiner
Hokitika Gorge | West Coast - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Hokitika Gorge | West Coast  | Lachlan Gardiner
Untamed wilderness of the West Coast - West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, New Zealand
Untamed wilderness of the West Coast  | Lachlan Gardiner

West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail

Cycle the trails of early gold rush miners through NZ's wild & rugged West Coast by bike

New Zealand

 207 reviews

5 Days from

$2170 USD

Trip Code: WTC
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Bike Rental
$100 USD
ScenicPlus (First Class) TranzAlpine Train (Christchurch to Greymouth)
$190 USD
Sinch Ebike Rental
$350 USD
Single Supplement - Limited to 2 per departure
$410 USD
Merida Full Suspension eBike Rental
$520 USD
Duration
  • 5 Days
Activities
  • 5 day cycle trail
Accommodation
  • 4 nights hotel/motel
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
2 / 5

introductory to moderate

Carbon Footprint  

28kg of CO2-e PP per day

(111kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

West Coast Wilderness Trip highlights

  • Enjoy the spectacular TranzAlpine train journey across the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Greymouth - now included in your trip cost
  • Ride the full West Coast Wilderness Trail
  • Explore wild coast, lakes and rainforest –backed by the mighty Southern Alps
  • Savour a unique dining experience with a West Coast flavour
  • Encounter unique, beautiful birdlife
  • See Punakaiki’s incredible pancake rocks
  • Stay at Kumara’s historic Theatre Royal Hotel
  • Explore the Hokitika Gorge, Pororari River & Truman Tracks – three West Coast must-do’s

Overview

Wedged between the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea is the 140km West Coast Wilderness Trail. Weaving through the dense rainforests, glacial rivers, lakes and wetlands, a series of smooth flowing off-road tracks takes you from Ross to Greymouth.

Following the path of long-gone railways, logging trams, and water races from the mining days, you’ll soak up colourful stories from the past.

Our expert guides will show you the trail’s best sights such as gold rush relics, wildlife, and hidden natural wonders.

You’ll also have the option to take a trip on the TranzAlpine, one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys.

Character-filled towns, atmospheric accommodation and friendly welcomes are all part of the package, as is the passion and local knowledge of our crew.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

We will meet in central Christchurch at Cathedral Junction at 7:15am. Your guide will drive to the Christchurch train station in time for the TranzAlpine Train (included for bookings from 27 May 2025, 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 at Greymouth around 1pm. Lunch is own care today which can be taken at the scenic cafe on the train. On the west side of the Southern Alps, we regroup at Greymouth and drive 1 hour to the Tree Tops Cafe, backed by ranges cloaked in native bush. After a bike set up and starting photo, we’ll saddle up for our first ride along the trail. We cruise through to Hokitika, a loveable little town fronted by a dramatic beach and famous for pounamu (greenstone) and other arts & crafts - and sunsets. Two nights here won’t feel like enough. In the evening, we are hosted by local couple, Rob and Col for a paddock to plate home cooked dining experience in their architecturally designed eco home. Cycling distance: 18.4km Accommodation: Beachfront Hotel or Jade Court Motel, Hokitika

Meals: D

Our ride today takes us 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 it shores to reach the small township of Kokatahi where we’ll stop for a picnic lunch. Hokitika Gorge is up next. A short walkway offers a chance to see its granite boulders and swirling, surreal turquoise waters from many angles. From there, we’ll drive back to Hokitika where there’ll be time to explore the town some more and hopefully enjoy another West Coast sunset. Enjoy dinner of your choice in one of the town’s many restaurants and pubs. Cycling distance: 47km Accommodation: Beachfront Hotel or Jade Court Motel, Hokitika

Meals: B,L

Today we drive to the Treetop Walkway where you have the option to see Lake Mahinapua’s rainforest and wetlands from on high. Next up, we return to Lake Kaniere where we get back on our bikes and continue our ride through the amazing bush trails of this cycleway. Our first section on a rural road takes us to Milltown, home of saw-milling in earlier times. From there, 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 - 49kms Accommodation: Theatre Royal Hotel, Kumara

Meals: B,L,D

Our final day on the Wilderness Trail see us riding north to Greymouth on a combination of riverside and coastal pathways. The old road and rail bridge is just one highlight as we head towards the town centre. 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, then take the Truman Track through striking sub-tropical forest to reach a rugged beach. Our final walk is the leisurely stroll around Punakaiki’s Dolomite Point, famous for its Pancake Rocks and thundering blow holes. We’ll stay overnight in Punakaiki, a fitting finale for our final group dinner and reflection on our West Coast adventure. Cycling distance: 28km Accommodation: Scenic Punakaiki Hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Leaving the West Coast behind us, we’ll begin our journey back towards Christchurch. Before we cross the alps, we’ll get dropped off for one last quiet ride finishing in Moana on the shores of Lake Brunner. With luck there’ll be time for a refreshing dip before lunch! After Lunch we'll drive back via Arthur's Pass to arrive in Christchurch in the early evening. Cycling distance: 25km

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?

28 scheduled departures between 7 Sep 2026 and 7 May 2028.

  • Departs 7 Sep 2026 – ends 11 Sep 2026 (5 days)
  • Departs 18 Oct 2026 – ends 22 Oct 2026 (5 days)
  • Departs 8 Nov 2026 – ends 12 Nov 2026 (5 days)
  • Departs 1 Dec 2026 – ends 5 Dec 2026 (5 days)
  • Departs 27 Dec 2026 – ends 31 Dec 2026 (5 days)
  • Departs 3 Jan 2027 – ends 7 Jan 2027 (5 days)
  • … and 22 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • TranzAlpine train travel from Christchurch to Greymouth (only for bookings made 27 May 2025 onwards)
  • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x4), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x4), two course restaurant dinners (x3) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 4 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
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • Transport from Christchurch (return)
  • Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Rider fees paid to West Coast Wilderness Trust and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

Not included

  • Bike hire (including helmet)
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • All beverages, other than breakfast
  • Optional activities (eg.Tree Top Walkway $39, Monteith's Brewery tour in Greymouth, TranzAlpine Scenic Plus Upgrade $249)
  • 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)

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 with Liv Phyland
West Coast Wilderness Trail with Liv Phyland
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 (207)




Every aspect of this trip was excellent! The guides were top-notch as were the bikes, the route, and the accommodations. I highly recommend this trip and this company

Jean|British Columbia, Canada
2 May 2026


We had a great time on the West Coast Wilderness Trail Ride.

Our guides Paul and Collie looked after us so well, making sure everyone was happy and enjoying the trip. We enjoyed their company and we were very happy with the overall experience. See you next time.

Rosemary J|VIC, Australia
16 Apr 2026


Fantastic trip, with great guides Collie and Paul. Reccommend doing a trip with them.

Michael J|Menzies Creek Vitoria, Australia
16 Apr 2026


I enjoyed the whole experience, especially the guidance and care from our two guides, Collie and Paul. Both were attentive, informative and encouraging without being pushy.

Gudrun W|VIC, Australia
16 Apr 2026


I recently completed the West Coast Wilderness trail and I had a fantastic time. Sam and Nikki were excellent tour guides and were very organised making the whole trip easy. Their knowledge of the trail gave us insight as to what the riding conditions were like for each leg of the trail. Accommodation was good and all the meals included a wide variety of choices. The E-bikes were easy to use and I would recommend using the automatic setting on the bikes which gives your more time to enjoy the wonderful and varied scenery on the trail. I would recommend upgrading to the first class cabin in the tranzalpine train trip as it was a wonderful experience which included drinks and a four course fine dining. I am looking forward to planning another ride with the company.

Robyn S|VIC, Australia
15 Apr 2026


My husband and myself did the West Coast wilderness tour. The electric bikes were awesome. Our guides, Nikki and Sam were fantastic. Nikki was full of wonderful facts.

Beverly L|New Zealand
6 Apr 2026


Absolutely worth the investment in an adventure in my own country! Fun trails, great food, and our guides made this trip so memorable with all their additional wisdoms.

Allene G|New Zealand
23 Mar 2026


Fantastic organisation. Grew my confidence each day with progressive challenges.

Food too good, as attested by my scales on my return home.

Attentive fun guides.

Margaret M|New Zealand
22 Mar 2026


Great fun, great people & great lifetime memories. Thanks so much Adventure South.

Martin K|New Zealand
20 Mar 2026

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.

Driftwood 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.

Jade Court Motel - Hokitika | Unknown

Jade Court Motel

This perfectly located motel offers self-contained accommodation situated just 5 minutes’ walk from Hokitika town Centre and the beach.

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.

Sinch E-Bike Jaunt EZ 3.5 Auto

Sinch E-Bikes 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.

  • 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

Search Filters