trip
NEW Trip – Ladakh Mountain Biking AdventureView Trip Details

5 Days$1590USD

Activities
  • 5 day cycle trail
Accommodation
  • 4 nights hotel/motel
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts
2
introductory to moderate

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

West Coast Wilderness Trip highlights


  • Explore rugged natural wilderness as you cycle the West Coast Wilderness Trail
  • Relax in the comfort of cosy accommodation
  • Experience the West Coast Treetop Walk
  • Enjoy hearty meals in Hokitika and the Theatre Royal
  • Encounter unique, beautiful birdlife
  • Walk the Pororari River & Truman Track – two West Coast must-do’s
  • See Punakaiki’s incredible pancake rocks
  • Stay at Kumara’s historic Theatre Royal Hotel

Bike and indulge on our special winter version of our 5 day West Coast Wilderness cycle trip.

The West Coast is just as cycle-able in Winter as it is during Summer. So much so, that we haven't needed to change much of our summer itinerary! Blue sky days and mild winter temperatures aren't uncommon, with the snow covered alps providing a stunning backdrop as we cycle from Ross to Greymouth.

Regular morning tea and afternoon tea stops provide a much welcomed 'pick-me-up' with all you can drink tea and coffee and plentiful snacks.

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

So why save cycling for summer? Keep going all year round and join us on this epic cycling adventure.

Trip Code: WWTC

Your winter adventure begins with the drive inland across the picturesque Canterbury Plains, and across Arthur’s Pass with its towering, snow-capped peaks. On the west side of the Southern Alps, we reach the old gold town of Ross, backed by ranges cloaked in native bush. After a late lunch, we’ll saddle up for our first ride on the West Coast Wilderness Trail. A stretch of rail trail leads to Treetop Walkway where you can see Lake Mahinapua’s rainforest and wetlands from on high. We’ll then continue cruising 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. Cycling distance: 33km/22 miles

Meals:  L,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: 40km/24 miles

Meals:  B,L

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 - 55km / 34miles

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: 30km/19 miles

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 ride along quiet roads to reach Moana on the shores of Lake Brunner. There'll be time for lunch and a warm drink before we prepare for our return journey. If the winter TranzAlpine train schedules allows, there will be the option to take the spectacular train journey across the Southern Alps and across the Canterbury Plains back to Christchurch. If the train is not running, and for the rest of us, we'll drive back via Arthur's Pass to arrive in Christchurch in the early evening. Cycling distance: 25km/15 miles Note: Please let us know at the time of booking whether you wish to reserve a seat on the TranzAlpine train, if running.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

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


Inclusions

  • 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
  • Ebike or standard bike hire
  • 1 x mulled wine or wine of choice
  • Tree top walkway entry
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
  • 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 or more)
  • 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

  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • All beverages, other than breakfast
  • TranzAlpine Train Journey - dependent on winter timetable, costing $239
  • 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

About Your Leader

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.


Accommodation


Bike information


Trail Surface


Departure dates


Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$1590USD

Options & Supplements*
  • TranzAlpine Train (Moana to Christchurch) *ask about an upgrade to ScenicPlusUSD$170
  • Single Supplement - Limited to 2 per departureUSD$350
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Winter West Coast Wilderness trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


West Coast Wilderness Trip reviews


Other trip reviews


Why travel with us

Award Winning Adventures

Enhancing your journey with authentic experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration are the focal points on all of our adventures. In 2019, we were crowned by our peers as the best in adventure travel at The Travel Awards in Sydney.

Thoughtful Travel

Our vision is to leave the world a better place by following our sustainable active outdoor travel charter. All our adventures are 100% carbon offset and our Regenerative 2030 Project aims to integrate ‘regenerative’ projects into every one of our global operations by 2030.

Ultimate Value

 When you book one of our adventures, you will receive quality services at the best prices with plenty of inclusions. There are no hidden costs, single travellers don’t pay more and you’ll enjoy many ‘extra touches’ that ensure your holiday is excellent value for money.

West Coast Wilderness Videos

West Coast Wilderness Trail Video

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