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Mt Nicholas High Country Farm vist on the Milford Sound Cycle - Fiordland & South Coast Gravel, New Zealand
Mt Nicholas High Country Farm vist on the Milford Sound Cycle  | Southern Discoveries
Cycling the Southern Coast - Fiordland & South Coast Gravel, New Zealand
Cycling the Southern Coast  | Annie Lowerson
Exquisite food served on tour - Fiordland & South Coast Gravel, New Zealand
Exquisite food served on tour  | Lachlan Gardiner
Looking out at an epic downhill after the biggest hill of the day - Fiordland & South Coast Gravel, New Zealand
Looking out at an epic downhill after the biggest hill of the day  | Reiner Schuster
Cycling on the Around the Mountains Trail, between Mavora Lakes and Walter Peaks Station in the Vonn Valley - Fiordland & South Coast Gravel, New Zealand
Cycling on the Around the Mountains Trail, between Mavora Lakes and Walter Peaks Station in the Vonn Valley  | Izzi Barton
A highlight of the trip cycling along Lake Manapouri - Fiordland & South Coast Gravel, New Zealand
A highlight of the trip cycling along Lake Manapouri  | Reiner Schuster
Nugget Point, Catlins, NZ - Fiordland & South Coast Gravel, New Zealand
Nugget Point, Catlins, NZ  | Bas Kruisselbrink
Overlooking Lake Te Anau, the gateway to the Fiordland National Park - Fiordland & South Coast Gravel, New Zealand
Overlooking Lake Te Anau, the gateway to the Fiordland National Park  | Destination Fiordland
Southland prevailing wind! - Fiordland & South Coast Gravel, New Zealand
Southland prevailing wind!  | Annie Lowerson
Road cyclists making their way around Papatowai Beach - Fiordland & South Coast Gravel, New Zealand
Road cyclists making their way around Papatowai Beach  | Reiner Schuster
Heading to Cannibal Bay, Southland - Fiordland & South Coast Gravel, New Zealand
Heading to Cannibal Bay, Southland  | Annie Lowerson
Otago Peninsula Hoopers Inlet - Fiordland & South Coast Gravel, New Zealand
Otago Peninsula Hoopers Inlet  | Annie Lowerson

Fiordland & South Coast Gravel

Experience the remote bays, windswept coastlines and rare wildlife of Southland by bike

New Zealand
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 16 reviews

7 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: SCC
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 7 Days
Activities
  • 7 day road/gravel cycle
Accommodation
  • 6 nights hotel/motel
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
3 / 5

Moderate to Challenging

Carbon Footprint  

26kg of CO2-e PP per day

(153kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Ride the Around the Mountains Trail crossing wooden suspension bridges and following the course of an old railway
  • Cycle the Lake to Lake Trail which links the shimmering lake Te Anau to Manapouri along the beautiful Waiau River
  • Visit the lighthouse at NZ's iconic Nugget Point
  • Take on the Catlins rugged coastline with impressive views and wildlife at every turn
  • Visit famous southern destinations of Slope Point, Curio Bay, McLean Falls and Cannibal Bay
  • Challenge yourself on the rolling hills of the breathtaking Otago Peninsula

Overview

Imagine pedaling through lush green rolling hills, along wild, windswept coastlines, and encountering unique wildlife in New Zealand's southernmost region. This is the essence of our cycle tour through Southland and the Catlins. The journey combines quiet sealed roads, gravel roads, and off-road cycle trails, offering a diverse and immersive experience. Starting in Queenstown we head to the Fiordland National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes where we traverse through rural roads to reach Invercargill, New Zealand's southernmost city. The adventure continues along the remote Catlins Coast, where ancient petrified forests, fur seals, rare Hector's dolphins, and yellow-eyed penguins await, rejuvenating your spirit before you explore Dunedin, a city rich in Scottish history, and the Otago Peninsula, famous for its tiny villages and panoramic vistas.

This tour is designed for cycling enthusiasts who crave adventure and enjoy the challenge of diverse terrains. Whether you're an experienced cyclist looking for a new challenge or a nature lover wanting to experience the beauty of New Zealand from a unique perspective, this itinerary offers an unforgettable journey through some of the most stunning and remote parts of the country.

Itinerary

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You will meet the tour in central Queenstown around 08:00am. From Queenstown we drive the narrow lakeside road alongside Lake Wakitipu to to the historic railway town of Kingston, where we join the Around The Mountains Cycle Trail. Weaving our way through the pretty rural Mataura valley, surrounded by the Hector and Eyre mountains towards Garston and Athol, we cross a number of suspension bridges called the Golden Gate bridges. Our morning ride ends at Five Rivers which takes its name from the Five Rivers Station taken up in 1857 by pioneer Arthur Hogue, and named because of the five streams which rise in the surrounding Eyre Mountains. Here we load up and transfer to start our afternoon ride from the Sprig & Thistle Caravan, a foodie haven owned by Anna and situated at the base of the Takitimu Mountain Ranges on the edge of Anna's family farm, Davaar Station. This afternoon's ride is on gravel and sealed roads accompanied by the native red tussock covered hills, which lead us into the township of Te Anau, perched on the edge of the Fiordland National Park. Cycling Stats: Kingston to Five Rivers: 52km, +294m (7% Paved, 93% Gravel) Davaar to Te Anau: 34km, +242m (47% Paved, 53% Gravel)

Meals: L,D

The morning’s ride is on the Lake to Lake trail connecting Lake Te Anau to Lake Manapouri, following the glistening Waiau River in the heart of Fiordland with lake, mountain and riverside views as well as native bush and wetlands. After 30km we switch onto a quiet rural road for a mostly easy rolling pedal through an ever-changing landscape. The stark arid mountains give way to more gentle pastures as we enter Southland farming country. A short transfer to the start of our afternoon ride, initially on quiet gravel roads passing small communities before emerging beside the spectacular Southland coast. This coast is exposed to southerly blasts creating some surreal windswept scenery and we'll follow this dramatic coastline on a mix of seal and gravel through to Colac Bay. Loading up, we finish the day with a transfer through to Invercagill, the most southern city in the world and where we'll stay tonight. Dinner at your leisure tonight, with plenty of options to choose from. Çycling Stats: Te Anau to Blackmount: 65km, +595m (61% Paved, 39% Gravel) Te Tua to Round Hill: 30km, +366m (31% Paved, 69% Gravel)

Meals: B,L

The route today is all on back country sealed roads and skirts the beautiful and undiscovered Catlins Forest Park and coastline. We transfer by van to avoid the busier roads and start where the roads are quiet and the coastline becomes increasingly spectacular. The morning ride ends at beautiful Curio Bay where we enjoy a leisurely lunch and a visit to a petrified forest on the sea-shore. This is a renowned wildlife area & you may see the rare Hectors Dolphins, Fur Seals & Yellow Eyed Penguins. After lunch we continue on from Curio Bay, skirting Waikawa Harbour and heading slightly inland to our overnight accommodation near McLean Falls. There will be time for a short walk through native forest to the Falls in the late afternoon - highly recommended! Cycling Stats: Fortrose to McLean Falls: 85km, +1184m (99% Paved, 1% Gravel)

Meals: B,L,D

We ride from our accommodation this morning and the cycling is tough with some serious climbs both on seal and gravel, but the rewarding views of the coastline make the effort well worth it. Skirting the Catlins Lake, we ride into the small town of Owaka, before heading back to the coast on a gravel road to the stunning Cannibal Bay. Here we'll take a break from the bikes and enjoy a likely trip highlight, a memorable remote and beautiful beach walk past the resident sealions over to Surat Bay. With the van and bikes transferred during the walk, time permitting, there's the option for a second ride from Surat Bay through to the seaside village of Kaka Point and out to Nugget Point to enjoy a short walk to the lighthouse. Cycling Stats: McLean Fall to Cannibal Bay: 49km, +796m (47% Paved, 53% Gravel) Surat Bay to Kaka Point: 36km, +441m (83% Paved, 17% Gravel)

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we drive the busy main road section through rural landscapes to Balclutha. Our ride starts from here, heads back to the ocean for a delightful gravel ride along the coast to Toko Mouth a village where the rules of normal civilisation seem to have been swept out to sea! followed by a challenging climb up and over to Toko Mouth, After lunch by the river mouth, there's a challenging climb up and over before a final gentle ride along the beach to Brighton, on the outskirts of Dunedin. This cosmopolitan university town is known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand due to it's rich Scottish heritage and is where we stay tonight. Dinner at your leisure tonight. Cycling Stats: Balclutha to Brighton: 98km, +1067m (32% Paved, 68% Gravel)

Meals: B

This morning we explore the Otago Peninsula by bike. The ride has some challenges, taking you first up and over the Portobello hill for sweeping views of the whole Peninsula before dropping down to meander on the gravel roads around Hooper and Papanui inlets, with plenty of marine birdlife for company. The ride then continues with some relaxing, flat riding beside the ocean heading to the Royal Albatross Centre on the headland, the only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross in the world, before riding back along the coast to complete a stunning loop. This afternoon we'll drive to the Victorian town of Oamaru, our overnight stop. Cycling Stats: Otago Peninsula: 55km, +763m (78% Paved, 22% Gravel)

Meals: B,L,D

Today we are Christchurch bound - but not before more rural cycling. We have an option to visit the award winning Whitestone Cheese factory in Oamaru or nearby Riverstone Kitchen, to see their amazing gardens where they grow most of their own culinary produce. We then start cycling from the township of Waimate, the centre of an agriculturally rich community, steeped in natural beauty of rolling farmland and native bush. We ride on quiet roads through small farmlets and communities beneath the Hunter Hills and through the Esk Valley, stopping to admire the beautiful little church of St Mary, perched on a hill in Valley, before a final burst of cycling takes us to the coast and the start of the final drive back to Christchurch. With good traffic flows we should be into Christchurch by around 5pm. Cycling Stats: Waimate to St Andrews: 54km, +493m (51% Paved, 49% Gravel)

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

6 scheduled departures between 8 Nov 2026 and 14 Mar 2028.

  • Departs 8 Nov 2026 – ends 14 Nov 2026 (7 days)
  • Departs 9 Feb 2027 – ends 15 Feb 2027 (7 days)
  • Departs 14 Mar 2027 – ends 20 Mar 2027 (7 days)
  • Departs 8 Nov 2027 – ends 14 Nov 2027 (7 days)
  • Departs 8 Feb 2028 – ends 14 Feb 2028 (7 days)
  • Departs 14 Mar 2028 – ends 20 Mar 2028 (7 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x6), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x5), two course restaurant dinners (x4) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 6 nights comfortable hotel/motel ensuite accommodation on a twin share basis
  • Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides on groups of 8 or more)
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
  • Transport from Queenstown to Christchurch
  • Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

Not included

  • Bike hire (including helmet)
  • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • All beverages, other than breakfast
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Optional activities (eg. visit to Lanarch Castle, Albatross Colony)
  • 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.

Videos

Southern Coast Road Cycle | New Zealand | Adventure South NZ
Southern Coast Road Cycle | New Zealand | Adventure South NZ
Our Guides: The Heart and Soul of Your Adventure
Our Premium e-Bikes: Features and Benefits

Reviews (16)

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Excellent tour.

I am an older experienced rider and would rate this ride as challenging.

There are some significant climbs,the gearing on the rental Silex gravel bikes takes care of most of it though.If you bring your own bike,make sure you have a very low gear available.

Plenty of 8-11 % climbs with a few 18% pinches ( I walked a couple)

Guides were top class as was the food and accommodation ( aside from one,which was so so,but no other choice.

The company was very good to deal with on the lead up to this ride,and were very accommodating

I would strongly advise a navigation app on your device or phone,as many of the roads are out of the way gravel with turns,all in all great tour and I would not hesitate to do another ride with them.

The guides will wait and mark the turns for you ,but always nice to know where you are going during the ride.

Michael M|VIC, Australia
21 Mar 2026
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This was my first bike tour so I was nervous & excited as to how I would go. Ange was a very supportive guide who gave me encouragement and inspired confidence. The whole trip was well organised with excellent accommodation and meals. The rides were challenging as we had some wild weather but it was definately worth it to see the spectacular scenery.

Anna C|Perth, Australia
31 Jan 2019
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Excellent trip. We were well looked after and the van was always close by which was useful on the first day when we could no longer cycle because of the wind. Excellent accommodation and meals. Enjoyed having a guide with local knowledge so we visited places and cycled routes that would have been hard to find if we had cycled independently.

Judy S|Waikanae, NZ
31 Jan 2019
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This was a wonderful trip, despite the winds and a bit of rain. We brought our rain gear and I realised that riding in the rain was OK. Accommodations were very comfortable and the food was top notch. Ange and Chris were always helpful and cheerful. The hills were challenging, but not overwhelming. Every place we stayed had a place to do laundry so you don't have to bring a lot of clothes. Be prepared for heat and chilly weather, even in the summer. We love Adventure South!

Paula and David H|USA
26 Feb 2018
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This tour is a great way to experience the southern part of the South Island. On a bike you can hear the sounds of the birds and the water and you can smell the plants and the ocean. This is not possible in a car or a bus. The guides Ange and Chris were great. Very knowledgeable and helpful. There was so much time to ride at your own pace. Not so great: At times there was a very strong headwind (part of the game, not your fault). It would have been nice with a little bit more space in the bus.

Ingelise, N|Denmark
24 Feb 2018
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Great scenery overall, good views of Pacific Ocean. The guides Ange and Chris took good care of us. My advise would be to book early, - especially Queenstown hotels.

Greg F|USA
24 Feb 2018
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I loved the tours and found that there was lots of flexibility to meet the needs/perspectives of the different riders. I felt very welcome and supported during the tour. Ange and Chris provided a huge amount of information, details, encouragement, humour and funny stories along the journey. The food and accommodation were above par and excellent! Well done!

Sheryl W|Toronto, Canada
24 Feb 2018
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Excellent guides, superbly supported ride. Angela and Chris were patient, attentive, on top of every detail, and prepared us well for each portion of the ride each day. The accommodations were clean and extremely comfortable. The meals were excellent, including the guide prepared picnics. Our group of bikers and guides really clicked so all in all exceeded our expectations. Of course the terrain and scenery we biked through was exquisite! It seemed to be appropriate level for our riding skills and it was also the route we wanted.

Jennifer and Steve|USA
24 Feb 2018
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I have been on more than 20 guided bike trips over the past 30 years and my Adventure South trip is ranked #1. It was a real "holiday" to be on your tour. Ange did a great job inspiring us, servicing our needs and keeping us safe. She dealt with each request with a smile and a can do attitude. The scenery was amazing. The food including picnic lunches were tasty. Otago Peninsula was particularly good cycling and beautiful scenery.

Elaine S|Toronto, Canada
24 Feb 2018

Extra trip info

AccommodationBikesTrail surfacesWill My Trip Run?
Studio Room at Carrick Lodge | Carrick Lodge

Motels

Often family run, motels range from 3 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Rooms are spacious, warm and comfortable and they have ensuite bathrooms with tea and coffee making facilities. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Sudima Hotel Superior-twin - Kaikoura

Hotels

Hotels range from 3 to 4 stars and provide a quality, comfortable and relaxed nights stay. Rooms are spacious and modern.

Merida Silex 700

Merida Silex 700 (Gravel Bike) - Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL:

The Merida Silex 700 is our go-to gravel bike -- stable, responsive, and ready for the kind of backcountry riding we share. Built with a lightweight aluminium frame and carbon fork, it's designed for long days in the saddle. With relaxed geometry that takes the edge off the climbs, and keeps you feeling confident on the descents.

The 1x12 (42 / 10-51) Shimano GRX drivetrain gives you a wide range of gears without the faff of a front derailleur. The 45mm tires soak up the bumps while still rolling fast across seal, gravel and everything in between. It's the perfect match for the kind of riding we love to share.

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.

Southland Gravel Road | Annie Lowerson

Gravel Roads 45%

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

Looking out at an epic downhill after the biggest hill of the day | Reiner Schuster

Paved Roads 55%

Approx 55% of this trip is on sealed or paved road. 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, which can be travelling at speed.

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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