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Cycling through remote rural back roads - Great West Coast Cycle, New Zealand
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Fox Glacier is a 13km long glacier located in Westland National Park on New Zealand's South Island - Great West Coast Cycle, New Zealand
Fox Glacier is a 13km long glacier located in Westland National Park on New Zealand's South Island
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Hana Black Photos West Coast - Great West Coast Cycle, New Zealand
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Great West Coast Cycle

A spectacular tour of the west coast glaciers and alpine passes for the enthusiastic cyclist

New Zealand
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 44 reviews

8 Days from

$ 

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

moderate to challenging

Carbon Footprint  

28kg of CO2-e PP per day

(196kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Embark on this 8 day road cycling adventure taking you from Christchurch to Queenstown
  • Wonder at Lake Matheson, famous for its sunset reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook
  • Enjoy a breathtaking TranzAlpine train ride across the Southern Alps
  • Challenge yourself on the hill climb up Haast Pass
  • Cycle between the wild west coast on one side and native bush and the Southern Alps on the other
  • Discover the glacial lakes of Wanaka and Hawea, and the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka
  • Experience a scenic flight, heli-hike or walk on the ice at Franz Josef Glacier (optional)
  • Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at a boutique Central Otago vineyard

Overview

This is a spectacular multi-day cycle ride trip from Christchurch to Queenstown, including many high alpine pass crossings, and passing an ever changing landscape. From glacier country through to quiet sealed roads fringed with mighty podocarp rainforest, the route passes dramatic coastlines before finally crossing over the Haast Pass into the beautiful Southern Lakes district around Wanaka and Queenstown.

Out of the saddle the highlights are equally spectacular. Your adventure begins with a memorable journey on the TranzAlpine Express train to Greymouth via the spectacular Waimakariri Gorge and lush forests of Arthur's Pass National Park and there is a free day built in for you to enjoy the many optional activities at the Franz Josef Glacier such as relaxing in the hot pools, enjoying guided walks or taking an optional scenic flight. This comprehensive itinerary truly is a cyclists' ideal adventure.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

We will meet in central Christchurch at Cathedral Junction at 7:15am. Your guide will drive you to the Christchurch train station in time for the TranzAlpine Train departure at 8.15am. We enjoy a scenic train journey across the Southern Alps and arrive at Moana on Lake Brunner around Midday. We will eat our lunch on the train and then we can get on the bikes immediately to follow an undulating and winding course through the picturesque Arnold Valley to Stillwater. A flat ride beside the banks of the Grey River takes us out to the coastal township of Greymouth. One of the trip's many highlights is the coastal riding that follows as we head north to the small settlement of Punakaiki. The riding is pure quality, with enough hills to keep you honest and plenty of distractions with stunning rock formations, lush rainforest and the wild coastline. Once in Punakaiki, we'll have time for a short walk to the famous Pancake Rocks, a limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations, blowholes and surge pools, before settling into our accommodation and enjoying our first group dinner together. Cycling Distance: 75km /47miles, +651m/2135ft

Meals: D

This morning we start with a transfer South, stopping for a short visit to Hokitika, one of the early gold-mining towns and known for the crafting of Pounamu (greenstone), a spiritual treasure for the Maori and found only in the South Island. Continuing South, glacier country beckons and the road soon changes from rural countryside to one fringed with the towering podocarp rainforests. Starting our ride late morning at the Waitaha River, we cycle through native forests with stunning mountain views, crossing several of the mighty West Coast rivers as they come to the end of their journey from the Southern Alps. Passing through the remote settlements of Harihari, the landing stage of the first solo crossing of the Tasman Sea in 1931, and Whataroa, the only NZ breeding ground of the majestic Kotuku/White Heron, we finally reach Franz Josef Glacier township, our home for the next 2 nights. Cycling Distance: 90km/56miles, +944m/3096ft Suggested Shorter Option: Harihari to Franz Josef– 63km/39miles,+694m/2276ft

Meals: B,D

Time for a day off the saddle and Franz Josef Glacier is a great place to enjoy a multitude of activities; your guide(s) will need to have 24 hours off driving so won't be available for transport or guiding today but can help with arranging any activities. With hot pools, ice climbing and lots of short walks – there are plenty of options. You could also relax and catch up with your diary or read a book. Flight-seeing is very popular here either in fixed wing planes around the mountains (up to 40 mins) or a helicopter flight to land on the snowfields high above the village (1.5 – 2 hours). There is also an option to enjoy some sea-kayaking into the rainforest at the nearby Okarito Lagoon & bird sanctuary. Additional costs for optional activities apply.

Meals: B

This morning's start is flexible depending on the weather and what people would like to do. There are a number of options – if the previous day's weather hasn't been friendly and you were wanting to take to the skies to see the glacier or enjoy some sea-kayaking you can do your activity this morning. In the afternoon we ride through to Fox Glacier (optional). The distance to Fox Glacier is only a matter of 25 kms but that ride crosses three strenuous passes, each followed by an exciting and exhilarating downhill. The ride is worth the effort with the last downhill into Fox leading straight into one of the village cafes or bars. In the evening we take a short walk around nearby Lake Matheson with its famous sunset reflections of New Zealand’s highest mountains. Cycling Distance: 25km/16miles, +643m/2109ft

Meals: B,L

After a couple more ‘relaxing’ days, we head off again on some lovely flat roads. We reach the coast at Bruce Bay before turning inland again, skirting the beautiful Lake Moeraki and then out to the Knights Point coastline. Eventually we reach the longest one-lane bridge in New Zealand, the Haast River Bridge, spanning 737 meters (2,418 feet) across the Haast River and taking us across to the Haast township and our final night on the west coast. Cycling Distance: 120km/75miles, 1024m/3358ft Shorter Option: Fox to Lake Paringa – 72km/45miles, +431m/1413ft

Meals: B,L,D

Haast Pass presents another cycling highlight. For some 50 kms the road slowly rises as the mighty Landsborough River joins the nearby Clark Valley. Countless waterfalls cascade from the mountains towering above the road and the lush rainforest changes to beechforest higher up the valley. A final serious climb takes us to the summit of the pass at 678m. From here there is a 20km ride down into the beautiful township of Makarora and a well-deserved conclusion to the day's ride. If the descent does not provide enough excitement there is an optional thrilling jet-boat ride nearby taking you deep into the Mount Aspiring National Park or a delightful short nature walk at the back of the rustic accommodation. Cycling Distance: 80 km/51miles, 1247m/4090ft

Meals: B,L,D

There are dramatic changes in the landscape today as we enter the dry arid country on the eastern side of the ranges. Today we cycle alongside spectacular glacial lakes as the road rolls down into the headwaters of the Otago valleys and then climbs along the shores of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea before finishing on the Hawea lakefront for lunch. We will have a short transfer in the van to the bustling resort township of Wanaka, our home for the night. The afternoon is free to enjoy some shopping or just to relax alongside the lake. This evening we enjoy our final group dinner together to celebrate our week's cycling achievements. Cycling Distance: 50km/31miles, +646m/2118ft

Meals: B,L,D

Our ride this morning is a classic ride that follows the lakefront from Wanaka, heading West to the idyllic Glendhu Bay. This is a favourite amongst Wanaka locals who never tire of the spectacular views of the lake and mountains that accompany the route. We'll return the same way, head across to the historic Luggate Red Bridge and finish at the family-owned Maori Point Vineyard, named for the Maori prospectors who panned for gold here in the 1860s. After a platter lunch and tasting, it's a 90 minute transfer into Queenstown, along the lakeshore of Lake Dunstan and through the stunning Kawerau Gorge, with the opportunity to check out the original bungy jump site on the historic Kawerau Bridge. Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown is situated alongside beautiful Lake Whakitipu, surrounded by mountains. Relaxation and shopping here are fantastic. Cycling Distance: upto 59km/37miles, +514m/1685ft

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

6 scheduled departures between 21 Nov 2026 and 25 Mar 2028.

  • Departs 21 Nov 2026 – ends 28 Nov 2026 (8 days)
  • Departs 30 Jan 2027 – ends 6 Feb 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 24 Mar 2027 – ends 31 Mar 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 22 Nov 2027 – ends 29 Nov 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 27 Jan 2028 – ends 3 Feb 2028 (8 days)
  • Departs 25 Mar 2028 – ends 1 Apr 2028 (8 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x7), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x5), two course restaurant dinners (x5) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 7 nights comfortable hotel/motel 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)
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • TranzAlpine train journey from Christchurch to Moana
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
  • Transport from Christchurch to Queenstown
  • 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. scenic flights, sea kayaking etc)
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • 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.

Reviews (44)

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A challenging but fun adventure- our guide Rob was great and the places we stayed very comfortable.

Timothy H|VIC, Australia
9 Apr 2026
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Great trip and many thanks to Rob for dealing with weather and unexpected happenings with his quiet professional approach.

Neal B|SA, Australia
1 Apr 2026
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An amazing 8 day cycle .. Rob our guide was knowledgeable in every aspect. Had an answer for everything .. even the weather ! Huge fun

Harriet W|New Zealand
1 Apr 2026
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Had a great time!

Jeffrey Roseman|VIC, Australia
15 Feb 2025
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A very nice bike trip.

Our guide Will organized everything well, adapted the riding schedule nicely to the weather situation and the requests of the participants to maximize the cycling opportunities, and also organized additional activities like a short walk at the Hokitika or at Okarito lagoon.

David Michael Scheiner|Zurich, Switzerland
21 Feb 2024
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A great road bike trip, from the trans alp train to the wild West Coast taking in scenic rivers, beaches, rivers, mountains and glaciers. Wow! And then making our way inland to the beautiful lakes and mountains. A must-do iconic ride with perfect support from a superb guide. Do it!!

Louis Gilleran|California, United States
9 Feb 2024
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An excellent guide and well balanced tour of cycling and exploring.

Carolynne James|NSW, Australia
9 Feb 2024
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Everything in this tour went without a hitch thanks to the patient and attentive work of Will the guide. He was continually monitoring all of the participants and adjusting arrangements as necessary depending on changes in the weather and the needs of the riders. Highly recommended.

Ian Esplin|NSW, Australia
9 Feb 2024
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We had an amazing cycling adventure. The distances were challenging, with climbs and descents. The scenery was breathtaking. Our guide, Will, was knowledgeable, helpful, and extremely kind. I would put this trip on your bucket list, for sure.

Rebecca Gilleran|United States
8 Feb 2024

Extra trip info

AccommodationBikesWill 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.

Oceanview 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.

Avanti Gravel Bike

Avanti Gran durance 3 (Road Bike) - Sizes S, M, ML, L, XL:

The Avanti Gran Durance 3 is our dedicated aluminium road bike — lightweight, fast, and an epic fit for Aotearoa New Zealand’s big open roads. It’s kitted out with Shimano’s GRX 2x11 (46/30 - 11-34) groupset, hydraulic disc brakes, and carbon forks for a smooth, responsive ride across changing road surfaces.

The 32 mm tyres strike a great balance between speed and grip, and the relaxed frame geometry suits all-day riders who want performance without the pain. Whether you’re spinning along Queen Charlotte Drive or climbing through the misty saddles of the West Coast, this is a great choice for our classic road tours.

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.

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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