The rugged and spectacular West Coast of the South Island | David Wall
The rugged and spectacular West Coast of the South Island  | David Wall
WhatsApp Image 2026-03-20 at 3.31.05 PM
WhatsApp Image 2026-03-20 at 3.31.05 PM
WhatsApp Image 2026-03-20 at 3.31.04 PM (2)
WhatsApp Image 2026-03-20 at 3.31.04 PM (2)
Beware of Kiwis on the West Coast of NZ! | Sandra Appleby
Beware of Kiwis on the West Coast of NZ!  | Sandra Appleby
Marlborough Sounds | Carol Prantner
Marlborough Sounds  | Carol Prantner
Seaside views from the bike | Carol Prantner
Seaside views from the bike  | Carol Prantner
Marlborough vineyard | Carol Prantner
Marlborough vineyard  | Carol Prantner
WhatsApp Image 2026-03-20 at 3.31.05 PM (1)
WhatsApp Image 2026-03-20 at 3.31.05 PM (1)
Undulating roads are the best! | Carol Prantner
Undulating roads are the best!  | Carol Prantner
Nothing like a fresh seafood platter | Carol Prantner
Nothing like a fresh seafood platter  | Carol Prantner
View of town and Seaward Kaikoura Ranges from Kaikoura lookout | Sandra Appleby
View of town and Seaward Kaikoura Ranges from Kaikoura lookout  | Sandra Appleby
The scenery is just as good as the cycling | Stef Woodward
The scenery is just as good as the cycling  | Stef Woodward
Marlborough Sounds | Carol Prantner
Marlborough Sounds  | Carol Prantner
Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki | Stef Woodward
Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki  | Stef Woodward
Coastal ride on the West Coast | Carol Prantner
Coastal ride on the West Coast  | Carol Prantner

Marlborough and West Coast Cycle

Cycle the alpine passes and coastal rides of the upper South Island

7 Days from

$2770 USD

Trip Code: MBW
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Bike Rental
$150 USD
Road Bike Rental
$240 USD
Ebike Rental
$490 USD
Single Supplement
$690 USD

Duration

  • 7 Days

Activities

  • 7 day road cycle

Accommodation

  • 6 nights hotel/motel

Meals

  • 3 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

4 / 5

moderate to challenging

Carbon Footprint  

27kg of CO2-e PP per day

(164kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Challenge yourself on this scenic 7 day road cycle adventure at the top of NZ's South Island
  • Experience one of the best coastal rides in the world which takes us to the amazing geology of Punakaiki and its Pancake Rocks
  • Relax tired muscles in the hot pools of Hanmer Springs
  • Cycle over the Southern Alps via the picturesque Rahu Saddle
  • Travel through beautiful rain forest clad mountains and along scenic river valleys
  • Discover the beauty of Queen Charlotte Drive as we cycle alongside the Marlborough Sounds
  • Swim with the dolphins or join a whale watch tour, if operating, in Kaikoura (optional)

Overview

Exploring the northern regions of the South Island, this action packed cycling tour is sure to inspire as you cycle past bush clad lakes and tracks, along wild coastlines as well as sample some of New Zealand's very best wines! From Christchurch, you'll cycle towards Hanmer Springs to soak in the outdoor hot pools and experience their therapeutic qualities. Returning to the saddle at Springs Junction, pedal along beech forest lined roads towards the rugged beauty of the 'Wild' West Coast. From here the scenery, not the cycling, will leave you breathless as you head north along the flatter, picturesque landscapes of Lake Poerua, Rotomanu and Moana, nestled between the Southern Alps and tranquil Lake Brunner. Continue along one of the best coastal rides in the world before encountering the natural blowholes at Punakaiki, the mighty Buller Gorge as well as the serene beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound, stopping to sample the produce at local wineries along the way. As you head back towards Christchurch along the stunning Kaikoura coastline, dotted with fur seals, there is the option to take an early morning whale watching cruise, if operating, to provide a fitting finale to this memorable cycling adventure.

Itinerary

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After a pick up from a central Christchurch location, we drive out of the city and start to cycle. The Canterbury Plains are vast and with Hanmer Springs being our objective it's a matter of turning the pedals and watching the road slip by. By late afternoon we arrive at the thermal resort with a chance to soak in the hot pools before dinner. (www.hanmersprings.co.nz). Cycling Distance: up to 50km / 40miles

Meals: L

This morning the beautiful beech forests of the Lewis Pass beckon. By cycle and coach we gradually climb over the picturesque Lewis and Rahu Saddles, after each climb is a downhill rush with long sweeping corners. On beautifully sealed roads with lush temperate rainforest lining the roadside we ride until we reach the rugged beauty of the West Coast Region. The afternoon sees us finish our ride at a country pub called "Formerly the Blackball Hilton." There is a story to be told over your drinks before we drive to Moana, nestled between the spectacular Southern Alps and tranquil Lake Brunner. Cycling Distance: morning – up to 45km / 28miles Optional afternoon ride – 30km / 19miles

Meals: B,L,D

Heading out of Moana, we 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 trips many highlights is the coastal riding as we head along the coast to the famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. The riding is pure quality – with enough hills to keep you honest. Cycling Distance: 76km / 47miles

Meals: B,L

Today we cycle up the Paparoa National Park coastline with magnificent ocean, rainforest, and mountain views. There are plenty of photo opportunities on this scenic and gently undulating ride, through to Constant Bays near perfect shelter from the West Coasts wild seas. Once back in the coach we enjoy the Buller Gorge with snapshot vistas of the Buller River whose white water attracts many a rafting and kayak enthusiast. Climbing out of the gorge we have a great final ride into St Arnaud, drawing us into the heartland of the Nelson Lakes National Park. Off the bike, a short walk takes in nearby Lake Rotoiti, with its famous jetty. This area is known as a “mainland island” and the results of the pest eradication programme means that the native birdlife is flourishing. Cycling Distance: - up to 75km, 46 miles

Meals: B,L,D

Early risers are encouraged to take a walk into the nearby native forest at sunrise to hear the native birds & their “dawn chorus”. From behind St Arnaud we cycle the sealed forestry roads on a long mainly downhill ride towards the coast. We continue along a quiet road beside the beautiful Motueka River and through an area known for growing hops. We enter the township of Motueka and transfer by coach to nearby Nelson where we have time to explore the arts and craft capital of New Zealand. Cycling Distance: up to 97km / 60miles

Meals: B,L

By coach we motor over the steep outlying hills to arrive at the start of the beautiful Queen Charlotte Drive, which skirts the Marlborough Sounds into Picton. From here it is a short hop over the hill to Blenheim, NZ’s premier wine producing region. After a great lunch at one of the countries leading wineries, we head south down the dramatic East Coast to reach Kaikoura, home of whale watching and swimming with dolphins in New Zealand. Cycling Distance: up to 54km / 34 miles

Meals: B,L,D

For the early risers, an optional chance to view one of the great natural sights as whales surface against the spectacular mountain backdrop of the seaward Kaikoura Mountains (www.whalewatch.co.nz). This is only possible if the operator is running their dawn departure which is not guaranteed. Swimming with or watching dolphins is also highly recommended (www.dolphinencounter.co.nz). Due to the popularity, however, it is essential to make a booking well in advance. Following a late breakfast we head further south cycling some of the great back roads and enjoying the scenery as we eventually return to Christchurch and drop you in the downtown area around 6pm. Cycling Distance: up to 60km / 37miles

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?

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x6), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x7), two course restaurant dinners (x3) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 6 nights comfortable hotel/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)
  • 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 Christchurch (return)
  • 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 then breakfast
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Optional activities (eg. Whale watching at Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs thermal pools)
  • 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.

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