West Coast and Glaciers Cycle Tour

Package Overview

Trip Highlights
Beautiful day for cycling on the West Coast of New Zealand
Challenge yourself with 6 days of memorable road cycling up the wild West Coast
Climb over the Crown Range, NZ's highest road
Swoop down Haast Pass on quiet sealed roads
Visit Hokitika, craft capital of the West Coast and home to the local green stone (pounamu)
Experience the TranzAlpine train crossing the Southern Alps to Christchurch
Admire Fox Glacier by helicopter (optional)
Trip Summary
Walking on the glacier
Exploring New Zealand's 'wild' west coast by bike is cycling at its very best. Encounter grinding glaciers, primal rainforests and dramatic coastal scenery as we 'cycle the best and drive the rest' to ensure you experience all the landscapes that make this part of the South Island such an enticing place to travel through. From Queenstown, cycle to the former gold mining town of Arrowtown to explore its tranquil tree lined streetscapes before crossing over the Crown Range into Wanaka along New Zealand's highest main road. After an exhilarating swoop down Haast Pass you'll be greeted by lush rainforests before cycling past surreal coastlines featuring high cliffs and crashing seas. Your cycling efforts will be rewarded on reaching the world famous Fox Glacier, where you can enjoy a guided walk, or discover nearby Lake Matheson and its magnificent reflection of the Southern Alps. Cycling on past the equally impressive Franz Josef Glacier you'll finally emerge at the top of Arthurs Pass, where you board the TranzAlpine train for the spectacular journey back to Christchurch.

Trip Grading
To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the terrain, the altitude, the number of pass crossings and the length of the trip. The West Coast and Glacier Cycle is graded intermediate/moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 60 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for the three months leading up to your trip. The tour is fully supported and if at any stage you feel like having a rest from cycling you will be able to ride in the support vehicle.International or domestic flights and taxes
Arrival and departure transfers
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages, other than breakfast
Bike hire (including helmet)
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
Optional activities (eg. Heli-hike onto Fox Glacier)
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel insurance
Visa (if required)
Tips

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Queenstown to Wanaka

  You will meet the tour in central Queenstown around 08:00am for a bike fit. Our first cycle takes us through quiet back roads to the old gold-mining town of Arrowtown for morning tea. From here strong riders can carry on biking up & over the challenging the Crown Range For the rest of us we travel by bus and bike over the Crown Range, with a lunch stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel. We continue cycling down the Cardrona Valley into the picturesque alpine village of Wanaka. Late afternoon you have the chance to enjoying some free time in vibrant Wanaka before our first group dinner. Cycling Distance: 45 to 78km / 28 to 49miles

• Day 2 : Wanaka to Haast

  An early cycle ride takes us to Lake Hawea. We drive to the top of the Haast Pass and enter the famous West Coast forests. We cycle down through the 'Gates of Haast' on sealed roads to the flats of the Landsborough River for lunch. Our route continues down the Haast River with its rainforest clad mountain slopes and numerous waterfalls until the days spectacular journey ends on the coast at Haast. An evening walk on the beach provides a chance to watch the sun set into the Tasman sea. Cycling Distance: 48 to 105km / 30 to 65miles

• Day 3 : Haast to Fox Glacier

  This morning we cycle peaceful forest roads to Bruce Bay and then onto Fox Glacier. The rest of the day is available for sightseeing in the township as well as providing the chance to take a scenic helicopter flight, which is highly recommended. Maybe you would rather a trip to nearby Lake Matheson famous for its reflection views of the Southern Alps, or enjoy any of the local walks in the area. Cycling Distance: 49 to 115km / 31 to 71miles

• Day 4 : Fox Glacier to Franz Josef Glacier

  For those who want to challenge themselves there is an optional heli-hike which combines the excitement of walking on the Fox Glacier with the thrill of helicopter flights. The afternoon sees us cycling another West Coast challenge, the road between Fox and Franz Josef Glacier. Cycling Distance: 25km / 15.5miles

• Day 5 : Franz Josef Glacier to Hokitika

  The support vehicle is always nearby if needed, but a metric century (100 kms) is the challenge today on long flat roads with spectacular mountain views as a backdrop. We cycle through podocarp rainforests and over wild rivers to hidden Lake Ianthe for our lakeside picnic. The dark waters hold the sun's heat and swimming is an option. In the afternoon you can keep cycling or enjoy a ride in the support vehicle to the Tasman coast and the craft orientated town of Hokitika. Cycling Distance: 63 to 133km /39 to 83miles

• Day 6 : Hokitika to Christchurch

  From Hokitika township we travel by bus and bike on quiet inland roads through native forests to Lake Brunner. We lunch at a local cafe with stunning lakeside views and an option for the hardy to swim before more scenic quiet roads take us back to the West Coast highway. There is the option to cycle some more through sweeping rural landscapes and beneath rugged mountain peaks of Arthur’s Pass. Here we board the TranzAlpine Express train for a leisurely scenic trip back into Christchurch where our coach will meet and drop you off in central Christchurch around 7pm. Cycling Distance: Stillwater to Jacksons - 56km / 35miles

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• Visa Services
• 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners
• 5 nights hotel/motel ensuite accommodation on twin share basis
• Professional qualified driver/guide
• 2 professional guides/drivers on trips with 8 or more people
• Private vehicle transport (except TranzAlpine Train)
• TranzAlpine scenic train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch
• Water and snacks while cycling
• Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
• New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST)

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Exclusions

• International or domestic flights and taxes
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• All beverages, other than breakfast
• Bike hire (including helmet)
• Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
• Optional activities (eg. Heli-hike onto Fox Glacier)
• Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
• Travel insurance
• Visa (if required)
• Tips

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

Adventure South Ltd View Profile

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• Phillipstown, Christchurch, New Zealand - 8145
• XXXXXX1222 View Contact
• XXXXXXXXXX@adventuresouth.co.nz View Mail ID

About Adventure South Ltd

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