New Zealand Biking

Day 1

Meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (the folks wearing Backroads T-shirts) at 7:15 a.m. at the Christchurch train station. Please arrive with your biking clothes packed in a separate daypack, along with anything else you may want for today’s train trip and bike ride.

Scenic Train to Moana 3½ Hours
Rapahoe Route 26 Miles with Shuttle (300-foot elevation gain)
Shuttle to Punakaiki 1 Hour

Welcome to New Zealand! After meeting in Christchurch on the South Island’s Pacific coast, we board a westbound TranzAlpine train for Moana. The train journeys through the Canterbury Plains past Waimakariri River Valley gorges, then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending though lush beech rain forest toward the coast. The open-air viewing car brings you even closer to the spectacular scenery.

We disembark in Moana, a small resort town on Lake Brunner’s shore. After lunch at a local café, your Backroads leaders fit your bike and give a brief talk on biking techniques and safety. Then you’re ready to head out on a scenic and peaceful ride along lightly traveled roads, following the Arnold River all the way to the coast. Be prepared to encounter more traffic as you head over the Grey River and north through the small coal-mining towns of Rununga and Rapahoe. After arriving in Rapahoe, we celebrate a great first ride at our favorite beach pub.

From here we shuttle through subtropical forests, and along sweeping seaside cliffs and curious geological formations to our home for the night, the Punakaiki Resort. Nestled into a hillside overlooking the sea, this casual eco-friendly hotel is designed to showcase its magnificent natural surroundings. This evening we gather at the hotel’s Waterline Restaurant for cocktails followed by dinner overlooking the Tasman Sea.

Lodging: Punakaiki Resort

Day 2

Hokitika Coastal Route 51 Miles (1,400-foot elevation gain)
Shorter Option: Greymouth 26 Miles with Shuttle (1,200-foot elevation gain)

Today’s challenging ride takes you along the stunning coastline of the great Tasman Sea. Following Highway 6—the West Coast’s only road and our route for most of the trip—pedal along rugged headlands that jut out into the cobalt water and past verdant rain forest en route to Greymouth, ―The Coast’s‖ largest town. But don’t get too distracted by the spectacular scenery—this beautiful ride comes with plenty of vehicle traffic.

After stopping for lunch at a café, bike the predominately flat afternoon route or shuttle to Hokitika, famous for crafts and jade carvings. Spend time exploring this historic community, perhaps stopping at the Greenstone Factory for a tour. See how immense boulders are ground and cut by diamond saws, then sculpted into beautiful jade jewelry.

This evening we stroll into town for dinner at the lively Café de Paris, before retiring to our rooms at the casual yet very comfortable Beachfront Hotel.

Lodging: Beachfront Hotel

Day 3

Shuttle to Ross 30 Minutes
Franz Josef Route 46 Miles with Shuttle (1,500-foot elevation gain)
Longer Options: Franz Josef 65 Miles with Shuttle (2,100-foot elevation gain) or Hokitika to Franz Josef 82 Miles (2,600-foot elevation gain)

If you’re up for the Hokitika-to-Franz Josef option, you’ll need to grab breakfast and start heading south down Highway 6 early. To avoid the more trafficked stretch out of Hokitika and enjoy a more relaxed start, shuttle to the historic gold-mining town of Ross and set out on a ride featuring dense marshland, bush reserves and verdant paddocks against a blue mountain backdrop. Along the way, spin through the township of Pukekura, surrounded by majestic stands of native rimu trees. The snowcapped Alps make their first appearance as you approach the rural community of Hari Hari, where we lunch at the Pukeko Café.

Afterward, decide how you’d like to tackle the afternoon’s options. You’ll face the trip’s first big ascent over Mount Hercules, followed by a steep winding downhill to more level terrain. To skip the toughest climbs, just hop in the van and shuttle to the small farming settlement of Whataroa. Accompanied by the birdsong of the tui, tomtit, fantail and parakeet, pedal the last stretch of the route to Westland National Park, passing the lush coastal rain forest of rimu, rata and kamahi trees. If you’ve saved some energy, power through the final hilly section of the day on your approach to the impressive and iconic Franz Josef Glacier.

This massive white and blue river of ice is especially stunning due to its unique location near the edge of the sea, surrounded by fern groves and a temperate rain forest. Settle into the peaceful Westwood Lodge, situated on the outskirts of town among green bush and rugged peaks.

Lodging: Westwood Lodge

Day 4

Optional Morning Activities
Optional Franz Josef Glacier Valley Hike 4 Miles
Optional Fox Hills Biking Route 16 Miles (2,150-foot elevation gain)
Optional Lake Matheson Hike 3 Miles

Today is all about options. After breakfast you can choose to leave your bike behind and explore the glacier up close on foot. Hike into the Franz Josef Glacier Valley to the glacier’s terminal face. Lush rain forest meets vaulting ice, making this area one of New Zealand’s greatest wonders and a dramatic juxtaposition of colliding environments—you can’t help but be amazed! If you’d rather see the glacier from the air, several helicopter companies in the town of Franz Josef operate scenic flights. (Please note that flights are not included in the trip price and are subject to cancellation due to weather conditions.)

After your morning adventure, make your way into Franz Josef for lunch on your own at one of the village’s eateries.

This afternoon, consider jumping on your bike and setting out for Fox Glacier. Don’t let the mileage fool you: the short ride over the Fox Hills is one of most demanding stretches of road you’ll encounter on the trip. Challenge yourself by taking on the 2,150-foot winding climb on two wheels, or opt for a lift in the van to save your legs and avoid this busy stretch of road. Once in Fox Glacier, if you’re interested in more activity, enjoy a breathtaking hike around Lake Matheson. Born from a huge slab of glacial ice nearly 14,000 years ago, this postcard-perfect lake is one of the most photographed in New Zealand. On a calm clear day, you’re treated to reflections of New Zealand’s tallest peaks, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, on its surface. If you’d like to stay closer to home, wander through the quaint township of Fox Glacier or relax at the inviting Te Weheka Inn. When you’re hungry, stroll into town and enjoy dinner at the restaurant of your choice.

Lodging: Te Weheka Inn

Day 5

Lake Moeraki Route 55 Miles (1,000-foot elevation gain)
Shorter Option: Salmon Farm 39 Miles with Shuttle (500-foot elevation gain)

After a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, continue your exploration of the West Coast as you head to South Westland National Park. With the major uphill grades behind you—at least for now—you’ll relish a 50-mile stretch of gently rolling hills and less traffic accompanied by views of majestic alpine peaks and thriving rain forest. Stop and fuel up with lunch at the Salmon Farm Café, specializing in—you guessed it!—salmon.

Entering one of the truly isolated and pristine parts of New Zealand, the route’s final leg leads to Lake Moeraki and our home for the next two nights, Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki. The lodge is beautifully situated in the heart of the Te Wahi Pounamu World Heritage area, which protects ancient forests from future development and preserves the region’s pristine beauty and unique wildlife, including flightless birds that evolved without natural predators.

Lodging: Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki

Day 6

Haast Route 21 Miles with Shuttle (1,000-foot elevation gain)
Longer Option: Haast Out-&-Back 42 Miles (2,000-foot elevation gain)
Optional Munro Beach Walk 1½ Hours

This morning you can take a stunning spin along the coast to Haast or relax back at the lodge and enjoy Lake Moeraki’s magnificent surroundings. If you’re eager to get on your bike, you’ll start off today’s ride with the demanding Knight’s Point climb, where rocky bluffs drop off dramatically to the beach. Follow Highway 6 as it descends to sea level and into the Haast World Heritage area with fantastic vistas of the Tasman Sea. From here you can shuttle back to the lodge or work up an even bigger appetite for lunch by returning on two wheels.

After lunch take a short walk to nearby Munro Beach, go canoeing, hang out lakeside and feed the large eels and trout, or just kick back with a good book. You might also consider joining one of the lodge’s guided adventures, such as a hike to the local seal colony (tide permitting) or a kayak trip down the Moeraki River. (Guided activities at the lodge are not included in the trip price.) Tonight we gather for an excellent meal at our hotel’s Riverside Restaurant and compare notes on the day’s discoveries.

Lodging: Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki

Day 7

Coast-to-Lakes Route 40 Miles with Shuttle (1,000-foot elevation gain)
Longer Options: 63 Miles with Shuttle (2,000-foot elevation gain)
or 72 Miles with Shuttle (3,800-foot elevation gain)
or 90 Miles with Shuttle (4,700-foot elevation gain)

After an early breakfast we shuttle to Haast and saddle up. Leaving the coast behind, follow Highway 6 inland over the Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes region. Today’s ride is the most challenging of the trip but also offers perhaps the most stunning scenery! Filled with extra vim and vigor? Take on the 90 miles from the coast to Lake Wanaka. Otherwise, opt for another route; the Backroads van(s) will be out in full force today, providing whatever’s needed in terms of shuttles and support in order to create the best experience for everyone.

Starting in Haast, the route heads inland and enters Mount Aspiring National Park, where you can pedal up the Haast River Valley, appreciating views of the soaring Alps and thundering waterfalls. The climb to Haast Pass is incredibly steep, so feel free to rely on the van to avoid this section. After making your way over the ―Main Divide‖ (the equivalent of the U.S. Continental Divide) of the Southern Alps, you’ll emerge into the drier Makarora River Valley in the heart of the Southern Lakes region. Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea are scenic highlights, providing incredible vistas of bright teal-colored water and jagged peaks.

Whether you arrive in the town of Wanaka via two wheels or four, the Edgewater Resort Hotel, where we stay the next two nights, is a welcome sight. Dinner this evening is in the hotel dining room overlooking beautiful Lake Wanaka.

Lodging: Edgewater Resort Hotel

Day 8

Optional Activities
Optional Glendhu Bay Out-&-Back Route 24 Miles (500-foot elevation gain)

The day is yours to spend exploring the picturesque environs of Wanaka. Choose from a variety of activities: hike up Mount Iron or along the lakeshore trail, visit a nearby winery, hop on your bike for an out-and-back ride past Glendhu Bay, or simply take it easy in town and shop for souvenirs.
If the weather is clear, consider taking an unforgettable flight over the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most scenic natural treasures. Once there you can board a boat for a cruise on the sound, which reveals impressive cliffs laced with waterfalls and dense foliage. (Please note this flight/boat cruise to Milford Sound is not included in the trip price and is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions. See ―During Your Trip‖ in your Travel Planner for more information.) Lunch is up to you—enjoy a leisurely meal or grab a quick bite between activities.

Later this afternoon, join your leaders for a wine tasting to sample some of the renowned New Zealand vintages. Afterward you’re on your own for dinner—your Trip Leaders are happy to point you to their favorite restaurants near Lake Wanaka.

Lodging: Edgewater Resort Hotel

Day 9

Bannockburn Route 45 Miles with Shuttle (800-foot elevation gain)
Shorter Option: Clutha River 35 Miles with Shuttle (500-foot elevation gain)
Shuttle to Queenstown 1 Hour

On today’s bike route, parallel the Clutha River through dry open countryside to the farming town of Tarras, then head down valley to Cromwell, situated at the confluence of the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers. From here the terrain turns from flat to hilly as you spin toward Bannockburn and the Otago wine region (an area known for its pinot noir). End your ride at a local winery and café (after one final steep climb, of course!), where we savor a delicious lunch.

Afterward we shuttle through rolling farmland and past the historic mining village of Arrowtown to downtown Queenstown, New Zealand’s ―Adventure Capital.‖ We spend our last night of the trip at the luxurious Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of the city. Take advantage of the hotel’s spa services and fitness center, relax in the steam room or in the Jacuzzi, or venture into downtown Queenstown. Tonight we gather for cocktails before a farewell dinner at the hotel’s Vie Brasserie restaurant.

Lodging: Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa

Day 10

Optional Queenstown Walk

This morning, grab a cup of coffee and head out on an optional walk around Queenstown, taking in some of the city’s best sights before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Or if you’d prefer, sleep in and enjoy a more leisurely morning. The trip ends mid-morning with a Backroads shuttle to the Queenstown airport.