New Zealand South Island West Coast Tour 10 Days / 9 Nights Christchurch to Queenstown This tour is a combined tour with Natural High and Pedaltours Please bring this information with you to the tour start. Distances are given in kilometres (1 km = 0.62 miles). Cycling distances given are entirely optional; cycle as little or as much as you wish each day. The shuttle van will always be available. Suggested cycling distances are given for each day, as follows: Cas.= casual cyclists, Int. = intermediate cyclists, adv = advanced cyclists. ITINERARY The tour starts in New Zealand's second-largest city CHRISTCHURCH, (pop. 350,000); New Zealand's cycling capital and gateway to the South Island. It is an attractive city with the river Avon winding its way through the centre bordered by weeping willows, and has an excellent botanical garden at Hagley Park. Day One: Meeting Day Included in the tour is transport from Christchurch, on the East Coast of the South Island, across the Southern Alps to Punakaiki on the West Coast. Please inform us if you require transport and if so, where you will be staying in Christchurch the night before commencing the trip. A Pedaltours guide will drive you across the Alps, departing Christchurch at 8.00 am. from your hotel. Lunch at Arthur's Pass village or Moana (near Lake Brunner) is included. There will be time for a short ride before lunch. We will reach Punakaiki mid afternoon; there will be time to take a walk around Dolomite Point to explore the fascinating Pancake Rocks, where the sea has undermined the sedimentary rock and created spectacular layered rock formations and dramatic blow holes, especially at high tide. Meals: L,D Day Two: Punakaiki to Hokitika (pop 3,400): adv. 84km / 52.5 mi Punakaiki to Greymouth: cas./int. 44 km/ 28 mi We head south along the coast on a road squeezed between the mountains and the sea, crossing a few rivers, to Greymouth, the principal town of Westland. Named after Sir George Grey, New Zealand’s first Governor, it was the site of Mawhera, the largest Maori settlement on the West Coast. From here it is a flat run to Hokitika - a Natural High Tel 0800 444 144 - email: [email protected] www.naturalhigh.co.nz town famous for its goldrush in the 1860’s and more recently timber milling. The town has greenstone (jade) and glass blowing factories and now relies on tourism. Meals: B,L,D Day Three: Hokitika to Franz Josef (pop 330): Mt Hercules summit to Franz Josef: cas. 51km / 32mi Lake Ianthe to Franz Josef: int. 80km / 50mi Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier: adv. 135km/ 84.4 mi Crossing the Hokitika River we head south through native bush of rimu and Kahikatea (white pine). Our route takes us through an agricultural valley and forest. The country is rolling with one climb up Mt Hercules after the town of Harihari (nowhere near as daunting as the name suggests!) and a final flat run from Whataroa. Entering Westland National Park as we pass beautiful Lake Mapourika, we have superb views of snow capped peaks. Meals: B,L Day Four: Franz Josef to Lake Moeraki Bruce Bay to Lake Moeraki: cas. 43 km/ 27 mi Fox Glacier to Lake Moeraki: int. 89 km/ 56 mi Franz Josef to Lake Moeraki adv. 114km / 71mi From Franz Josef to Fox Glacier is just 24km, but includes three quite severe climbs (and descents); it is through beautiful native forest. The remaining terrain is very gently undulating. From Fox to Lake Paringa the road passes through lush rain forest of rimu and rata, flax filled swamps and past ragged hills. The many rivers become raging torrents after rain. With fine weather there will be superb views of Mt. Cook and the Southern Alps. Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge was established in 1989 by owners Anne Saunders and biologist Gerry McSweeney to help protect the rainforest and to share this extraordinary natural lakeside setting with visitors. On arrival there is time to take a paddle in canoes on the lake which is stocked with trout or hike to Monro’s beach to spot fur seals and (in season) penguins. Dinner this evening is in the lodge’s dining room overlooking the wilderness area Meals: B,D Day Five: Lake Moeraki Optional Rest Day or Ride to Jackson Bay Lake Moeraki to Jackson Bay: int/adv. 79km/49mi Haast Village to Jackson Bay: cas. 51km/32mi After breakfast, we have a free day with plenty of outdoor activities provided by the Wilderness Lodge, including kayaking or hiking through the rainforest. There is also a complimentary daily guided programme including glow- worm walks and giant eel feeding. For those keen for more cycling there is the option of riding to Jackson Head, south of Haast, mostly hugging the coastline. This headland provides shelter from the prevailing wind direction, and here a fishing harbour has survived since the early pioneer days of seal hunting. The village offers spectacular views of the ocean and the Southern Alps. Jackson Head also marks the southern end of the west coast’s narrow river plains. Beyond this point, the steep mountain ranges plunge directly into the sea—the first of the deep glacial fiords is just 50 kilometres away. When you visit this remote and geographically - gifted region, it’s easy to see why it has been designated a World Heritage Area. Natural High Tel 0800 444 144 - email: [email protected] www.naturalhigh.co.nz Meals: B, D Day Six: Lake Moeraki to Makarora (pop 80): adv. 112/70mi Lake Moeraki to Haast: cas. 30km/19mi Lake Moeraki to Haast Pass: int. 81km/51mi Just south of Lake Moeraki, Knights point affords excellent views of the rugged coastline where seals can often be seen basking in the sun. From Haast we head inland, following the Haast River toward the snow-capped peaks. We pass innumerable waterfalls and much bird life, notably Keas, Fantails and Bellbirds. After lunch the stiff climb through the Gates of Haast is negotiated before the gentle descent to tiny isolated Makarora. Makarora is a base for trampers (hikers) and the renowned Siberia Experience. Meals: B,L,D Day Seven: Makarora to Wanaka: (pop 7,000) int./adv. 66 km/ 41 mi Makarora to Hawea turnoff: cas. 50 km/ 31 mi The country is now dramatically drier, dense bush giving way to open sheep paddocks. The road closely follows Lake Wanaka, crosses the Neck to Lake Hawea and then re-crosses to Lake Wanaka. There are dramatic views of jagged, rocky mountains across the lake. Wanaka is the gateway to Mt Aspiring National park and several winter ski regions. Those with energy to spare may like to hike up Mt Iron for more panoramic views or visit Rippon Vineyard (Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling wines for a more leisurely afternoon Meals: B Day Eight: Wanaka Loop int. 56km/ 35mi Loop adv. 115km/ 72mi Situated at the Southern end of Lake Wanaka and surrounded by mountains, Wanaka is a playground for the outdoor enthusiast with a multitude of options to fill your day. You can choose a scenic loop road bike ride with a longer option riding around Lake Dunstan. There are walks of all lengths, including one considered the best half day walk in New Zealand, the Rob Roy Glacier in the Mt Aspiring National Park, a world of mountains, glaciers, river valleys and alpine lakes. Those keen on the water can enjoy a boat cruise, jet boating, kayaking or fishing on the Lake and there is also a scenic golf course. A more leisurely day can be enjoyed exploring the town or visiting Rippon Vineyard for some stunning Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling wines. Meals: B,D Day Nine: Wanaka to Queenstown via Cadrona: adv. 78km/ 49mi Wanaka to Cardrona Hotel: cas/int. 27km/ 17mi Our route today takes us up the Crown Range, over the Cardrona Road. We climb through tussock hills past the historic Cardrona Hotel; on reaching the top there will be amazing views of The Remarkables mountain range and Queenstown. The adjacent Pisa Range (193m) features New Zealand’s only Nordic ski-touring and snow-shoe trails. We descend the exhilarating hairpin bends down to Arrowtown, an attractive, well-preserved gold-mining village with quaint old cottages and avenues of alms. An easy flat ride beneath Coronet Peak, a winter ski field, Natural High Tel 0800 444 144 - email: [email protected] www.naturalhigh.co.nz takes us to Arthur’s Point where we cross the Shotover River on our way to Queenstown. Look out for jet boats speeding through the narrow gorge. Surrounded by mountain peaks (including the famous Remarkables), and set on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown (pop. 35,000) has much to offer. Meals: B,D Day Ten: Queenstown Options today include a jet boat or rafting trip on the Kawarau or Shotover Rivers, the steamer "Earnslaw" to visit a high country sheep station across Lake Wakatipu, the gondola cableway, Skippers canyon, a flight to Milford Sound (fiord), and much more. Queenstown also has an excellent botanical garden and a very good shopping centre. It is here that we must say farewell, a safe journey home and hope to see you again. Meals: B What’s included: Mostly 3 and 4 star lodges 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 7 dinners Full minibus support Experienced guide/ cycle mechanic Wine with final dinner Pedaltours souvenir cycle jersey or T-shirt Daily route directions and coloured maps with profiles Thirty years of experience in offering guided cycle tours in New Zealand What’s not included: Personal expenses Bike hire Gratuities, tipping is not expected in NZ but gratefully received.