This bike tour starts from Christchurch and straight into the hills of Banks Peninsula, for spectacular views of Christchurch, the Southern Alps and the extinct volcano that forms Lyttleton Harbour.

Then it’s your choice of a gentle ride around the bays, or the demanding hills of the crater rim, as you head to the small seaside town of Diamond Harbour. From Diamond Harbour it’s a moderate climb to stunning views of the southern aspect of Banks Peninsula and then a gentle bike alongside Lake Forsyth and Lake Ellesmere and onto the small town of Little River with it’s quiet and relaxed pace.

From Little River you head over the steep 400m hill (transport option available) into Akaroa Harbour. With a number of route options, it’s either a gentle ride along the coast or a demanding climb around the crater rim to the quaint seaside township of Akaroa. From Akaroa you return to Christchurch via the bus or bike to complete your tour.

Brief Itinerary

Included

• Trek Mountain Bike for touring (with road tyres) brought to your accommodation and personally fitted or Mongoose Randonneur specialist touring bicycle [700c wheels & drop bars]
• Ortlieb Rear Pannier Bags, front handlebar bag and comprehensive repair kit
• Detailed itinerary, maps and notes on points of interest that you will pass
• You can upgrade to an Avanti Vivace road bike available in combination with daily luggage transportation, contact us for further details

Accommodation

3 nights accommodation in twin rooms with bathroom ensuite, in carefully selected B&B's (Breakfast included).

Difficulty

Moderate difficulty, but with a number of different route options you can make it more or less demanding.
Distances of 30 to 60kms per day with several 200m [600feet] climbs, dependent on route choice.

Season

This holiday operates all year, but it is recommended from September to May to take advantage of warmer weather and longer daylight hours.