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Top of the South, New Zealand self-guided cycle tour

This is a big one, with a 19 day bike tour that begins in Christchurch and onto Kaikoura and the Pacific Ocean’s spectacular coastal scenery. Then it’s on to the vineyards of Blenheim, before the relaxed pace of Nelson and the Marlborough Sounds. From Nelson it’s through the lush bush of inland South Island back to Christchurch, via the West Coast and across the Southern Alps.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 We will meet you at your accommodation in Christchurch with bicycles and equipment and you then cycle to Waipara.
Day 2 Waipara to Hanmer Springs
Day 3 Rest day in Hanmer Springs
Day 4 Hanmer Springs to Mount Lyford
Day 5 Mount Lyford to Kaikoura
Day 6 Sightseeing day in Kaikoura, where you can take in a whale and dolphin watching tour, swimming with the seals, or any of the many other attractions
Day 7 Kaikoura to Kekerengu
Day 8
Kekerengu to Blenheim
Day 9 Rest day in Blenheim
Day 10 Blenheim to Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds
Day 11 Anakiwa to Rai Valley
Day 12 Rai Valley to Nelson
Day 13 Rest day and sightseeing in Nelson
Day 14 Nelson to St Arnaud in the Nelson Lakes National Park
Day 15 St Arnaud to Murchison
Day 16 Murchison to Westport
Day 17 Rest day in Westport
Day 18 Westport to Punakaiki
Day 19 Punakaiki to Greymouth and Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch

Highlights include:-

  • Vineyards and olive groves of Blenheim and Waipara

  • Pacific coastline and marine life of Kaikoura including whale and dolphin watching

  • Lush bush of the inland Buller, Marlborough and beautiful bays of the Marlborough Sounds

  • Golden sands and breathtaking beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park

  • Rugged and wild West Coast scenery and train journey through the spectacular Southern Alps.

Included

  • Trek mountain bike for touring (with road tyres) 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.

Accommodation

18 nights accommodation in twin rooms with bathroom ensuite (where available), in carefully selected B&B's, home stays and small friendly motels (Breakfast included).

Difficulty

This is a longer route which can be demanding with an average 50 to 90 kms per cycling day

Season

This holiday operates September to April (inclusive)

 

Map of Top of the South self-guided bike tour

Price

Low Season (September, October, November, March & April) NZ$3900 per person twin share
High Season (December, January & February) NZ$3950 per person twin share
Single supplement (on request basis only) NZ$1250

To ensure availability over the High Season, we recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment.

Kaikoura Coast

Punakaiki pancake rocks

spectacular view

Marlborough Sounds


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