Great West Coast Cycle

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Christchurch to Punakaiki

   You'll meet your guide at Cathedral Junction in central Christchurch at 7:15am before being transferred to Christchurch Railway Station in time for the TranzAlpine Train departure at 8:15am. Sit back and enjoy one of New Zealand's most scenic rail journeys as you cross the Southern Alps, arriving at Moana on the shores of Lake Brunner around midday. After enjoying lunch on the train, you'll hop straight onto your bike and follow an undulating route through the picturesque Arnold Valley to Stillwater. From there, a flat ride alongside the Grey River leads you to the coastal town of Greymouth.
   
   One of the many highlights of your journey is the spectacular coastal riding that follows as you head north towards the small settlement of Punakaiki. The riding is superb, with enough hills to keep things interesting and countless distractions along the way, including dramatic rock formations, lush rainforest, and a wild, rugged coastline. On arrival in Punakaiki, you'll have time for a short walk to the famous Pancake Rocks, where pancake-shaped limestone formations, blowholes, and surge pools create an unforgettable landscape. Afterwards, settle into your accommodation and enjoy your first group dinner with your fellow travellers.
   
   

   • 46.6 miles
   • 2,135.8 ft
     2,135.8 ft
   • Accommodation in Punakaiki
   • Dinner

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     Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks

     Visit Punakaiki on day 1 and see the spectacular Pancake Rocks

2. Day 2Punakaiki to Franz Josef Glacier

   This morning, you'll travel south by vehicle, stopping in Hokitika for a short visit. One of the West Coast's original gold-mining towns, Hokitika is also renowned for its craftsmanship of Pounamu (greenstone), a treasured and spiritual taonga of the Māori, found only in New Zealand's South Island. As you continue south, you'll enter glacier country, where the landscape gradually transforms from pastoral farmland to towering podocarp rainforest.
   
   Your ride begins late morning at the Waitaha River, taking you through native forests framed by spectacular mountain views. Along the way, you'll cross several of the mighty West Coast rivers as they complete their journey from the Southern Alps to the sea. You'll pedal through the remote settlements of Harihari, famous as the landing site of the first solo flight across the Tasman Sea in 1931, and Whataroa, home to New Zealand's only breeding colony of the majestic Kōtuku/White Heron. By late afternoon, you'll arrive in Franz Josef Glacier township, where you'll spend the next two nights.
   
   Cycling Distance: 90km (56 miles), +944m (3,096ft)
   Suggested Shorter Option: Harihari to Franz Josef – 63km (39 miles), +694m (2,276ft)
   
   

   • 39.1 - 55.9 miles
   • Accommodation in Franz Josef
   • Breakfast and Dinner

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     Cycle to Franz Josef and Fox Glacier

     Spend some time with the glaciers at Fox and Franz Josef

3. Day 3Franz Josef Glacier

   Today is a day off the saddle and Franz Josef Glacier is a great place to enjoy a multitude of activities. Your guide(s) are required to have 24 hours off driving, so they won't be available for transport or guiding today, but they can help arrange any activities for you.
   
   With hot pools, ice climbing, and plenty of short walks, there are lots of options to choose from. You may also prefer to relax, catch up on your diary, or read a book. Flightseeing is very popular here, whether by fixed-wing aircraft around the mountains (up to 40 minutes) or by helicopter, with the opportunity to land on snowfields high above the village (1.5–2 hours). Another option is sea kayaking through the rainforest waterways of nearby Okarito Lagoon and bird sanctuary.
   
   Additional costs apply for all optional activities.
   
   

   • Accommodation in Franz Josef
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Cycle to Franz Josef and Fox Glacier

     Spend some time with the glaciers at Fox and Franz Josef

4. Day 4Franz Josef Glacier to Fox Glacier

   This morning's start is flexible depending on the weather and what people would like to do. There are a number of options – if the previous day's weather hasn't been friendly and you were wanting to take to the skies to see the glacier or enjoy some sea-kayaking you can do your activity this morning.

   In the afternoon you will ride through to Fox Glacier (optional). The distance to Fox Glacier is only a matter of 25 kms but that ride crosses three strenuous passes, each followed by an exciting and exhilarating downhill. The ride is worth the effort with the last downhill into Fox leading straight into one of the village cafes or bars.

   In the evening you will take a short walk around nearby Lake Matheson with its famous sunset reflections of New Zealand’s highest mountains.
   

   • 15.5 miles
   • 2,109.6 ft
     2,109.6 ft
   • Accommodation at Fox Glacier
   • Breakfast and Lunch

   • 

     Cycle to Franz Josef and Fox Glacier

     Spend some time with the glaciers at Fox and Franz Josef

5. Day 5Fox Glacier to Haast

   After a couple of ‘relaxing’ days, you will head off again on some lovely flat roads. You will reach the coast at Bruce Bay before turning inland again, skirting the beautiful Lake Moeraki and then out to the Knights Point coastline. Eventually you will reach the longest one-lane bridge in New Zealand, the Haast River Bridge, spanning 737 meters (2,418 feet) across the Haast River and taking you across to the Haast township and our final night on the west coast.

   Shorter Option: Fox to Lake Paringa – 72km/45miles, +431m/1413ft

   • 44.7 - 74.6 miles
   • Accommodation in Haast
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
6. Day 6Haast to Makarora

   Haast Pass presents another cycling highlight. For some 50 kms (31mi) the road slowly rises as the mighty Landsborough River joins the nearby Clark Valley. Countless waterfalls cascade from the mountains towering above the road and the lush rainforest changes to beech forest higher up the valley.

   A final serious climb takes you to the summit of the pass at 678m (2224ft). From here there is a 20km (12.4mi) ride down into the beautiful township of Makarora and a well-deserved conclusion to the day's ride. If the descent does not provide enough excitement there is a thrilling jet-boat ride nearby taking you deep into the Mount Aspiring National Park.
   

   • 49.7 miles
   • 4,091.2 ft
     4,091.2 ft
   • Accommodation in Makarora
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
7. Day 7Makarora to Lake Hawea; transfer to Wanaka

   Today, you'll witness a striking change in scenery as you leave the lush West Coast behind and enter the dry, arid landscapes east of the Southern Alps. Your ride takes you past breathtaking glacial lakes, descending into the headwaters of the Otago valleys before climbing along the shores of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. You'll finish your ride with a well-earned lunch by the lakefront in Hawea.

   Afterward, a short van transfer brings you to the lively resort town of Wanaka, where you’ll stay the night. The afternoon is yours to unwind—browse local shops or simply relax by the lake. In the evening, you'll come together with the group for a final celebratory dinner, marking the end of an incredible week of cycling.
   
   

   • 31.1 miles
   • Accommodation in Wanaka
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
8. Day 8Wanaka to Queenstown

   This morning, you'll enjoy a classic local ride that traces the shoreline of Lake Wanaka westward to the peaceful haven of Glendhu Bay. A favourite route among Wanaka locals, it offers unforgettable views of the lake and surrounding mountains. You'll return the same way, then head toward the historic Luggate Red Bridge before finishing your ride at the family-owned Maori Point Vineyard—named after the Māori prospectors who once searched for gold in the area during the 1860s.

   After a relaxing platter lunch and wine tasting, you'll transfer about 90 minutes to Queenstown, following the shores of Lake Dunstan and passing through the breathtaking Kawerau Gorge. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to see the original bungy jump site at the historic Kawerau Bridge. Your day ends in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, nestled beside Lake Whakatipu and surrounded by dramatic peaks—perfect for a bit of relaxation, shopping, or soaking in the views.
   
   

   • 36.7 miles
   • 1,686.4 ft
     1,686.4 ft
   • Breakfast and Lunch