Kaikoura & Molesworth High Country Cycle

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Christchurch to Kaikoura

   You'll meet with the group at a central Christchurch location at 8:00 am. Your adventure begins as you drive north through the Waipara Valley wine region, known for its internationally acclaimed Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay wines. A brief stop in Amberley, a service town supporting local food growers and producers, and the gateway to the renowned Waipara Wine Valley, the jewel of the North Canterbury Wine Region. Turning to head up the Valley, you'll continue in the van following this historic inland road as it climbs away from the farmed Canterbury Plains over the Weka Pass and through several charming inland towns. 

   You'll start today's ride from the alpine village of Mt Lyford, situated amongst the stunning Inland Kaikoura mountain range. From here you'll traverse through a diverse range of landscapes with the Amuri and Seawards Kaikoura mountain ranges, tussock lands and back through more farming country before reaching the rocky Pacific Coast and the seaside town of Kaikoura. You'll check into a luxurious beachfront hotel, where you will spend the next 2 nights and meet again in the early evening for your first group dinner.
   

   • 37.9 miles
   • 2,349.1 ft
     2,349.1 ft
   • Kaikoura Hotel
   • Lunch and Dinner
2. Day 2Kaikoura Whale Watch & Cycle Trail

   After breakfast, if the early morning departure is running, you'll have the option to join a whale watch tour offering an up-close encounter with the world's largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale. You might get to spot any number of Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Minke, Pilot, Orca and Southern Right Whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, as well as Elephant Seals and Leopard Seals. The tour lasts around 3 hours and only operates in calm conditions. The rest of the group have time to explore the town and stretch their legs on the stunning Kaikoura Peninsula coastal walk for impressive views of rugged cliff formations, tidal platforms and the Seaward Kaikoura Range.

   You'll regroup for lunch and then ride the newly developed Kaikoura cycle trail following the perimeter of the plains under the towering peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges and Mt Fyffe. The trail takes a mix of single track and quiet country roads, some gravel and some paved, through bush and open farmland giving many glimpses of the ocean from above. You'll return to your hotel and are free to make your own dinner arrangements.

   Cycling Options: Standard : 29km, +198m, 52% easy unpaved Avid :44km, +372m, 56% unpaved, including moderate single track Hiking Distance: Kaikoura Peninsula Walk - 4km
   

   • 18 - 27.3 miles
   • Kaikoura Hotel
   • Breakfast

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     Explore Kaikoura

     Spend some time exploring this wildlife-rich spot

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     Walk Kaikoura

     Take a refreshing stroll to Kaikoura peninsula

3. Day 3Kaikoura to Molesworth Valley

   Today you'll leave Kaikoura early and drive north to the start of the Awatere valley (approx 1.5 hours) with a short stop at Ohau Point lookout to see fur seals on the rocks below. The next 3 days you'll travel through stunning backcountry wilderness including the Molesworth Station, which at 180,787 hectares, is New Zealand's biggest farm and supports the country's largest herd of beef cattle, as well as almost 30 endemic plant species. The journey to Hanmer Springs follows the Awatere River, then crosses Wards Pass to follow the Acheron to its confluence with the Clarence River.

   You'll set off riding along the wide Awatere Valley, surrounded by vineyards. You'll climb up the valley, through rolling farmscapes where the road turns to gravel and become dwarfed by the impressive Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku (2885m) and the massive Inland Kaikoura Ranges. After a steep climb, you'll reach the top of Upcot Saddle, you'll get a short downhill respite before another climb over a higher saddle brings you to Middlehurst Station, and your comfortable accommodation in the upper valley.

   e-Bike riders will need to use their battery power conservatively or risk running out of power. Riders will need the fitness and skills to not rely on 'boost mode'. Please speak to your guides for ways to preserve your battery life. No spare batteries are carried nor available.The support vehicle will always be nearby for anyone who wants a breather or wants to cycle a shorter distance.

   Tonight's farm stay has shared bathroom facilities. You will be welcomed by our hosts with platters and drinks followed by a hearty evening meal prepared by the onsite chef.

   Cycling Options: Standard : Medway Rd to Middlehurst Station - 56km, +1325m 100% gravel Avid : Blairich Reserve to Middlehurst Station - 68km, +1452m 83% gravel (std bikes only)
   

   • 34.8 - 42.3 miles
   • Middlehurst Station
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
4. Day 4Middlehurst Station - 4WD Excursion

   Today, you enjoy a day off the bikes at Middlehurst Station, starting with a 4WD excursion into the high backcountry. Guided by your hosts, you will learn about life on the farm, hear interesting stories, and discover the history of the property while experiencing incredible remote scenery. You stop for 'Smoko' at one of the historic musters huts and have the chance to spot wildlife grazing on the vast skylines.
   
   You return to the beautiful Middlehurst Station by mid-afternoon. Then, you have free time to relax and soak in a hot tub surrounded by the stunning mountainous environment before enjoying another delicious home-cooked evening meal.
   
   

   • Middlehurst Station
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
5. Day 5Molesworth Valley to Hanmer Springs

   After breakfast, you bid farewell to your hosts and ride into Molesworth Station, savouring the remoteness of the spectacular landscape. Leaving Middlehurst, you pass the original cob homestead built by John Murphy in 1866 and the gateway to the vast Molesworth Station. You climb to Wards Pass (1145m) and continue across the 250-hectare expanse of Isolated Flat, an outwash plain bounded by the Awatere Fault. From January to April, tall white gentian flowers and blue borage bloom colorfully among clumps of short tussock and pasture grass.
   
   Flanked by mountain ranges, the road follows the Acheron River to the historic Acheron House, built in 1863 as an overnight stopover during the early stock droving days. Upon reaching the mighty Clarence River, you drive over Jacks Pass and descend into Hanmer Springs, your destination for the night. After settling into your comfortable accommodation, you have the option to head to the thermal hot pools for a well-deserved soak in the therapeutic waters. You meet again in the evening for your final group dinner to celebrate the week's cycling achievements.

   Cycling Options: Standard : The Official Molesworth Road : 59km, +727m, 100% gravel Avid : Middlehurst to Acheron Accommodation, including Std ride : 80km, 1173m, 100% gravel
   

   • 36.7 - 49.7 miles
   • Hanmer Springs Accommodation
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
6. Day 6Waipara Valley and return to Christchurch

   Hanmer Springs is a hub for mountain biking and hiking, and a great place to rest, relax and enjoy the mountain air. Today you'll have a choice to ride or walk and to revisit the hot pools depending on energy levels.

   Cycle Option: Enjoy riding the tracks in Hanmer Forest, ranging from easy to more technical trails.
   

   Hiking Option: A short relaxed walk takes you through the forest to a lookout at Conical Hill.
   

   After enjoying a coffee and snack, you leave Hanmer late in the morning and head to a boutique vineyard in Waipara, for a tasting and platter lunch. It's a perfect way to celebrate all you've experienced and achieved. Your final experience is a visit to Iron Ridge Quarry Park, a magical wonderland with stunning sculptures set against a carefully curated native garden, all under the shadow of breathtaking limestone hills. Here, you'll enjoy a guided walk hosted by the owner and sculptor, Raymond Herber. Afterward, you have a final hour's drive back to Christchurch, with an expected arrival around 5 pm and a drop-off in the city centre.
   

   
   

   • Breakfast and Lunch