Premium West Coast Wilderness and Kawatiri Cycle

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Christchurch to Lake Mahinapua via TranzAlpine train, West Coast Wilderness Trail Ross to Mahinapua

   You'll begin early in Christchurch, heading to the railway station for this world-class ride. Your guide will drive to the Christchurch train station in time for the TranzAlpine Train (with an optional upgrade available to first-class level comforts of "ScenicPlus"). Rated as one of the top train rides in the world, this is an unforgettable journey across the Southern Alps arriving in Greymouth around 1pm. Lunch is on your own today which can be taken at the scenic cafe on the train.

   Upon crossing the Southern Alps, you'll arrive at the historic gold mining town of Ross, nestled against ranges covered in lush native bush. After a group photo at the official West Coast Wilderness picture frame, gear up for the first ride along the trail. Leaving Ross, cross the historic Totara River railway bridge, built in 1908, and follow an old tramway through native bush, wetlands, and former mill sites before reaching the picturesque Lake Mahinapua. Welcoming hosts will greet the group at the first night’s accommodation, where everyone will embark on a sunset cruise. Take in the serene beauty of the Mahinapua waterways with stunning views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps in the background. The day will end with a delicious evening meal prepared by our hosts. 

   • 17.4 miles
   • Lake Mahinapua Waterway Accommodation
   • Dinner

   • 

     Lake Mahinapua Luxury Cottages

     Hidden away beside the verdant Lake Mahinapua Waterways, the cottages are beautifully furnished with their own bathroom and kitchen facilities

2. Day 2Lake Mahinapua to Hokitika via West Coast Wilderness Trail to Lake Kaniere, Hokitika Gorge

   After breakfast, you’ll make your way toward Hokitika before riding inland through peaceful rural countryside to the bush-lined Kaniere Water Race—a favourite section known for its gentle flow and the soothing sound of running water. Surrounded by forested foothills, Lake Kaniere soon comes into view—an impressive and serene sight. You’ll trace the lake’s shoreline until you reach the small township of Kokatahi, where you’ll pause for a relaxing picnic lunch.
   
   Next, you’ll visit the stunning Hokitika Gorge. A short walkway and two dramatic swing bridges give you multiple viewpoints of the gorge’s granite boulders and mesmerising turquoise waters. After soaking in the views, you’ll return to Hokitika, a charming little town celebrated for its arts and crafts, pounamu (greenstone), and local glasswork. You’ll have time to wander, explore, and perhaps take a stroll along the wild beach—scattered with driftwood sculptures—where the sunsets are nothing short of spectacular.

   • 27.3 miles
   • Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Discover Hokitika

     Stay and explore this beautiful arty town with the driftwood beach framing the view

   • 

     Beachfront Hotel

     Overlooking the beach, the stunning Beachfront Hotel is located in central Hokitika, with beach combing, shopping, artisan shops and galleries right on the doorstep

3. Day 3Hokitika to Kumara via West Coast Wilderness Trail Lake Kaniere to Kumara

   Today, you’ll return to Lake Kaniere and continue riding through the lush bush trails of the West Coast Wilderness Trail. You’ll start out on quiet rural roads before joining a dedicated cycleway that leads you to a well-earned coffee stop in Milltown—a place once known for its sawmilling past.
   
   From there, the trail takes you across a swing bridge and into a challenging yet rewarding series of switchbacks. After about a kilometre of climbing, you’ll reach the day’s high point—followed by a long, thrilling descent. You’ll cruise along water races, forested paths, and quiet reservoir roads, all while taking in sweeping views of the West Coast’s wild and beautiful landscape.
   
   Your day ends in the historic town of Kumara, where you’ll settle in for the night at the charming Theatre Royal Hotel—full of old-world character and warm hospitality.

   • 29.8 miles
   • Theatre Royal Hotel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Theatre Royal Hotel

     Your home for the night is the West Coast's only fully restored gold miners' hotel, and once world-renowned theatre. The historic gold rush hotel features six themed ensuite rooms

4. Day 4Kumara to Punakaiki via West Coast Wilderness Trail Kumara to Greymouth, Pororari River and Pancake Rocks

   Your final day on the West Coast Wilderness Trail begins with a ride along the old tramway out of Kumara, then heads north toward Greymouth along a scenic mix of riverside and coastal pathways. If the weather’s clear, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Southern Alps trailing behind you down the coast—a memorable send-off.
   
   Once you arrive in Greymouth, you’ll enjoy a relaxed café lunch, followed by free time to explore the town or visit the historic Monteith’s Brewery for a local brew and a taste of West Coast heritage.
   
   In the afternoon, you’ll take a stunning drive up the coastal highway into Paparoa National Park. First, you’ll walk alongside the Pororari River through a dramatic limestone gorge, following a 3.5 km trail to a suspension bridge before returning the same way. Then, cap off the day with a gentle stroll around Punakaiki’s Dolomite Point, where the famous Pancake Rocks and powerful blowholes put on a spectacular natural show.

   • 19.3 miles
   • Scenic Punakaiki Hotel
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Pororari River Gorge

     Take a walk into this lush and verdant terrain

   • 

     Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

     This well appointed 4 star hotel is located right on the beachfront with views of the ocean, Punakaiki Beach and surrounding rainforest and is minutes from the famous pancake rocks

5. Day 5Punakaiki to Cape Foulwind via Truman Track, West Coast Rainforest Railway, Te Ananui Cave and Cape Foulwind Walkway

   After breakfast, you’ll head north out of Punakaiki and follow the trail to the Truman Track, where a short walk through lush sub-tropical forest leads you to a rugged, windswept beach. From there, you’ll drive along a quiet coastal road, enjoying dramatic views from high above the wild West Coast shoreline as the route winds inland toward the peaceful township of Charleston.
   
   In Charleston, you’ll join a unique adventure into an underground world of calcite formations, sculpted canyons, and one of the most dazzling glowworm displays on the planet. Your journey begins aboard a rainforest train through the Nile River Canyon, followed by a guided walk—illuminated only by head torch—deep into the spectacular Te Ananui cave system. Inside, you’ll marvel at vast chambers and a galaxy of glowworms lighting up the darkness. To take part, you’ll need to be sure-footed, comfortable walking for two hours, and able to climb 135 steps.
   
   Once you return to daylight, you’ll travel to Tauranga Bay, a renowned surf beach, for one final walk along the stunning Cape Foulwind walkway. This gentle trail takes you high above coastal bluffs to a fur seal colony and onward to the Cape Foulwind lighthouse, offering sweeping ocean views.
   
   Your final night is spent out on the Cape, where you’ll take in dramatic coastal sunsets and enjoy a special group dinner—reflecting on your unforgettable West Coast journey.

   • Omau Settlers Lodge, Cape Foulwind
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Cape Foulwind Walkway Views

     Take a walk around this stunning spot on day 5

   • 

     Omau Settlers Lodge

     Perched on a cliff top on the edge of isolated Cape Foulwind, with vast views of the wild Tasman Sea and Paparoa Ranges, the lodge offers comfortable studio units with king sized beds

6. Day 6Cape Foulwind to Christchurch via Kawatiri Trail, Reefton, Lewis Pass

   After breakfast, you’ll set off to test ride the new Kawatiri Cycle Trail from Tauranga Bay to Westport. While some sections are still under development, you’ll follow quiet roads that give you a true taste of this breathtaking route. The trail weaves alongside the crashing surf, through pockets of native forest and wetlands, and across suspension bridges and boardwalks.
   
   From Tauranga Bay, you’ll climb gently for 3 km to the lighthouse, then continue along the road with a smooth descent to Carters Beach. The final 5.5 km takes you off-road again, following the Buller River right into the heart of Westport. Here, you’ll stop for a well-earned coffee and soak in your last moments on the West Coast.
   
   Then it’s time to begin your journey back to Christchurch. You’ll follow the mighty Buller (Kawatiri) River inland, winding through the bush-covered Buller Gorge until you reach the historic town of Reefton. There, you’ll have time for lunch and a chance to explore a town once famous for being the first in the Southern Hemisphere to have electric street lighting. Today, it’s also home to the celebrated Reefton Distilling Co., where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and tasting of their award-winning gins.
   
   From Reefton, you’ll head over the Southern Alps via the scenic Lewis Pass, arriving back in Christchurch by early evening—your adventure complete, with a head full of memories and a heart full of the West Coast.
   
   

   • 11.8 miles
   • Breakfast