South Island Gravel Explorer

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Christchurch Port Hills

   Today you’ll find your cycling legs on the spectacular Port Hills, one of New Zealand’s most distinctive landscapes. After a short drive from Christchurch, you'll ease into the day with a gentle lakeside ride before tackling a rewarding climb on sealed roads. Your efforts are richly rewarded at the crater rim of an extinct volcano, where sweeping views stretch across the Canterbury Plains, the snow-capped Southern Alps, and the brilliant blue waters of the harbour.
   
   From here, you’ll follow the undulating and largely traffic-free Summit Road all the way to Godley Head. Perched atop dramatic 120-metre cliffs, this former WWII coastal defence battery offers breathtaking views across the Pacific Ocean. After taking time to explore on foot, you'll return to Christchurch for some downtime before gathering with your fellow riders for your first group dinner.

   75% unpaved

   • 38.5 miles
   • 3,041.3 ft
     3,041.3 ft
   • Lunch and Dinner

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     Look Down over Akaroa

     Spend the first day on a stunning ride of the Banks Peninsula

2. Day 2Cave to Lake Tekapo via Mackenzie Pass

   After breakfast, you'll load up your gear and drive to the small settlement of Cave on the edge of the Canterbury Plains with a coffee stop at Pleasant Point. This area, New Zealand’s only “flat” land, is wide open country with braided rivers teeming with trout and salmon. The Canterbury Plains are also rich in sheep and dairy farming and today’s ride finds you travelling through a pastoral landscape.

   Today the ride takes you up the Little Opawa River Valley and over the Waratah Saddle, winding through rolling farmland. You'll then head towards the tussock covered hills and over the Mackenzie Saddle (785m/2575ft) which cuts through the ranges and gives the first views of the vast arid Mackenzie Country, where rivers flow through sweeping tussock plains with a backdrop of the snowy alps. Then, head northwards to meet the main highway at Dog Kennel Corner, a memorial to the importance of sheep dogs, prior to formal fencing of farmland. Here, you'll load up to drive the final 15km along the main road to Tekapo.

   In early summer this road is lined with lupins creating an incredible splash of colour to the arid landscape. Upon arrival in Lake Tekapo, you can take in views of the amazing turquoise water and the Southern Alps from the Church of the Good Shepherd. Dinner at your leisure tonight. 

   76% unpaved

   • 41 miles
   • 4,242.1 ft
     4,242.1 ft
   • Accommodation in Lake Tekapo
   • Breakfast and Lunch

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     Lake Tekapo

     Cycle the lakes and mountains of NZ's south

3. Day 3Lake Tekapo to Kurow via Hakataramea Pass

   This morning, you retrace your steps by vehicle to Dog Kennel Corner and begin riding from the turnoff marked by a sign pointing towards Hakataramea Pass. On gravel from the outset, you leave civilisation behind and climb towards expansive views beneath an indigo sky. Behind you, Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps dominate the horizon above the vast Mackenzie Basin.
   
   As you approach the pass, the scale of the landscape becomes even more impressive. At 965m above sea level, the pass is marked by a fence line, gate and signposts pointing in both directions. A short winding descent brings you into the broad Hakataramea Valley. The imposing Kirkliston Range rises to the west as you continue through rolling farmland before descending into Kurow, where the Hakataramea and Waitaki Valleys meet and your overnight stop

   54% unpaved

   • 47.2 miles
   • 2,119.4 ft
     2,119.4 ft
   • Accommodation in Kurow
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
4. Day 4Kurow to Oamaru: Alps to Ocean Trail

   Today you'll spend the day on the spectacular Alps to Ocean Trail, riding from Kurow to the coastal town of Oamaru on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. From Kurow, the trail follows the banks of the Waitaki River, passing vineyards and Māori rock art sites before reaching the small town of Duntroon.
   
   From here, you head inland on a mix of trail and quiet rural roads. A walk among the fascinating limestone formations known as Elephant Rocks is a must along the way. After a short section following a former railway line, you'll cycle through Raki's Tunnel before descending into the settlement of Windsor. Following lunch, continue through picturesque rolling countryside, past the Oamaru stone quarry and on to Friendly Bay, marking the end of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. Your accommodation is within easy walking distance of Oamaru's historic precinct and Steampunk HQ.

   88% unpaved

   • 51.6 miles
   • 2,030.8 ft
     2,030.8 ft
   • Accommodation in Oamaru
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
5. Day 5Wedderburn to Alexandra: Otago Central Rail Trail

   Today's terrain follows a former railway line, meaning hard-packed gravel surfaces and gentle gradients make for relatively straightforward riding. The highlight is cycling the best section of New Zealand's original and most famous Great Ride, the Otago Central Rail Trail.
   
   Steeped in history, this off-road trail offers a scenic journey through the heart of Central Otago. The ever-changing landscape features rugged mountains, crystal-clear rivers and dramatic gorges. Keen riders can choose to add an extra 33km by riding directly from the accommodation, while others join the trail at the iconic Wedderburn Station. From there, it's a gradual climb to the highest point of the trail before crossing the impressive Poolburn Viaduct and Manuherikia Bridge and passing through the 229m-long Poolburn Tunnel. With views of the Dunstan Mountains and Raggedy Range, continue on to Alexandra, your home for the next two nights.

   98% unpaved

   • 44.1 miles
   • 1,269.7 ft
     1,269.7 ft
   • Accommodation in Alexandra
   • Breakfast and Lunch

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     Otago Rail Trail

     Bike a classic rails to trail route through Otago

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     Dunstan House - example lodging

     Stay in lovely lodgings throughout the tour

6. Day 6Alexandra to Alexandra: Clutha Gold & Roxburgh Gorge Trails

   Today you ride two outstanding New Zealand Great Rides, the Clutha Gold Trail and Roxburgh Gorge Trail, both following the mighty Clutha River. The day begins with a drive to Beaumont, where you start cycling through the scenic Beaumont Gorge.
   
   Emerging from the gorge, you'll reach the farming settlement of Millers Flat before continuing through riverside landscapes and the orchard country of the Teviot Valley. At the impressive Roxburgh Dam, one trail ends and another begins. Spectacular views across Lake Roxburgh accompany the route as it drops into the gorge and winds through remote valleys and sweeping hill country.
   
   At Elbow Creek, enjoy a gradual descent to Shingle Creek, where a jet boat awaits to take you 13km upriver to Doctor's Point. The second half of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail is equally remote and impressive, featuring historic water races and remnants of the region's gold-mining past before returning to Alexandra.

   85% unpaved

   • 47.8 miles
   • 2,034.1 ft
     2,034.1 ft
   • Accommodation in Alexandra
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
7. Day 7Alexandra to Queenstown via Lake Dunstan Trail

   Today marks the culmination of your adventure as you cycle the iconic Lake Dunstan Trail. This spectacular ride showcases the unique landscapes of Central Otago while following the Clutha River, Kawarau River and the shores of Lake Dunstan.
   
   Your day begins with a pleasant ride along the river trail from Alexandra to Clyde, where you join the Lake Dunstan Trail. From Clyde, you'll pass the historically significant Clyde Dam, which created Lake Dunstan by damming the Clutha River.
   
   The trail's highlight is undoubtedly the dramatic Cromwell Gorge, where you'll ride across ingeniously engineered platforms and bridges suspended above the lake and beneath towering rock faces. Eventually, the trail reaches the Kawarau River at Cornish Point. Passing vineyards and olive groves, you'll cross the Bannockburn Bridge and enter the Cromwell Heritage Precinct for a brief stop to explore.
   
   Following the shores of Lake Dunstan, you'll complete the trail before transferring through the picturesque Kawarau Gorge. Passing the vine-covered slopes of Gibbston Valley and the famous Kawarau Bungy Bridge, you'll arrive in Queenstown, the grand finale of your gravel cycling adventure. You will be dropped at a central location in town.

   • 44.1 miles
   • 2,290 ft
     2,290 ft
   • Breakfast and Lunch

   • 

     Enjoy a Steamship Sailing

     At the end of the trip take a memorable boat trip to the final destination of Queenstown

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     Finish in Queenstown

     Arrive in Q'town feeling great and ready to explore