Aoraki/Mount Cook & Southern Lakes Gravel

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Christchurch Port Hills

   Welcome to Ōtautahi Christchurch! Today, you'll find your cycling legs with a warm-up ride along the stunning Port Hills overlooking Banks Peninsula. You'll follow the paved Summit Road around the crater rim of an extinct volcano, enjoying panoramic views of the city, the snowy Southern Alps, and the vivid blue Lyttelton harbor. Ride out to Godley Head, where the relics of the WWII defense battery overlook the Pacific Ocean, before heading towards the port town of Lyttelton. Your ride then follows the coastline, featuring plenty of short climbs and fun descents between bays.

   Upon reaching Governor's Bay, you'll load up the bikes at the jetty and hop in the van to drive back to Christchurch, arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon. There will be time to explore the central city before meeting for your first group dinner in the evening.
   

    Cycling Stats: up to 52km, +857m (100% Paved)

   
   

   • 32.3 miles
   • 2,811.7 ft
     2,811.7 ft
   • Pavilions Hotel, Christchurch
   • Lunch and Dinner

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     Pavilions Hotel, Christchurch

     Spend the first night in comfortable, central accommodation in Christchurch

2. Day 2Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

   After breakfast, you will drive across the Canterbury Plains to beyond the rural town of Geraldine. You will cycle along quiet rural roads getting your first taste of gravel, past small farmlets and communities nestled amongst gently rolling hills. You'll pass through limestone country with some interesting rock formations and follow the Opihi River.

   In the afternoon you will explore more quiet rural roads with a photo stop at the historic St Davids Church at Raincliff before a gentle climb takes you to Lake Opuha, where the cycling ends for today. You will then transfer to your accommodation at Lake Tekapo, a beautiful destination amongst the snow-capped alps and turquoise coloured glacial lakes. There could be time to take a dip in the hot pools or visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd before a group dinner together.

   Cycling Stats: 86km, +1,144m, (33% Paved, 67% Gravel)
   
   
   

   • 53.4 miles
   • 3,753.3 ft
     3,753.3 ft
   • Accommodation at Lake Tekapo
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
3. Day 3Lake Tekapo to Aoraki/Mount Cook

   Today’s ride starts on the outskirts of Lake Tekapo where you'll head into vast, isolated tussock country with snow-capped mountains beckoning ahead. A scenic gravel road leads you through remote sheep stations before a gradual descent brings you to shimmering Lake Pukaki with your first view of the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook. You'll follow the lake shore and join the Alps to Ocean cycle trail, enjoying an easy flowing ride as you round the bottom of the lake. You'll cross the wide-open Pukaki Flats to reach the hydro town of Twizel where the ride ends.

   After lunch, the bikes will be loaded up and you'll drive into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park where you will be awed by NZ’s highest peaks. Once you arrive in Mount Cook township, there will be an opportunity to take a walk to see amazing panoramic views. Choose between a climb to the Red Tarns or a shorter walk to Kea Point. You can also visit the Edmund Hilary Museum or interesting visitor information centre before making your own dinner arrangements. Be sure to admire the setting sun on the Southern Alps and take in the vast starry skies after dark.

   Cycling Stats: 62km, +269m (17% Paved, 83% Gravel)

   
   

   • 38.5 miles
   • 882.5 ft
     882.5 ft
   • Local Accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
4. Day 4Aoraki/Mount Cook to Lake Ohau

   This morning, you'll begin with a walk up the renowned Hooker Valley. Following an easy path and crossing impressive swing bridges, you'll hike beneath towering summits, including the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook, until reaching a serene glacial lake. Here, you'll pause for refreshments amidst the awe-inspiring scenery. After retracing your steps, you'll return to the van and transfer to the southern end of Lake Pukaki to continue your journey by bike.

   This afternoon's ride takes you alongside vivid blue canals towards the beautiful Lake Ohau. Following a fun cycle trail, you'll speed around the lake shore to your lodge accommodation for the night. Relax on the deck with a glass of wine and take in the stunning lake and alpine views.

   Hiking Distance: 10km (mostly flat) Cycling Stats: 41km, +245m (58% Paved, 42% Gravel)

   
   

   • 25.5 - 62.8 miles
   • 803.8 ft
     803.8 ft
   • Lake Ohau Lodge
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Lake Ohau Lodge

     Rest for the night at this epic location next to the lake

5. Day 5Lake Ohau to Oamaru

   Consider starting your day with an optional early morning dip in the lake before embarking on the longest ride of the tour (so far). You'll head away from the Alps and cycle towards the Pacific Ocean, beginning near the Benmore Dam. The route takes you along a quiet back road around the picturesque Lake Aviemore, part of the impressive Waitaki Hydro Electric scheme, crossing the dams at either end of the lake. You will rejoin the Alps to Ocean trail through Kurow, continuing past the unique formations of Elephant Rocks and finishing the ride in the settlement of Windsor, before a short drive into the historic Victorian town of Oamaru. Oamaru boasts some of New Zealand's oldest and most beautifully restored buildings, along with a thriving art scene. You can explore the creative Steampunk Museum, visit the Penguin colony (best seen at dusk), and enjoy fresh seafood for dinner.

   Cycling Stats: 108km, +854m (43% Paved, 57% Gravel)

   
   

   • 67.1 - 55.3 miles
   • 2,801.8 ft
     2,801.8 ft
   • Oamaru Accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
6. Day 6Oamaru to Ranfurly

   Today's ride takes you into the heart of Central Otago, starting with a climb over Macrae's Pass, which rewards with sweeping views of the Taieri Plains. Departing from the rural town of Palmerston, you'll travel through farming country to reach New Zealand’s largest operational gold mine and the historic settlement of Macraes, established in the 1850s. You'll pause for a break at the historic Stanleys Hotel before a fast descent leads you to Hyde, where you'll join the iconic Central Otago Rail Trail. The smooth, flat gravel trail allows you to make quick progress into Ranfurly, passing interesting railway relics, riding through gorges, and crossing old viaducts. Tonight, there's an option to go curling in Naseby (at your own expense) at the Southern Hemisphere’s only indoor ice rink, followed by a relaxing jacuzzi and a traditional Kiwi BBQ at our lodge.

   Cycling Stats: 91km, +1374m (46% Paved, 54% Gravel)

   
   

   • 56.5 miles
   • 4,507.9 ft
     4,507.9 ft
   • Local Accommodation
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
7. Day 7Ranfurly to Queenstown

   The final day celebrates classic gravel riding as you continue riding along the Central Otago Rail Trail. This easy trail takes you through wide open landscapes, allowing you to discover the pioneering history of the region. As you ride over numerous viaducts, railway tunnels, and hand-dug cuttings, you'll admire the craftsmanship of the early settlers. Reaching the highest point of the trail, you'll cycle through the scenic Ida Valley and the Pooleburn Gorge, to arrive at the historic village of Ophir. The ride concludes in Alexandra, where you can toast the week's cycling achievements at a local cafe before driving to Queenstown. In Queenstown, you'll say your farewells and drop you off in the downtown area. With its spectacular scenery and multitude of adventurous activities, it is worth staying an extra day or two in this vibrant town.

   Cycling Stats: 84km, +485m (100% Gravel)
   

   • 52.2 miles
   • 1,591.2 ft
     1,591.2 ft
   • Breakfast and Lunch

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     Queenstown

     Arrive in picturesque and exciting Queenstown at the end of the tour