Indulge your passion for good wine and fine dining and join this leisurely 2-day wine and cycle tour exploring charming Canterbury. Soak in the hot outdoor thermal spa at Hanmer Springs and enjoy the peaceful ambience as you cycle through the landscape. Take advantage of quiet country roads and relax in the knowledge that a support vehicle will carry your wine purchases making for a great short, stress-free break in beautiful New Zealand.
This two-day trip is designed for those who enjoy a good standard of accommodation, excellent cuisine and wine combined with gentle exercise. The terrain is flat, the scenery excellent and your luggage will be transported in a support vehicle.
The tour starts and ends in Christchurch, (pop. 350,000) New Zealand's cycling capital. It is an attractive city with the river Avon winding its way through the centre bordered by weeping willows and has an excellent botanical garden at Hagley Park. You will be driven out of the city to commence cycling to get you on your way out on rural, peaceful roads. There is a short section of unpaved road – a hybrid bike is more suitable than a road bike. Cycle as little or as much as you wish each day, the shuttle minibus will always be available.
You will cycle to a succession of vineyards on your way to Hanmer Springs, an attractive village set in a natural amphitheatre. There are hot mineral pools near your lodging and the opportunity to try bungy jumping or jet-boating if you so desire. You will enjoy delightful riding along a quiet valley on day 2 with lunch at a vineyard. Spend the afternoon meandering along quiet roads past more vineyards and the historic steam train at Waikari, before being whisked back to Christchurch at the end of the day.
*For group bookings of 4 people, each guest will receive a discount.