Southern Alps Epic

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Arrival in Nelson Township

   Welcome to this little slice of Paradise called New Zealand! Today, the tour operator will be offering airport pick-ups at 2:45 p.m. They will then transfer you to your accommodation in the charming, artsy town of Nelson. After settling into your room, you are encouraged to unwind and rest up for the adventure ahead!
   
   Before dinner, you’ll meet in the lobby to assemble bikes so they are ready for shredding in the morning.
   
   Tonight, you’ll get together for a group dinner and go over the epic adventure ahead!
   

   • Nelson Accommodation
   • Dinner
2. Day 2Old Ghost Road Ride and Heli-bike to Kirwans Track

   After an early start, you’ll head west to the ghost town of Lyell and get ready for a good climb up part of the Old Ghost Road.
   
   Here, you’re heading into New Zealand’s newest and epic backcountry singletracks ever made. You’ll ride up a well-graded incline of awesome singletrack, through magical forests and alpine ridgelines of the wild west coast. The Old Ghost Road is NZ’s longest singletrack, comprising of an impressive rugged 87 kms in total. Today, you’ll ride and enjoy a stunning part of it!
   
   This afternoon, you’ll head over to the real wild west of New Zealand, and gear up to fly high in a helicopter! You’ll strap the bikes up and set off in style to the top of The Victoria Range to a sweet hut perched in pure beauty overlooking endless ridgelines of west coast wilderness at its finest!
   
   You’ll be on top of the world!
   
   Please Note: Weather and/or riding abilities may dictate the heli-bike to be changed to the Croesus Track. Heavy rain does not allow the chopper to go up here.
   
   Please Note: The Heli-biking experience requires all bikes to be strapped securely to a rope that hangs under the chopper in flight. Although the bikes are packed with care, it is likely for the bikes to shift during air transport creating scratches on the bikes paint. If you are concerned with your bike getting scratched, you have the option of wrapping your bike in a foam pad which the tour operator will supply, and you will then be responsible for riding out with the foam pad in your backpack.
   
   
   

   • Backcountry Hut
   • Breakfast and Lunch

   • 

     Try Heli-biking

     Get stuck into an epic adventure and fly high with your bike

3. Day 3Kirwans Track Epic Adventure Descent

   Rising to the smell of fresh brewed coffee and great views, you’ll test your brakes out for an awesome mission ahead!
   
   You’ll be enjoying an 1100 m descent down the premier Kirwans Track. You’ll flow through stunning Beach tree and Fern Gully forests on this epic technical descent!
   
   After the ride, you’ll hop in the shuttle and drive down the Grey Valley heading inland, up and over the Southern Alps to the Craigieburn Forest.
   

   • Craigieburn Accommodation
   • Lunch
4. Day 4Craigieburn, The Edge, The Luge, Dracophyllum and Hogsback

   Rising to the high dry mountains, you’ll get back in the saddle for some epic riding in Craigieburn Forest.
   
   Tackling an uphill gravel road to the bottom of Craigieburn Ski Field, you’ll take a short rest before heading down the well-named Edge trail which leads on to a track called “The Luge”. After the Luge, a short uphill is followed by the new Dracophyllum and Hogsback Track. This is New Zealand’s singletrack at its best mates… a real hoot – sweet singletrack all the way!
   
   You’ll rest your muscles as you drive to the high dry McKenzie Country to the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, also home to the clearest skies in the world!
   

   • Lake Tekapo Lodgings
   • Breakfast and Lunch
5. Day 5Lake Tekapo and The Hobbit

   Waking to the beauty and stunning landscapes of the Mackenzie Country, there is an inspiring singletrack ride to warm up with, which flows through native Tussocks along with incredible views of the turquoise tainted Lake Tekapo.
   
   You’ll then move onto a secret gem of a ride which flows through the best alpine views the South Island has to offer. Imagine riding through high peaks, sheep and flowers on a super fun cross country ride, ending with a cold beer (or two)!
   
   You’ll ride to your unique accommodation tonight – you’ll be staying in a converted shearer’s quarters with views to die for. It doesn’t get more Kiwi than this mates!
   

   • Converted Shearer’s Quarters
   • Breakfast and Lunch
6. Day 6Lake Wanaka Rides

   After leaving this breathtaking place, you’ll head down to Central Otago, home to semi desert-like landscapes, great Pinot Noirs and amazing riding.
   
   You’ll enjoy another postcard drive as you head over the Lindis Pass, and on to the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka. Here, you’ll spend the afternoon riding some amazing, fast, flowing singletrack made by the keen local mountain bike community. You’ll ride Dean’s Bank, a flowy and fun local ride.
   
   After the ride and a cold brew, you’ll make your way up to the Cardona Valley and over to the adventure tourism capital of the world known as Queenstown!
   

   • Queenstown Accommodation
   • Breakfast and Lunch
7. Day 7Skippers Canyon, Rude Rock and Zoot Track

   The ride of choice around these parts starts up on Coronet Peak, offering spectacular views over the Wakatipu Basin.
   
   You’ll enjoy a few laps on the epic downhill track known as Rude Rock, before flowing onto the Skippers Canyon Pack Track. You’ll shred down into the remote Skippers Canyon, before climbing out onto the classic Zoot Track.
   
   After smiling from ear to ear from these incredible trails, you’ll enjoy some free time in the afternoon for whatever adrenaline activities that catch your eye (there are heaps in Queenstown).
   
   Tonight, you’ll have a final farewell dinner and drinks!
   

   • Queenstown Accommodation
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
8. Day 8Queenstown Goodbyes

   The last morning of the trip!
   
   High five your new riding pals and say your goodbyes until next time. Sob, weep, waaaaa!
   
   Today, your Guides will be offering drop-offs to the Queenstown Airport at 10:00 a.m. or to your hotel of choice in Queenstown by 11:00 a.m.
   
   Until next time!
   

   • Breakfast