Bike Canterbury's Backcountry

5 days | starts/finishes in Christchurch

Bike Canterbury's Backcountry tour explores a huge and sparsely populated area of the South Island made up of braided river valleys, crystal clear lakes, dramatic snow-clad mountain ranges and high country stations. Whether biking or catching a ride in the support vehicle, you will experience some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, made famous by the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The Grade 2 rated rides range from 23 - 50 km per day, however they are all flexible depending on the conditions. You'll experience the beauty of Lake Coleridge and bike along the impressive Rakaia and Rangitata river valleys. As well as the biking there is ample opportunity to see some of the historic high country stations such as Mesopotamia and Erewhon. At Erewhon Station, home of the working horse, there is the option of taking a buggy ride drawn by the stations mighty Clydesdale horses around the station. You'll visit interesting scenic reserves and wildlife areas and stay in cosy, well equipped high country lodges nestled in amongst the Southern Alps. A truly extraordinary Canterbury backcountry biking experience.

See the complete itinerary below...

Day 1 Christchurch - Lake Coleridge

We collect you from your central city accommodation before heading to our bike depot on the city fringe to fit you out with your hire bike. Once we have our gear sorted, we head west across the plains towards the Torlesse Range through Springfield. After a stop for morning tea we continue to Lake Lyndon where we begin the first ride of the day through the Torlesse Tussocklands Reserve. Relax with a picnic lunch along side one of the small picturesque high country lakes. Explore the iconic Coleridge fishing village and the little known hydro diversion scheme in the area. Later in the afternoon we make our way to Lake Coleridge township and our Lodge accommodation for the evening. (L/D)

Day 2 Lake Coleridge - Glenfalloch

After a short drive we begin our day’s biking on some isolated rural roads with spectacular views of the Rakaia River, one of the largest braided rivers in New Zealand and famous for its Salmon fishing. After lunch we continue up to the remote headwaters of the Rakaia to Glenfalloch Station set in a valley and surrounded with impressive mountain ranges. We have a chance to appreciate this beautiful setting and settle in to our lodge accommodation for the night. (B/L/D)

Day 3 Glenfalloch - lake Heron - Mount Somers

The morning’s biking starts at the station and gives us an appreciation of the station country and the spectacular scenery of this special area. We enjoy picnic stops and photo opportunities along the way before we head to Mt Somers for lunch. After lunch a short drive takes us to the start of our afternoon ride - up through the Ashburton Gorge. This area of the Canterbury back country is dotted with many picturesque lakes, remnants of ancient glaciers. The largest of these is Lake Heron, sitting at 700m above sea level and a key habitat for the endangered Crested Grebe. Then we head back to our accommodation for the next two evenings in the tiny village of Mt Somers. (B/L)

Day 4 The Rangitata - Peel Forest - Mesopotamia

Today’s journey firstly takes us south to the Rangitata River Valley and the Peel Forest Reserve. Take a short walk in the reserve to appreciate the magnificent old podocarps that once covered this landscape. We continue up the mighty braided Rangitata River valley with sweeping views of the Two Thumbs Range and Southern Alps in all directions. Pass through historical Canterbury high country stations, enjoying plenty of refreshment and photo stops along the way. We bike on to the historical Mesopotamia Station, nestled in the centre of middle earth, and take in the breathtaking scenery at the headwaters of the Rangitata. After the days biking we head back to our lodgings for the evening, in the village of Mt Somers. (B/L/D)

Day 5 Mt Somers - Erewhon - Christchurch

This morning we drive a short distance up the Ashburton Gorge to Lake Clearwater - a popular fishing lake with the old style kiwi baches a feature of the settlement. We begin our ride here and wind our way along the tussock strewn landscape towards Mt Potts and Mt Sunday, experiencing more of the middle earth wonder of the Southern Alps. There is an opportunity to take a walk [unguided] up Mt Sunday which was the set for Edoras, the fortress city of the Rohan people in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Nothing remains of the set, but the views of the surrounding countryside are stunning. Lastly we visit Erewhon Station, the famous Clydesdale Horse stud situated right at the top of the Rangitata River. The station still uses their Clydesdale horse teams for much of their farm work. We take a horse and buggy tour on the station giving us an appreciation of strength and utility of these beautiful animals. Mid afternoon we begin our drive back to Christchurch arriving around 6pm. (B/L)

Included in the tour package:

All prices are in New Zealand dollars and include New Zealand Goods & Services Tax of 15%. The fare includes just about everything including: 4 nights accommodation; 3 evening meals, 5 lunches, 4 breakfasts and plenty of healthy snacks in between (as indicated on the itinerary - B/L/D); a friendly knowledgeable guide; wagon ride at Erewhon Station; all transport and vehicle support; and bike repair support.

Not included in the tour price is wine and beer; one evening meal; optional bike hire ($170)