Difficulty Gradings

The following level of difficulty gradings have been designed to help you assess which tours will be ideal for your level of fitness and technical ability.

Biking tours

Please note that we have vehicle back up on our bike tours – the tour support vehicle will be travelling nearby, ready to provide you with the opportunity to ride out parts (or all) of each ride in our vehicle if you are not feeling up to it.


Grade 1

Grade 1
Routes on flat/slight incline terrain such as a rail trail (disused rail corridor). Surface likely to be compact gravel, which could be a little rough in places. Distances cycled around 40-50km per day. For this grade we recommend an average level of fitness. 
Bike the Otago Rail Trail
Bike the Wild West Coast

Grade 2

Grade 2
Routes generally on mildly undulating quiet rural country roads. Surfaces range from seal to gravel, with some gravel areas rough in places. Distances cycled around 40-50km per day. For this grade we recommend an average level of fitness.
Bike Mackenzie Country
Bike Canterbury's Backcountry 

Grade 3

Grade 3
Routes generally on mild to moderately undulating quiet rural country roads. Surfaces range from seal to gravel, with some gravel areas rough in places. Distances cycled around 40-60km per day. For this grade we recommend an above average level of fitness.
Bike Molesworth Station

Grade 4

Grade 4
Routes which may include mild to moderately undulating rural country roads and bike trails, with some areas of off road 'single track'. Surfaces range from seal to gravel, with some gravel areas rough and possibly corrugated. Distances cycled around 40-60km per day. For this grade we recommend an above average level of fitness.

Walking tours

Please note that our walking tours are operated with two tour guides, and so we are able to offer a spectrum of Grade 1/2/3 walking options on most tours. See tour itinerary for specific walks grades.


Grade 1

Grade 1
Walks on well formed walking trails or beaches with a mostly even surface, possibly with some slopes or steps. Distances walked average 5 - 10km, with a 50-150m altitude gain. For this grade we recommend an average level of fitness. Light footwear (cross trainers or tevas) suitable.

Grade 2

Grade 2
Walks on well formed walking trails with some slopes or steps. There may be muddy patches, tree roots and rocks to negotiate. Distances walked average 5 - 12km, with a 150-300m altitude gain. For this grade we recommend an average level of fitness. Supportive footwear (boots) recommended.

Grade 3

Grade 3
Walks on walking trails with some steep slopes or steps. There may be muddy patches, tree roots, minor stream crossings and rocks to negotiate. Distances walked average 5 - 12km, with a 300-650m altitude gain. For this grade we recommend an above average level of fitness. Supportive footwear (boots) essential.

Grade 4

Grade 4
Walks on partially formed walking trails with some steep slopes or steps. There may be muddy patches, tree roots, stream crossings and rocks to negotiate. Distances walked average 5 - 15km, with a 300-650+m altitude gain. For this grade we recommend an above average level of fitness and a good amount of walking experience. Supportive footwear (boots) essential.