Bike the Wild West Coast

5 days | starts/finishes in Christchurch

The upper west coast region of the South Island is characterised by driftwood strewn beaches pounded by the wild relentless surf, tropical lush nikau forests, and vast misty beech forests dotted with eerie still lakes. We travel the wild west coast and enjoy up to 170km of easy Grade 1 rated biking over 5 days, featuring a range of coastal, nikau, and beech forest rides. The Buller and Grey Districts are entrenched in the history of our early pioneers – gold and coal miners, saw-millers, loggers and farmers - and we gain a fascinating insight into the stories of these pioneers as we travel through the area. The ‘coasters’ of today proudly maintain their heritage and meeting the local people is a real highlight.

We take the time to explore the gold mining town of Reefton and the relics of the Coast’s last great gold strike at Waiuta. We visit the former coal mining town of Denniston and view the spectacular incline. Discover the unspoilt rainforest and immense limestone arches of the Oparara Basin, north of Karamea. Enjoy the arty vibe and Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, and the relaxed resort feel of Moana, nestled on the shores of Lake Brunner. Top your experience off with a ride on the world renowned TranzAlpine Train, over Arthur’s Pass and back to Christchurch.

This tour is a blend of easy cycling and exploration into a part of New Zealand well off the beaten track, and often described as ‘the last frontier’.

See the complete itinerary below...

Day 1 Christchurch - Reefton

After collecting you from your accommodation and completing bike hire fittings at the PureTrails depot, the tour gets underway as we head through North Canterbury and over the Lewis Pass. Our first bike ride [17-26km] begins shortly after our picnic lunch, on a quiet narrow road that descends through beech forest into the Victoria Conservation Park. The sounds of the native birds are amazing, and we get good views of the surrounding mountains as we cross areas of open farmland. After the ride we drive a short distance to Reefton and our accommodation for the night. Take some time to explore this fascinating town, the first in NZ to have a public electricity supply (from 1888), and meet the resident larger-than-life ‘Bearded Miners’. Enjoy the ambience of the town over dinner at the local hotel. (L/D)

Day 2 Reefton - Karamea

This morning we travel a short distance to an elevated plateau and the site of the historic gold mining town of Waiuta, regarded as the Coast’s last great gold strike. Many rusty relics remain and there is time to look around before we begin our first ride of the day. Our ride [14km] takes us gently off the plateau through native forest, and out across open farmland of the Grey Valley. Back in the vehicle we drive north to Denniston, via the scenic Buller Gorge and through Westport. We ascend ‘the hill’ to the historic town of Denniston, perched precariously on a coal seam plateau 600m above sea level. Enjoy the magnificent views of the coast below over a picnic lunch. Take the time to read the excellent information panels and explore the settlement, including the engineering feat of the rail incline, before we set off on our second ride of the day. Those looking for an exhilarating challenge are welcome to descend the hill back to the coast in the saddle. Our cycle ride this afternoon follows the quiet coastal road north, which hugs the coastline and passes through a number of interesting settlements, ending at a local pub [<36km]. After the ride we continue in our vehicle over the Karamea Bluff’s to the township of Karamea, in the remote and tropical north. Our accommodation at ‘The Last Resort’ offers quality accommodation and excellent dining. (B/L/D)

Day 3 Karamea - Cape Foulwind

Start the day with a lovely coastal ride on a quiet rural road, fringed between the roaring ocean and the tropical nikau bush, to the start of the Heaphy Track [17km]. Here you can explore the stunning Kohaihai River mouth while we enjoy morning tea. We then leave our bikes for a few hours, and head inland to the remote and stunning Oparara Basin. In recent times this Basin has been identified as an area of outstanding natural significance due to the unspoilt rainforest, magnificent limestone arches and complex cave systems. We spend a few hours here, giving you time to explore the area [unguided] on the network of short walks. Following lunch, it’s back in the saddle for another ride [24km], featuring open farmland and views of the bush clad hills of the Kahurangi National Park. We then head back south, through Westport to Cape Foulwind. Enjoy an evening of welcoming hospitality at a great West Coast tavern across the road from our accommodation. (B/L/D)

Day 4 Cape Foulwind - Moana

This morning we travel the famed and wonderfully scenic ‘coast road’ to Punakaiki. Take some time to explore the arty shops, get a coffee, and view the Pancake Rocks. We then begin our first ride on a narrow and quiet road that follows a river valley lined with a limestone cliff, through lush tropical native bush [12km]. After a picnic lunch by the beach, we head further south through Greymouth, and turn inland to Kumara. Our second ride of the day follows a narrow road clad in towering native bush, which descends to Lake Brunner and along its gentle shores [24km]. We travel a short distance on in our vehicle to the village of Moana and our resort accommodation overlooking the lake. Enjoy a final celebratory meal together at the well known ‘Stationhouse Café’. (B/L)

Day 5 Moana - Christchurch

Today we travel a short distance to another stunning lake hidden amongst the bush, well off the beaten track, and enjoy the last cycle ride of the trip. The route takes us along quiet rural roads, featuring a mix of native bush and open farmland, towards the mountains of the Southern Alps [20km]. We return to Moana where there is plenty of time for a picnic lunch and possibly a swim in the lake, before catching the TranzAlpine train over Arthur’s Pass and back to Christchurch, arriving at approximately 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); the TranzAlpine train; a friendly guide; all transport and vehicle support; and bike repair support.

Not included in the tour price is one evening meal where we eat out at local restaurant; wine and beer (you are welcome to BYO where permitted); and optional bike hire ($170).

Single accommodation is available for an additional surcharge of $300, pending availability.