TRIP DETAILS

This epic 5 day journey takes you coast to coast from the Tasman Sea on the west, over the Southern Alps to the shores of the Pacific Ocean on the east.

Discover NZ's most diverse and remote landscapes through dense rainforests, over rocky mountains, between towering gorges, and along rural plains by bike, foot and raft.

Our experienced guides will lead the way over the iconic Arthur Pass and down the Waimakariri River Gorge - with our support vehicle never far away on the bike stages.

Character-filled towns, atmospheric accommodation and friendly welcomes are all part of the package, as is the passion and local knowledge of our crew.

Join us on this classic Kiwi challenge and tick off this bucket-list adventure.

ITINERARY

day 01

Christchurch to Hokitika via Ross - 15-33km Cycle
Our coast to coast adventure begins early in Christchurch around 8am with a drive across the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass to Hokitika on the West Coast. Before making it all the way to Hokitika, we will hop out of the bus and onto our bikes. After a safety briefing and settling onto our bikes, we start onto the West Coast Wilderness trail as we bike to our accommodation. Once arriving at the the hotel there will be free time to explore the town before our first dinner together. At dinner we will have a briefing about the challenges ahead, the gear that will be needed and also making sure to fuel up for the adventure ahead. Cycling distance: 15 or 33km Accommodation: Hokitika Beachfront Hotel

day 02

Day 2 - Hokitika to Jacksons and Bealey via Camerons - Cycle 5km
A short drive to Camerons Beach will bring us to the start of our first challenge day. After a short walk from the shore of the Tasman Ocean, where we have chance to dip our toes in the sea, we start our journey back to the East Coast. We cross Camerons Beach with vast views of the mountains to our bikes. Our first ride takes us inland along the West Coast Wilderness trail to Kumara where we cross the Taramakau River and follow a mix of sealed and unsealed roads towards Lake Brunner. We cycle through native bush round the lakeside, and then lush valleys with a mountainous backdrop to the small settlement of Jacksons. Here we will hop in the van at Jacksons to transfer to our comfortable accommodation where we will spend the next 2 nights. Tonight we enjoy a hearty group dinner together. Cycling Distance: 50km Accommodation: Bealey Hotel

day 03

Day 3 - Arthurs Pass and Bealey Hotel - 8-12km hike
Today we cross the mighty Southern Alps by foot. After an early breakfast we transfer up into Arthur Pass where there are a variation of available tracks. The first track is to the Temple Basin Ski field which sits at 1400m. We will be hiking 500m of elevation over 2.1km. The steep rocky trail zigzags up to the tussock filled basin where we get views of Mt Rolleston and a classic New Zealand ski field. We then descend back to the vehicle to restock on water and snacks before jumping onto the Arthurs Pass walking track. The trail leads us through Dobson Nature Walk and Bealey Chasm to Arthurs Pass Village. Along the way we can see waterfalls, and hopefully the only alpine parrot, the cheeky Kea. Once our feet are well and tired, we will drive back to the accommodation to clean up, rest our feet and enjoy another dinner together. Hiking Distance: 8-12km Accommodation: Bealey Hotel

day 04

Day 4 - Waimakariri River - 40km Raft
Today we take on the mighty Waimakariri River on a 40km rafting adventure through the Waimakarari Gorge from Goosebury Stream to Woodstock. After a short drive to Mt White Bridge, we meet our raft guides and prepare for the journey ahead. The river has Grade 1-2 rapids which allow the opportunity to enjoy the scenic river journey yet also enjoy some more exciting sections of water with the assistance of your raft guide. Grade 1 is classified as Easy with moving water with the odd disturbances in the shape of small, regular waves and slight meanders. Grade 2 is Moderate where the water is faster moving and rapids are more frequent; rocks, waves and small features are found but always with an obvious channel. Grade 1 and 2 is suited to beginner rafters, yet you will need the ability to swim and be comfortable in moving water. At the river out-take, we will meet our driver and head to our accommodation in Springfield or Darfield. Tonight we have our last group dinner, celebrating our Southern Alps crossing. Accommodation: Motel in Darfield or Springfield

day 05

Day 5 - Gorge Bridge to New Brighton Pier - 70km Cycle then return to Christchurch
The final day of our Coast to Coast adventure takes us from the Waimakarari River all the way to the sea at New Brighton. We transfer from our accommodation to the Waimakarari River Bridge and get on our bikes for the last section of our tour. We ride through farms and rural landscapes along quiet country roads, trending downhill all the way to the coast. We will arrive in New Brighton and the pier marks the finish line and end of our incredible journey where we then enjoy a celebratory soak in the newly opened He Puna Taimoana Brighton Hot Pools around 3pm. In the early afternoon, we will be transferred into central Christchurch. We do not recommend getting a flight before 6pm. Cycling Distance: 70km

INCLUSIONS