Adventure South

This journey into Northland takes you to the most northerly point in New Zealand. The scenery is sublime with long white beaches stretching between ancient volcanic headlands, remote dune-scapes melding into sub-tropical forests and warmer evenings yielding to spectacular bright starry nights. This itinerary provides challenging cycling as we ride from our hotel every day and aims to minimise the number of vehicle transfers. From Auckland we follow the west coast via the magnificent kauri forests where you'll encounter Tane Mahuta, New Zealand's biggest kauri tree and the stunning Hokianga Harbour with it's enormous sand dunes.

The northward journey follows 90 Mile Beach and ends at Cape Reinga, where the waters of the Pacific Ocean collide with the Tasman Sea. We then head southwards down the east coast to the original capital, the harbour town of Russell, where there is a free day to explore secret beaches and climb up to a vantage point for breathtaking views. We continue to follow the coast southwards cycling bay to bay through rolling green countryside and lush native bush, to arrive back in Auckland at the conclusion of our tour. Accommodation will be a mixture of resorts and quality motels in scenic coastal locations.

Trip highlights
Visit Tane Mahuta, "Lord of the Forest" the world's largest kauri tree
Cross the beautiful Hokianga Harbour
Admire Cape Reinga, the northern most point of NZ
Savour fresh seafood throughout the tour
Enjoy beautiful cycling along coastal roads with sea views and golden sands
Spend a free day relaxing in the magical Bay of Islands

Explore some of the South Island’s most spectacular landscapes by bike on our fully guided and supported Alps to Ocean Cycle tour.

From Tekapo, we head through the golden Mackenzie Country on canal paths to Lake Pukaki and the mountainous landscape around Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

From Twizel, the trail follows ancient pathways through the Waitaki Valley where you’ll be wowed by stunning lakes, fascinating hydro dams and picturesque vineyards. A ride through rolling countryside leads down to the historic port town of Oamaru.

Our expert guides will show you the A2O’s best trailside highlights including wine-tasting, geothermal hot pools, Maori rock art and otherworldly limestone outcrops. You’ll also enjoy warm hospitality in accommodation full of heritage charm.

Highlights
Hike in Aoraki/Mt Cook World Heritage National Park
Cycle the shoreline of surreal turquoise hydro lakes
Explore Oamaru’s charming Victorian Precinct
Stargaze across world renown night skies
Enjoy good company, & eat delicious food
Soak in the hot pools at Lake Tekapo (optional)

Exploring the northern regions of the South Island, this action packed cycling tour is sure to inspire as you cycle past bush clad lakes and tracks, along wild coastlines as well as sample some of New Zealand's very best wines! From Christchurch, you'll cycle towards Hanmer Springs to soak in the outdoor hot pools and experience their therapeutic qualities. Returning to the saddle at Lewis Pass, pedal along beech forest lined roads towards the rugged beauty of the 'Wild' West Coast.

From here the scenery, not the cycling, will leave you breathless as you head north along the flatter, picturesque landscapes of Lake Poerua, Rotomanu and Moana, nestled between the Southern Alps and tranquil Lake Brunner. Continue along one of the best coastal rides in the world before encountering the natural blowholes at Punakaiki, the mighty Buller Gorge as well as the serene beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound, stopping to sample the produce at local wineries along the way. As you head back towards Christchurch along the stunning Kaikoura coastline, dotted with fur seals, there is the option to take an early morning whale watching cruise to provide a fitting finale to this memorable cycling adventure.

Trip highlights
Challenge yourself on this scenic 7 day road cycle adventure at the top of NZ's South Island
Experience one of the best coastal rides in the world which takes us to the amazing geology of Punakaiki and its Pancake Rocks
Relax tired muscles in the hot pools of Hanmer Springs
Cycle over the Southern Alps via the picturesque Rahu Saddle
Travel through beautiful rain forest clad mountains and along scenic river valleys
Discover the beauty of Queen Charlotte Drive as we cycle alongside the Marlborough Sounds
Swim with the dolphins or join a whale watch tour in Kaikoura (optional)

Explore the best of Marlborough and Tasman at the top of the South Island on the ultimate bike, walk and sailing holiday. Walk through pristine native forest on the Queen Charlotte track, cycle along Nelson’s Great Taste Trail and sail a catamaran in the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Relax and enjoy the many local galleries, craft breweries, boutique stores, wineries and the renowned World of Wearable Arts that these regions are known for.

The journey begins by visiting the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds before heading towards the golden sandy beaches of the Abel Tasman. Riding along flat or gently rolling terrain, through vineyards and along coastal tracks, we arrive at the stunning Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park surrounded by high mountain peaks. Our final day returns us to Christchurch over the scenic Lewis Pass after the unique Natural Flames experience. This is a fun and active adventure which will be enjoyed by adults and children alike and is suited to beginner cyclists.

Trip highlights
Explore the Tasman Great Taste Cycle Trail's stunning coastline and inland rides
Experience the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sounds with a scenic bush walk
Take a bicycle ferry from the beautiful town of Mapua to the Ruby Coast
Test your tastebuds at local wineries, breweries and orchards
Discover the city of Nelson - known for its sunshine, arts, wine and great food
Sail through the Abel Tasman National Park on a Catamaran
Enjoy a half day walk on the famous Abel Tasman track
Make pancakes and billy tea on a perpetually burning fire hidden in native bush

Exploring New Zealand's 'wild' west coast by bike is cycling at its very best. Encounter grinding glaciers, primal rainforests and dramatic coastal scenery as we 'cycle the best and drive the rest' to ensure you experience all the landscapes that make this part of the South Island such an enticing place to travel through. From Queenstown, cycle to the former gold mining town of Arrowtown to explore its tranquil tree lined streetscapes before crossing over the Crown Range into Wanaka along New Zealand's highest main road.

After an exhilarating swoop down Haast Pass you'll be greeted by lush rainforests before cycling past surreal coastlines featuring high cliffs and crashing seas. Your cycling efforts will be rewarded on reaching the world famous Fox Glacier, where you can enjoy a guided walk, or discover nearby Lake Matheson and its magnificent reflection of the Southern Alps. Cycling on past the equally impressive Franz Josef Glacier you'll finally emerge at the top of Arthurs Pass, where you board the TranzAlpine train for the spectacular journey back to Christchurch.

Trip highlights
Challenge yourself with 6 days of memorable road cycling up the wild West Coast
Climb over the Crown Range, NZ's highest road
Swoop down Haast Pass on quiet sealed roads
Visit Hokitika, craft capital of the West Coast and home to the local green stone (pounamu)
Experience the TranzAlpine train from the Southern Alps to Christchurch
Admire Fox Glacier by helicopter (optional)

This spectacular cycling and hiking adventure provides an ideal opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Fiordland and the enchanting Milford Sound. Nowhere else in New Zealand do the mountains rise up out of the water, rich rain-forests cling to sheer rock faces or waterfalls crash hundreds of metres to the sea below than in our gorgeous Sound.

Your journey begins in Queenstown, where you will embark on this amazing journey towards Milford Sound with a morning kayak on the crystal blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, enjoy walking along the famous Kepler, Milford and Routeburn tracks and cycle through Fiordland National Parks' iconic beech forests and superb mountain scenery along the way. In Milford Sound you will board your comfortable floating hotel to explore the magic of this area, with options to swim or walk, before pedalling around Te Anau and the hidden Mavora Lakes site featured in the Lord of the Rings. This sensational journey concludes with a tour of a high country sheep station, afternoon tea and a boat transfer across Lake Wakatipu back to Queenstown.

Trip highlights
Combine the Around the Mountains trail with a visit to the majestic Milford Sound
Kayak to Pidgeon Island on the shimmering Lake Wakatipu
Hike part of the Kepler, Routeburn and Milford Tracks, three of New Zealand's great walks.
Bike to the remote Humboldt Falls (3rd tallest in NZ) in the Hollyford Valley
Hike to Key Summit and take in the impressive scenery and huge mountains of Fiordland National Park
Overnight on a floating hotel amidst spectacular Milford Sound, a once in a lifetime experience!
Stay the night in comfortable lodge accommodation amongst tussock covered hill country and mountain fed lakes
Cycle to the Mavora Lakes and Von Valley on remote backcountry roads

This superb cycling adventure from Christchurch to Queenstown offers you a chance to explore the vast and impressive Mackenzie Basin by bike to truly appreciate its huge glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains. The itinerary also allows you an opportunity to stretch the legs to admire the grandeur of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, when you walk beneath its flanks.

The tour begins with an awesome ride on the Banks Peninsula with views of the vivid blue Lyttelton Harbour, the crater of an extinct volcano. Day 2 takes us through beautiful farm country before some superb riding alongside the stunning turquoise lakes of Tekapo and Pukaki. Following the Waitaki River to the coast via the "big-sky country" in Central Otago we head inland again to finish in Queenstown, nestled beside the impressive Lake Wakatipu. This charismatic town, widely regarded as the 'Adventure Capital of New Zealand', is a great place to spend a few extra days if your schedule allows.

Trip highlights
Enjoy incredible views from the Summit Road of Banks Peninsula
Cycle alongside the bright turquoise hydro-canals from Lake Tekapo
Wonder at the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook on a hike to a glacial lake
Admire the impressive dams and lakes of the Waitaki Valley
Explore the Victorian quarter of historic Oamaru
Visit Central Otago's old gold mining settlements
Conclude the tour in iconic Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital

Known as New Zealand's most famous and scenic multi-day cycle ride this spectacular trip from Christchurch to Queenstown is also regarded as one of the world's top five cycle touring routes. Averaging daily rides of up to 100kms, and many high alpine pass crossings including the spectacular Haast Pass, the cycling will take you past an ever changing landscape; from glacier country through to quiet sealed roads fringed with mighty podocarp rainforest and past dramatic coastlines before finally crossing over the Crown Range into the beautiful Southern Lakes district around Wanaka and Queenstown.

Out of the saddle the highlights are equally spectacular. Your adventure begins with a memorable journey on the TranzAlpine Express train to Greymouth via the spectacular Waimakariri Gorge and lush forests of Arthur's Pass National Park and there is a free day built in for you to enjoy the many optional activities at the Franz Josef Glacier such as relaxing in the hot pools, enjoying guided walks or taking an optional scenic flight. This comprehensive itinerary truly is a cyclists ideal adventure.

Trip highlights
Embark on this 9 day road cycling adventure taking you from Christchurch to Queenstown
Wonder at Lake Matheson, famous for its sunset reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook
Enjoy a breathtaking TranzAlpine train ride across the Southern Alps
Challenge yourself on the hill climb up Haast Pass
Ride up to 100km a day with full vehicle support
Discover Wanaka and the gold mining history of quaint Arrowtown
Experience a scenic flight, heli-hike or walk on the ice at Franz Josef Glacier (optional)

Explore the vast and impressive Mackenzie Basin and remote Central Otago on this remarkable gravel tour from Christchurch to Queenstown. We trace the footsteps of the early pioneers, along gold mining trails and stock routes which now form quiet back country roads. 

Our journey begins with an awesome ride on the Banks Peninsula with views of the vivid blue Akaroa Harbour, the crater of an extinct volcano. We then travel through beautiful farm country to the stunning turquoise Lake Tekapo and into the "big-sky country" of Central Otago. We cross the Hakataramea and Danseys Passes and then follow the route of the historic railway, crossing viaducts, bridges and through railway tunnels dating back to the gold mining era of the 1880’s.

Our final two days take us along the Clutha Gold and Roxburgh Gorge where we experience real isolation cycling alongside the Clutha River before we embark on the newly created Lake Dunstan trail, surrounded by high mountain peaks and above a stunning gorge. We finish this epic cycle tour in Queenstown.

Trip highlights
Challenge yourself with 7 days of breathtaking gravel grinding
Enjoy incredible views of the Southern Alps from the Banks Peninsula
Cycle through arid McKenzie Country surrounded by the highest peaks in the country
Admire a contrast of vivid blue lakes, sparkling rivers, snow capped mountains and golden tussock-lands
Indulge in award winning wine and local Kiwi cuisine
Ride a section of NZ’s famous Otago Central Rail Trail, along the course of a historic rail road
Ride the spectacular new Lake Dunstan Trail, plus the magnificent Roxburgh Gorge
Conclude the tour in iconic Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital

Cycle, cosy up and relax on our special winter version of our popular 6 day Alps to Ocean Cycle. 

Fresh, sunny days in winter are delight with snow capped mountain ranges and crisp blue skies contrasting against the turquoise lakes as we pedal our way from Tekapo to Oamaru. 

This trip is as much about the comfort as it is about cycling. Should the weather change at any stage of the day, our support vehicle is there to take you to the comfort of a hot pool, mulled wine or warm fire. Hot water bottles and hand-warmers are never far away. Regular morning tea and afternoon tea stops provide a much welcomed 'pick-me-up' with all you can drink tea and coffee and plentiful snacks. 

So why save cycling for summer? Keep going all year round and join us on this epic cycling adventure.
In the words of our guides, there's no such thing as cold weather, just bad gear.

Highlights:
Nestle up by a cosy fire and enjoy the hospitality at Lake Ohau Lodge
Soak in the hot pools at Tekapo Springs
Indulge in mulled wine and hearty food at local wineries and restaurants
Visit Omarama's Clay Cliff formations (optional)
Enjoy the wood fired hot tubs in Omarama (optional)
Star gazing tour at Tekapo Springs or St John Observatiry (optional)