Southern Lakes Cycle

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