Sidetracks Women
Designed for women, guided by women, loved by women.
Sidetracks Women has been guiding hiking and cycling tours across New Zealand for nearly 30 years, with the last six years focused specifically on women-only trips. They run small-group, guided active holidays led by experienced local female guides, with a strong focus on solo travellers who want a ready-made group and supportive atmosphere. Tours combine scenic trails and cycle routes with comfortable accommodation and home-cooked meals, and more than 500 women have joined their women-only tours to date. While hiking and walking make up a large part of their offering, they also run several dedicated e-bike and cycle tours across the South Island and into Samoa. The company positions itself around comfort, safety and community, aiming to make active travel approachable whether someone is new to it or already experienced.
West Coast Wilderness Cycle Tour
Tour Operator: Sidetracks Women
New Zealand
6 days (Bike: 4 days)
171 km (~43km per day)
Women-only; E-bike tour
Leisure
Guided
Supported
Prices from
Guided
NZ$ 3395
Overview
Tour Operator Sidetracks Women
A 6-day guided eBike tour through New Zealand's West Coast wilderness, small-group and women-only.
The West Coast Wilderness Cycle Tour is a guided, small-group eBike journey for women, running from Christchurch and back. The route crosses Arthur's Pass National Park before reaching Hokitika, the base for three nights of riding on the West Coast Wilderness Trail, taking in gold-rush history, native rainforest, Lake Kaniere and a treetop walkway.
The tour also includes a day on the newer Kawatiri Coastal Trail between Westport and Charleston, riding beside rivers, rainforest and coastline beneath the Paparoa Ranges. Extras include an Eco Adventure sunset boat cruise on Lake Mahinapua and a stop at Pancake Rocks on the return leg.
Riders can choose each day whether to join the group ride or take a rest day in Hokitika, with the option of returning to Christchurch via the scenic TranzAlpine train.
Highlights:
- Ride the West Coast Wilderness Trail through rainforest, past gold-rush relics and Lake Kaniere
- Explore the new Kawatiri Coastal Trail between Westport and Charleston
- Treetop Walkway among West Coast rainforest giants
- Eco Adventure sunset boat cruise on Lake Mahinapua's wetlands
- Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Dolomite Point
- Scenic drive over Arthur's Pass, with optional TranzAlpine return train
Surface and terrain:
Mostly off-road on gravel trail with gentle gradients, plus a few short quiet-road sections. Wide, well-maintained in parts, narrower forest paths elsewhere. Graded Easy (Grade 2).
Suitable for:
Women new to eBiking wanting a relaxed, supported small-group ride; hairpin bends can be walked if preferred.