Backroads, Rivers & Ranges Cycle Tour

Backroads, Rivers & Ranges is a guided, small-group e-bike journey for women through three of the South Island's less-travelled regions. From Christchurch, riders head into the Mackenzie Basin near Lake Pukaki, through the remote Ahuriri Valley, around Wanaka's lakes, and into the gold-rush country of St Bathans and Danseys Pass, finishing with a classic Alps to Ocean section near Sailors Cutting.

Along the way there's curling at Naseby's indoor rink, a visit to the historic Hayes Engineering Works, the ghost town of St Bathans, and the limestone country of the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark, with an overnight stop at the historic Danseys Pass Hotel.

This is a Moderate tour on quiet gravel roads and back-country trails, with several rougher Grade 3 sections requiring confidence on the bike.

Highlights:

• Ride gravel roads through the wide-open Mackenzie Basin near Lake Pukaki
• Explore the remote Ahuriri Valley and Ben Avon Wetland birdlife
• Cycle Wanaka's lakeside trails and the Hawea River Track
• Visit the gold-rush ghost town of St Bathans and its Blue Lake
• Curling session in Naseby and a visit to Hayes Engineering Works
• Ride a classic Alps to Ocean section near Sailors Cutting and the Earthquake Rocks

Surface and terrain:

Mix of quiet gravel and sealed roads, with some rougher, narrow, rocky or steep Grade 3 sections. Climbs to around 900-935m on two days.

Weather:

Tour runs in late February, NZ late summer.

Suitable for:

Confident e-bike riders with some gravel road experience; not ideal for complete beginners given the Grade 3 terrain.