10-Night E-bike Trail Tour of the South Island
Full Tour Itinerary
Day One - Christchurch
After settling into the hotel, the group meets for the first time in the afternoon. Time and weather permitting, we take a short drive up the nearby Port Hills to the Sign of the Kiwi, where guests can enjoy a coffee with magnificent views on a clear day. Bike fittings will take place today.
Cycling: No Cycling
Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction
Meals: Welcome dinner
Day Two - Christchurch to Lake Ohau: Alps2Ocean
We set off from Christchurch early, travelling south across the wide Canterbury Plains towards Twizel, where our adventure begins. After lunch on the shores of the turquoise Lake Pukaki, we start our first ride on the Alps 2 Ocean Trail. Rolling through the heart of Twizel township, we ride up to the canals before reaching the edge of Lake Ōhau. Here, the towering Ben Ōhau Range provides a dramatic backdrop as we follow the lakeshore past Ōhau Village. Our destination is the welcoming Lake Ōhau Lodge – perfectly positioned for post-ride refreshments and our overnight stay.
Cycling: Alps 2 Ocean - Lake Pukaki to Lake Ohau Lodge (56km) Grade 2/Easy
Accommodation: Lake Ohau Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Three - Lake Ohau to Cromwell: Alps2Ocean
After breakfast at the lodge, we take a short drive to Omarama, where we will continue along another (and newest) section of the A2O. Cycling along Lake Benmore and then taking in the newly opened section from Sailors Cutting to Benmore Dam is an incredible experience with amazing scenery. Continue riding to Aviemore Dam, where the van will transport the group to Cromwell for the night.
Cycling: Cycling: Alps 2 Ocean – Omarama to Aviemore Dam (50kms) Grade 2/3 – Easy to Intermediate
Accommodation: Lake Resort Heritage, Cromwell
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day Four - Cromwell to Clyde: Lake Dunstan Trail
Today’s ride starts right from the hotel on the Lake Dunstan Trail. One of the newest trails in New Zealand, it’s spectacular engineering and incredible views are truly breath taking. The trail ends in Clyde, where we spend the night.
Cycling: Lake Dunstan Trail. 46km, Grade 2-3/ Easy to Intermediate.
Accommodation: Olivers Central Otago
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day Five - Clyde to Queenstown: Roxburgh Gorge Trail
After another beautiful breakfast, we head out on our bikes first thing to ride the stunning Roxburgh Gorge. The trail also incorporates a 45 minute boat ride up the river (included in tour cost). At the end of the ride, the group will be transported to Queenstown, our destination for the next 2 nights.
Cycling: Clyde to Roxburgh Gorge = 12.5km, plus 32kms on the Roxburgh Gorge (+ 13km by jetboat), Grade 2-3 (Easy - Intermediate)
Accommodation: The Copthorne Lakefront
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day Six - Queenstown
Today we take a break from the bikes to explore one of the many activities Queenstown has to offer (all activities optional, not included in tour price). We highly recommend an excursion to Milford or Doubtful Sound - all can be pre-booked prior to travel and paid for on the day of the activity.
Cycling: No cycling
Accommodation: The Copthorne Lakefront
Meals: No meals included today
Day Seven - Queenstown to Wanaka: Queenstown Trail
In the morning you will cycle the beautiful Queenstown trail to the legendary gold mining town of Arrowtown. From Arrowtown, follow a cycle path to Kawarau Bridge and then be driven over the Crown Range for incredible views, past the famous Cardrona Hotel and then on to Wanaka where we will spend the night.
Cycling: Queenstown Trail to Arrowtown and Kawarau Bridge (40km). Grade 2-3/Easy-Intermediate
Accommodation: The Wanaka Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day Eight - Wanaka to Fox Glacier: Hawea River Track
This morning we ride directly from the hotel on the Wanaka Lakeside Trail, then down past Hawea River, ending at Gladstone. The van will then take us through the Mt Aspiring National Park to Fox Glacier for the evening.
Cycling: Approx 35km
Accommodation: Lake Matheson Motel or Alternative Heartland Glacier Country
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day Nine - Fox Glacier to Hokitika: West Coast Wilderness Trail
The day starts with a pre-breakfast hike to the Lake Matheson lookout for spectacular views of Mount Tasman and Mt Cook/Aoraki. For those wanting a bit of excitement, this morning presents a great opportunity to take a heli-flight over the Glaciers (weather permitting, pre-booking essential, not included in the tour). After breakfast, we head north to start our first ride on the West Coast Wilderness Trail near Treetops Café. We ride to Hokitika for lunch on the beach. After lunch, for those wanting to ride more, we drive up to Lake Kaniere for a downhill ride on the water race back to Hokitika, our destination for the night
Cycling: West Coast Wilderness Trail (Ross to Hokitika 33km) Grade 2/easy to Grade 3/intermediate (on-road sections are Grade 3/intermediate)
Accommodation: Beachfront Hotel or alternative Stopforths
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day Ten - Hokitika to Christchurch via the TranzAlpine
It’s back on the bikes this morning for the last time and another stretch of the West Coast Wilderness trail – this time from Kumara to Greymouth – arriving in time to board the TranzAlpine for your spectacular train journey over Arthur’s Pass, back to Christchurch. A farewell dinner is included for the group tonight.
Cycling: 31km, Grade 2/easy
Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Day Eleven - Departure Day
It's time to head home after ten days on tour. Please let us know if you wish for airport transfers to be organised (extra cost).
Meals: No meals included today
Tour Includes:
x10 nights in mostly 4 - 5 star accommodation (pre and post nights can be arranged on request for an additional cost)
x8 breakfasts, x3 dinners, 8 Lunches & Daily Snacks
Air-conditioned Mercedes Benz Sprinter Coach
Luggage transport during the entire journey (luggage is transported on the bus during the cycling stages)
2 guides/drivers on trips of 8 or more people
Jet Boat Ride in Roxburgh Gorge
TranzAlpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch
E-bike hire
Panniers
Multi tool, tyre levers, spare tube and repair kit
All Department of Conservation fees and trail fees
Tour Excludes:
- Meals/food not included in itinerary
- Airfares/travel costs to/from the start/finish of the tour
- Airport transfers (can be arranged on request for additional cost)
- Drinks (except water during the cycling), telephone & mini-bar costs
- Personal expenses such as laundry, any internet charges etc
- Drink bottles
- Helmet. It is law that Helmet’s must be worn and they can be purchased for guests prior to arrival for $35, or you are welcome to bring your own
eBIG Tour 400 EQ
eBIG NINE 400 EQ
eBIG Seven 400 EQ
Espresso CC 400 EQ
Bike Information
Our Small and Medium sized Ebikes are the eBIG Tour 400 EQ. Joining together urban practicality with the willingness to explore is no easy feat, but the eBIG.TOUR 400 EQ does just that, with the new Shimano EP6 drive unit giving you smooth yet powerful assistance whenever you need it. Large volume tyres, a suspension fork and mountain bike inspired geometry deliver capable and confident handling whenever you want an adventure, but the low (trapeze) frame design with integrated 630 Wh battery and generous standard fit equipment including mudguards and lighting have your everyday needs covered, so there's no need to compromise.
Our Large and Extra Large Sized Ebike are the eBIG NINE 400 EQ. More fun when you're riding off-road, with a powerful new Shimano EP6 drive unit to help you up the hills. More versatility, thanks to a fully equipped spec that includes lights, mudguards, lock, rack and kickstand. More time on the bike, with an integrated 630 Wh battery that'll keep you going for miles. More control, thanks to a SR Suntour suspension fork, chunky tyres and powerful Shimano brakes. More comfort on the commute, thanks to standard fit mudguards, lights, rack and kickstand.
For our Extra Small riders, we offer the eBIG Seven 400 EQ. Exactly like it's bigger cousin above, just in a smaller frame size, smaller wheel size (27.5 inch) and slightly smaller battery (504 Wh).
**There is very little difference between the eBIG Tour and eBIG Nine, apart from the frame types. The eBIG Tour has a trapeze frame and the eBIG Nine has a standard frame. Both are perfectly designed for our NZ Bike Trails.
We do have a limited number of step-through bikes available, please enquire at the time of booking. These are the Espresso CC 400 EQ. This is Merida's latest smart and stiff low step-through frame with an internally mounted 504 Wh battery and Shimano's latest powerful EP6 drive unit to deliver impressive function. Shimano's workhorse 9-speed drivetrain and strong hydraulic brakes won't let you down, while the bike comes fitted with guards, rack, lights, lock and a kickstand as standard, meaning no expensive add-ons are needed to get rolling.
A removable gel seat can be supplied for no extra charge
Carrier and back cage to for x1 Pannier (provided)
Helmet included in hire