West Coast Wilderness Trail
Full Tour Itinerary
Day One - Arrive in Hokitika
After making your own way to Hokitika, spend the day settling in and exploring this vibrant little town. As the sun slowly sets over the Tasman Sea, enjoy a walk along the beach, or a pre-dinner drink at the Ocean View restaurant. The first ride starts in the morning, so get a great nights rest!
Accommodation: Beachfront Hotel Hokitika - Ocean View Room
Cycling: None
Day Two - Hokitika
Cycle Ross to Hokitika
In Hokitika you will meet our local partner where you will be fitted on your bikes and then transferred to Ross where you start your first ride on the trail. From the old gold mining village of Ross, you will cycle over the Totara Bridge (built in 1908) and along the historic Ross rail route, before heading through wetlands and incredible native bush. We recommend a stop at Treetops Walkway (walk not included but we are happy to make a booking for you!) before you continue your journey through to Hokitika, where you will spend your first night.
Accommodation: Beachfront Hotel Hokitika - Ocean View Room
Driving: Shuttle from Hokitika to Ross
Cycling: 33km, Grade 2/easy to Grade 3/intermediate (on-road sections are Grade 3/intermediate). 3–5 hours
Day Three
Cycle Dorothy Falls to Hokitika
Make your way to our partner depot in Hokitika (2 minute ride from the hotel) to be shuttled to the breathtaking Hokitka Gorge. Here you will enjoy a 2km walk through the podocarp forest overlooking the Gorge's stunning aqua waters. Afterwards, you will be transferred to Dorothy Falls where your bikes are unloaded and your cycling begins. From Dorothy Falls the ride continues until you arrive at the outlet of Lake Kaniere and the start of the beautiful single-track Kaniere waterway trail. Then bike along the water race, Lake Kaniere Road, Kaniere Tram Road, ending up back in Hokitika for another evening. You’ll also be lucky enough to enjoy some gorgeous views of the Hokitika River along the way.
Accommodation: Beachfront Hotel Hokitika - Ocean View Room (Same as previous night)
Driving: Shuttle from Hokitika to Milltown approx. 45 mins
Cycling: 30km, Grade 2/easy to Grade 3/intermediate (on-road sections are Grade 3/intermediate). 3–5 hours
Day Four
Cycle Canoe Cove to Kumara
This morning, our shuttle takes you on a short drive to Canoe Cove on the edge of spectacular Lake Kaniere, where you start your cycling day through up the gentle zigzags through Milltown. Continuing through bushland, you cycle over the Macpherson Suspension Bridge. Today’s ride will be a mix of sweeping boardwalks and gravel trails and will finish in Kumara, where you will spend the evening. Your luggage will be transported for you to your accommodation in Kumara.
Accommodation: Theatre Royal Hotel Kumara – Miners Cottage
Driving: Shuttle from Hokitika to Milltown approx. 45 min
Cycling: 49km, Grade 2/easy to Grade 3/intermediate (on-road sections are Grade 3/intermediate). 3–5 hours
Day Five - Return to Christchurch via the TranzAlpine Train
Cycle Kumara to Greymouth
The last day on the trail! Riding out straight from your accommodation, today’s ride is an easy flat one, taking in the glorious Taramakau River, the Tasman Sea and the Grey River. Your trail ride ends in Greymouth, where you will be reunited with your luggage at our local partners’ depot, and then transferred to the train station where you will catch the TranzAlpine back to Christchurch.
**If you wish to be picked up from the train station in Christchurch, we can arrange a shuttle for you for an additional charge.
Cycling: 31km, Grade 2/easy, 2–4 hours
TranzAlpine: Departs Greymouth 2.05pm, arrives Christchurch 6.31pm
Tour Includes:
Shuttle services on the trail
Luggage transport - x1 bag per person, 15kg max per bag
4 days Standard bike hire, helmet and pannier (E-bike upgrade available, just ask for prices!)
4 nights Accommodation
4 breakfasts
TranzAlpine train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch
Trip itinerary, directions and trail map info
Tour Excludes:
- Meals/food not included in itinerary
- Drinks, telephone & mini-bar costs
- Personal expenses such as laundry, any internet charges etc
- Drink bottles
Bike Information
The Merida Crossway bikes are perfect for cycling on the West Coast. They combine grippy yet smooth rolling tyres with a comfortable handlebar position. The latest style 1 x 10 gearing is easy to use and ideal for cycling at an enjoyable pace along the trail.
Bike Specs:
More upright riding position than a mountain bike
Smooth-rolling 29" wheels
1 x 10 drivetrain
Same low gears as a 27 speed bike but with one easy to use gear shifter
Comfortable front suspension
High-quality gel saddle
Powerful and safe disc brakes
Low Rise Also Available.
Please note that the accommodation listed is our preferred lodging, however this is subject to change based on availability. Itinerary subject to change based on weather conditions and/or road closures.
Price: $1489 per person, twin share (2 people minimum)
Upgrade to an E-bike for an additional $220 per person
Single Room Supplement = $440
A $250 per person deposit is required at time of booking