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West Coast Wilderness Trail
4 Day Self-Guided Trail Tour - Christchurch to Christchurch
The West Coast Wilderness Trail is arguably the most accessible and fascinating cycle trail in New Zealand. It's a truly unique experience soaked in a rich pioneering history, and is filled with rugged beauty and jaw dropping scenery. Combine this with beautiful lakes, forest and rivers - and of course genuine West Coast hospitality - and you have a journey that dreams are made of.
- Starts/Finishes Christchurch, New Zealand
- Grade 2 (easy) ride with some Grade 3 on road (intermediate) sections
- Additional activities are optional and can be added into package upon request - we keep it flexible!
DATES:
- Tour is able to be booked any time of year subject to accommodation availability.
- From 6 May to 15 October 2021, TranzAlpine will run on Thursday & Friday. Summer timetable to be announced closer to the time
Full Tour Itinerary
Day One - Christchurch to Hokitika
Cycle Ross to Hokitika
Your tour includes a transfer from Christchurch to Hokitika in the morning, arriving by lunchtime. In Hokitika you we connect you with our local partner where you will be fitted on your bikes, drop your luggage at your Hokitika accommodation and then transfer you 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 Christchurch to Hokitika
Cycling: 33km, Grade 2/easy to Grade 3/intermediate (on-road sections are Grade 3/intermediate). 3–5 hours
Day Two
Cycle Milltown to Hokitika
This morning our shuttle will pick you up from the hotel and drive you to Milltown for today’s incredible ride. You will cycle to Lake Kaniere (make sure you have your camera handy), before heading along the water race, Lake Kaniere Road, Kaniere Tram Road and 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: 36km, Grade 2/easy to Grade 3/intermediate (on-road sections are Grade 3/intermediate). 3–5 hours
Day Three
Cycle Milltown to Kumara
This morning, you will again be picked up by our shuttle to head out to Milltown, but this time you will cycle out in the opposite direction up to (and beyond) Cowboy Paradise. 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: 36km, Grade 2/easy to Grade 3/intermediate (on-road sections are Grade 3/intermediate). 3–5 hours
Day Four - 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 a 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
Inclusions:
- Shuttle to Hokitika to begin tour
- Shuttle services on the trail
- Luggage transport
- 4 days Standard bike hire, helmet and pannier (E-bike upgrade available, just ask for prices!)
- 3 nights Accommodation
- 3 breakfasts
- TranzAlpine train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch
- Trip itinerary, directions and trail map info
Exclusions:
- Meals/food not included in itinerary
- Airport transfers (can be arranged on request for additional cost)
- 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.
**Ask us about upgrading to an E-bike for an additional cost
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: $1225 per person, twin share
A $250 per person deposit is required at time of booking