South Island Bike 'n' Hike 12D11N, Self-Drive

Driving Information: N/A

Arrive into Christchurch Airport and pick up your rental vehicle to begin your South Island biking and hiking adventure.

Spend the rest of the day exploring Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city. Despite suffering extensive damage in the 2011 and 2016 earthquakes, Christchurch has blossomed into one of the world’s most unique destinations, combining urban regeneration and innovation with heritage, culture and exhilarating activity. Expect some of New Zealand’s oldest buildings alongside street art and innovation projects, a bustling hospitality scene and established green spaces. It’s easy to see why it is nicknamed “The Garden City”.

You’ll stay the night at The Classic Villa. Built in 1899, this beautifully appointed Italian style historic home has been lovingly restored to provide some of Christchurch’s finest 5-star accommodation. The luxury boutique hotel is situated on a quiet one-way pedestrian boulevard, directly opposite the Christchurch Arts Centre and only steps away from the Christchurch Museum, the Avon River, the Botanical Gardens, and the city’s best cafes, restaurants and bars.

Driving Information: Christchurch to Oamaru: 249km/155mi | 3hrs 10mins

Start your day with a leisurely 2.5 hour guided cycle tour of Christchurch. Peddle along the peaceful cycle paths of the Botanic Gardens or riverside, and through the green expanse of Hagley Park to historic Mona Vale, with its gorgeous homestead and gardens – a popular wedding and events venue. Your local guide will show you the best of the iconic parks and gardens including a few hidden gems that even the locals don’t always know about.

After the bike ride, hit the road, travelling south to Oamaru. The largest town of the Waitaki District, Oamaru has a rich history and proud heritage as evidenced in its Victorian Precinct, where you will find shops, galleries and traditional crafts within some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most complete Victorian streetscapes and 19th century architecture.

As the sun sets, see little penguins in their natural habitat at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. Learn about the lives of the penguins and watch as they return to shore from their day’s fishing at sea. In the premium viewing grandstand, you can view the penguins from just a few metres away – a truly special experience!

You’ll stay the next 2-nights at Pen-y-bryn Lodge. Built in 1889 and poised at the top of Oamaru’s South Hill within lovingly maintained grounds, this elegant, spacious, Victorian mansion offers fine accommodation, epicurean cuisine and exceptional hospitality.

At the end day, join your hosts in the dining room for an unforgettable evening meal. As a firm supporter of the locavore movement, Pen-y-bryn proudly serves the amazing and abundant produce of the Waitaki region. Most of the fruits and vegetables you will eat are grown in the onsite gardens, while meat and seafood are sourced from a hand-picked collection of local and sustainable producers. Menus are prepared daily based on the produce available.

Cycling Information: Duntroon to Oamaru: 55kkm/34mi | 5hrs | Easy

Get a taste of New Zealand’s longest cycle trail, the famous Alps To Ocean (A2O). This incredible trail serves up epic vistas on its way from the foot of the Southern Alps all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Transfer by road to Duntroon to take on the final leg of the A2O. The trail meanders through increasingly lush farmland as it reaches the lower Waitaki Valley, dotted with vineyards, a lavender farm, Maori rock art and Elephant Rocks, large hummocky rock formations that look a lot like elephants. You might recognise this area as Aslan’s camp in the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

Continue on, passing through the disused Rakis Railway Tunnel. The tunnel is 100-metres long and bends in the middle – as a result, natural lighting is extremely poor (you will need to turn on your bike light!). Above the tunnel lies a flat “table-top” made of Raki Siltstone. Historically, this site was the location of experimenting with rain making in the late 19th century. Incredibly, dynamite was used to seed the clouds!

Arrive back in Oamaru, where you can enjoy a cold drink and a celebratory toe dip in the ocean.

Driving Information: Oamaru to Clyde: 219km/136mi | 2hrs 20min

Wake up at your leisure. The morning is yours to do as much or as little as you like.

When you’re ready, journey inland to the historic town of Clyde. Situated at the foot of a river gorge and surrounded by rounded hills of schist (a gold bearing rock), Clyde was the site of a gold rush in the late 1800s and the dominant settlement of the Central Otago region until nearby Alexandra built a bridge over the Clutha River away from Clyde, which is why many turn-of-the-century buildings remain today. These include several stone cottages, a stone hotel, post office and council buildings. There are 3 museums in Clyde, making it easy to get a picture of days gone by.

You might like to visit nearby Clyde Dam, New Zealand’s largest concrete gravity dam. The lake formed by the dam, Lake Dunstan, is a popular spot for water-skiing, boating, canoeing, jet boating, boat cruises and eco tours of the abundant fish and bird life.

You’ll stay the next 2 nights at Olivers Lodge & Stables. Built in 1869, this luxury lodge once serviced prospectors who sought their fortunes during the gold rush. Today, the lodge offers 11 rooms that superbly blend the old with the new, creating a contemporary ambience integrally linked with bygone days. The renowned Olivers Restaurant & Bar, The Victoria Store Brewery, and The Merchant of Clyde (a café and deli) are all located onsite.

Cycling Information: Roxburgh Gorge Trail: 44km/27mi | 7hrs | Moderate

Embark on one of New Zealand’s most visually spectacular and intriguing day rides, the Roxburgh Gorge Trail. Stretching between Alexandra and Lake Roxburgh Hydro Dam, the trail offers a striking snapshot of Central Otago’s heritage and natural history – in all its captivating forms, shapes and seasonal colours.

Departing from Clyde, follow the Clutha Mata-au River as it winds into Roxburgh Gorge. Scoured by the river over thousands of years, this otherworldly gorge was a primary pathway for early Maori moa hunters who travelled from mountains to sea in their mokihi (reed canoes). Then, came the gold rush, which left an indelible mark on the landscape in crumbling ruins, and the fragrant thyme cloaking sheer hillsides amidst native gardens of kanuka, kowhai, mountain cottonwood and broom.

At Doctor’s Point, embark on a thrilling jetboat ride to Shingle Creek. The 40-minute jetboat ride takes you across the 12-kilometre (7mi) stretch of river where the trail has not been completed, offering a unique opportunity to explore the isolated reaches of the river and view some of New Zealand’s best examples of European and Chinese gold mining. The perspective of the gorge from the water is even more spectacular than from the trail!

Back on dry land, the trail climbs gently to follow a series of river bends that offer ever changing views of the landscape. The river slows and widens as it reaches the Roxburgh Hydro Dam, the dramatic industrial monolith that signals the end point of the trail.

You will be dropped off at your accommodation around 5:00pm.

Cycling Information:
- Auripo to Chatto Creek: 29.5km (18mi), 34.5km (21mi) if you do the side trip to Ophir
- Auripo to Alexandra: 46.5km (29mi), 51.5km (32mi) if you do the side trip to Ophir
- Auripo to Clyde: 48.5km (30mi), 63.5km (39mi) if you do the side trip to Ophir and ride the River Trail

Experience the best of the Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand’s original Great Ride. This incredible trail follows an old railway line through beautiful, big-sky country with the bonus of legendary hospitality.

The Poolburn Gorge section of the trail is undoubtedly a highlight, cutting through the Raggedy Range that separates the Manuherikia and Ida Valleys. Highlights of this leg include the 37-metre (121ft) Poolburn Viaduct, 2 tunnels, the trail’s longest bridge, and stunning Central Otago landscapes.

You have the option to take a side trip to historic Ophir. Located on the eastern banks of the Manuherikia River, between Alexandra and Ranfurly, Ophir was the biggest town in the valley during the gold rush, until the railway bypassed it. From Ophir, you can cycle down Tiger Hill to Chatto Creek Tavern. Relax and refresh at the tavern and be collected from here, or you can carry on to Alexandra and be collected there.

After the ride, hit the road and drive 1 hour to Queenstown. Surrounded by the towering Remarkables mountain range and positioned on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a hub of adventure, thrumming with adrenaline and an omnipresent sense of fun.

You’ll stay the next 2 nights at Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel. Just 5-minutes’ walk from the town centre, this 5-star, architecturally designed hotel complements Queenstown’s mountain backdrop to perfection. Inside, every space boasts a stylish and modern interior made up of thoughtfully selected finishes courtesy of local and internationally acclaimed designers. Complimentary pre-dinner drinks and canapes are provided.

Walking Information: Routeburn Track: 13-18km/8-11mi | 5hrs (9 hours including travel time) | Moderate

Today, you will embark on a full day trek on the famous Routeburn Track. A link between the Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, the track is famous for its soaring mountain peaks, huge valleys, waterfalls and jewel-like lakes.

This Great Walk begins with a gradual ascent through a magical world of ferns, mosses, lichens and beech forest. Explore the forgotten paths of the Maori as you travel along their old greenstone (Pounamu) trails, finding enchantment around every corner. You will be teased with views of the burn and high peaks between the trees. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of native and migratory birds including tomtits, robins, fantails, wood pigeons and bellbirds. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the cheeky kea, the world’s only alpine parrot.

Just 2.5 hours down the track, the woodland parts to reveal the rich alpine pastures of the Routeburn Flats, overlooked on all sides by sky scraping mountains, some so high they have permafrost. The Flats is a pristine spot to stop for a Kiwi style picnic lunch.

After lunch, turn and enjoy the valley in reverse. Each new angle is sure to reveal new treasures!

Cycling Information: Queenstown Trail: 15km+/9mi | 5hrs+ | Easy - Moderate

Embark on a supported mountain biking adventure along the iconic Queenstown Trail. Linking Queenstown, Arrowtown and Gibbston, this trail network is the ultimate way to reach many of the region’s iconic attractions while soaking up its world-famous scenery.

Transfer from your accommodation to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. From here, you will warm into your ride, following the beautiful Arrow River Trail downstream to where it meets the Kawarau River. You’ll ride across 2 spectacular suspension bridges and then join the original miners trail that crosses the famous Kawarau suspension bridge, home of the world’s first Bungy jump. Enjoy a lunch platter with a relaxed and complimentary wine tasting in the Gibbston Valley. The region is home to first-class cool climate wines.

The afternoon is catered to your needs, after discussing all the options with your guide you choose what section you’d like to ride to match your ability and motivation. This allows a greater level of customisation and the opportunity for you to ride as much or as little as you wish to finish your day totally satisfied. You’ll be back in Queenstown any time before 5.30pm.

After the ride, hit the road and travel north to Wanaka via the Crown Range. The road over the range, known as the Crown Range Road, is the highest main road in New Zealand. As you navigate the bends, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the mountains, lakes and old gold mining country.

You’ll stay the night at Maple Lodge. Located in the beautiful alpine resort of Lake Wanaka, just 5-minutes’ drive from the town centre, this boutique bed and breakfast invites you to get a taste of the Kiwi way of life, in style. Unwind in the outdoor hot tub or put your feet up by the log fire in winter. Awaiting you at the end of the day is a superbly comfortable bed, dressed with luxurious linens.

Walking Information: Rob Roy Glacier: 10km return/6mi | 4 hours return | Moderate

Embrace the great outdoors, with a guided walk on the Rob Roy Glacier Track. Located within Mount Aspiring National Park, the Rob Roy Glacier covers the steep slopes of the mountains surrounding the head of the Rob Roy Valley.

The day begins with a scenic drive around Lake Wanaka and into the Matukituki Valley, driving through several fords, stopping for photos along the way. From here, the guided walk begins through farmland that gradually gives way to beech forest. Enjoy waterfalls and the luxuriant understorey of ferns and mosses. At the tree line, the forest gives way to alpine vegetation and spectacular views of the hanging glaciers beneath Mount Rob Roy.

The glaciers are active - from your safe viewing point you can watch and listen for avalanches and other signs of movement. The walk to the viewing point is mostly uphill, but the incline is gradual. The viewing point is the perfect place to stop for lunch but watch out for cheeky kea (mountain parrots).

Following lunch, the walk is all downhill back to the car park. The end of the day – a beginning of a lifetime memory.

You will be dropped off at your accommodation around 5:30pm.

Driving Information: Wanaka to Twizel: 146km/91mi | 1hr 45mins

Spend the morning exploring Wanaka at your leisure before setting off on the spectacular drive to Mount Cook. From remote farmland to brilliant turquoise canals, lakes and alpine meadows, this road offers huge scenic contrasts and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.

Departing Wanaka, continue a short distance to the quaint farming town of Tarras. Known for its merino wool, high country sheep stations and vineyards, Tarras is a great place to stop for a coffee and comfort break.

As you leave Tarras, you’ll begin the climb over the Lindis Pass. With sculptured hillsides, prominent rocky outcrops and sub-alpine tussocks, the landscape is barren – but that’s actually what makes this drive so interesting.

Descending the pass, you’ll reach the town of Omarama, a small community nestled between vast alpine plains and high mountains. Stop in at the Wrinkly Ram for a must-see sheep shearing demonstration before continuing the rest of the way to Twizel and picturesque Lake Pukaki, with its distinctive turquoise water.

You’ll stay the next 2-nights at Matuka Lodge. Perched on the edge of a lake overlooking the Southern Alps, this luxury lodge offers elegant, yet casual accommodation decorated with antique and contemporary furniture. At the end of the day, relax on the deck with a glass of wine and watch the sunset give way to one of the darkest skies on Earth. The stars will shine like you have never seen them!

Walking Information: Hooker Valley Track: 14km/9mi | 6hrs 

Soak up the stunning landscapes of the Southern Alps on one of New Zealand’s best day hikes, the Hooker Valley Track.

The track leads through the sacred Tōpuni area of the Hooker Valley, which has special significance and values to Ngāi Tahu iwi, towards Mount Cook (Aoraki), New Zealand’s tallest mountain. From the first of 3 swing bridges along the way, enjoy the views over the Mueller Lake and listen for the rumbling of avalanches from the distant Mount Sefton. Try to spot them before they crash into the Mueller Glacier below.

After crossing the Hooker River, the track goes between old moraine ridges and humps. From the second swing bridge, the vegetation changes to more open tussock and a wider valley floor. A third swing bridge leads to the East Hooker and the source of the Hooker River. 

The track ends with an amazing view over the iceberg-speckled Hooker Lake and up to majestic Mount Cook.

Return on the same track, enjoying more views down valley and across to the Sealy Range. 

Driving Information: Twizel to Christchurch: 285km/177mi | 3hrs 35min

When you’re ready, head towards the ocean along the Inland Scenic Route. This route will take you across the Canterbury Plains, an area of braided rivers and pastoral perfection between the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean. As flat as a billiard table, the plains are a remarkable sight – a patchwork of agricultural activity that ranges from grazing grass and wheat to herbs and sunflowers. The area produces more than 80% of New Zealand’s grains, crops and seeds.

Your journey ends with the return of your rental vehicle to the airport depot.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.