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Holidays

Best of New Zealand Trail Cycling

New Zealand
Available Departures: Feb, Dec

17 days from

US$6,775

without flights
Cycle
Guided Group
MODERATE MODERATE

Ride the Alps to Ocean Trail, the Central Otago Rail Trail and the West Coast Wilderness Trail in one spectacular South Island cycling holiday

Trip Code: NDMB
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Best of New Zealand Trail Cycling

Highlights
  • A South Island circuit with many of the natural highlights and 600 kms of super cycling
  • Mount Cook views from two sides, from Lake Pukaki (east) and Lake Matheson (west)
  • Spend a free day in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand
  • Explore historic Dunedin and spot native birds from the Hokitika Treetop Walkway
  • Enjoy the rugged coastline, pristine lakes and alpine landscapes of the West Coast

At a Glance
  • Group Size 6 to 14
  • 12 days cycling
  • 635 kilometres
  • 40% surfaced road
  • 60% gravel cycle track
  • 80% vehicle support
  • max elevation 1076 metres
  • Join In Christchurch

Accommodation & Meals
  • 16 Breakfasts
  • 8 Lunches
  • 11 Dinners
  • 16 nights Hotel
Overview

With its majestic mountains, spectacular glaciers, wild coastlines, emerald blue lakes and some of the best trail riding on the planet, New Zealand’s South Island is the perfect destination for an adventurous cycling holiday. After a transfer and introductory ride from Christchurch to Lake Pukaki in the shadow of Mount Cook, 3 excellent long-distance cycling trails provide the backbone of our clockwise circuit of the island.


The Alps to Ocean Trail is the first of these and takes us from the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps via turquoise glacier-fed lakes and through lush sheep pasture to the small port of Oamaru on the Pacific Ocean. Then, after time to explore historic Dunedin, we transfer to Middlemarch to join New Zealand's original 'Great Ride' and the second of our trails, the Otago Central Rail Trail. There’s a free day in the stunning setting of Queenstown where we can marvel at the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu surrounded by high mountain peaks. Our journey continues northwards, crossing the Crown Range and then the Haast Pass to reach the lush rainforest, high cliffs and crashing seas of the wild West Coast. We’ll visit the world famous Fox Glacier and the super-picturesque Lake Matheson, before heading up to Ross and the start of the West Coast Wilderness Trail, a 2-day finale on gold-mining water races, logging tramways and historic railway lines. Crossing the Southern Alps a second time at Arthur’s Pass, we return to Christchurch at the end of an amazing adventure.

ADVENTURE CYCLING. With around 635 kilometres of cycling in 12 cycling days, this is a holiday for regular weekend cyclists looking for a new challenge. There are several short and easy cycling days without a lot of ascent and there are also some longer days with moderate amounts of accumulated ascent. The fact that we have a support vehicle with the group means that you will have the option to shorten your day's ride if you choose to. Several of the days include short or longer transfers in the support vehicle and there are several half-days and 2 full days with no cycling. The cycling includes a combination of quiet backroads as well as the dedicated cycling trails which are mostly compacted gravel which provides a great surface to cycle on. There are also some short sections of rougher gravel trail, but nothing technically demanding. The bikes provided cope well with the conditions and there is the option to choose to ride an E-bike at no additional cost if you'd like to make the cycling a little easier.

Why KE?

Distinctive Adventures with a FREE E-Bike upgrade


No other UK tour operator is offering anything like this packaged-up and well thought-out trail cycling holiday in the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’. And there is no additional charge if you'd prefer to ride an E-bike.

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Itinerary

Meet at the group hotel in Christchurch before dinner. There will be a single timed transfer from Christchurch Airport to the hotel in the city centre in the early afternoon. The first group get together with the guide will be in the late afternoon for hire-bike fitting and pre-trip briefing. Dinner is included on this first night and the guide will accompany the group to a local restaurant.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

D

After breakfast at the hotel the guide will take the group to pick up the bikes, before driving south to Geraldine, the start point of the first day's ride. Here, we set off cycling on a quiet surfaced road through picturesque countryside and make a stop for lunch in Fairlie. After lunch we drive to Lake Tekapo Village beside the lake of the same name, the first of the storage lakes which feed the hydro schemes in the Waitaki Valley. Our afternoon ride is on the first of the three famous cycle trails we will be tackling on this tour - the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail - and will take us on quiet roads that run alongside the turquoise blue waters of the canal system. On return to Tekapo, there is the option to visit the local hot pools to ease any first day muscle aches (own expense). The famous Church of the Good Shepherd and the nearby statue of a border collie (a tribute to the locally vital work of sheepdogs) are local icons. We meet in the early evening and go to a local restaurant for dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B D

Time

3 hrs cycling

Distance

35 KM

Today, we cycle alongside the Tekapo Hydro Canal; flat and easy riding past salmon farms to the edge of Lake Pukaki where we join the lakeside cycle trail and can enjoy great views up the lake towards the snow-capped Southern Alps. Meeting our transport, we load up and drive northwards beside the lake to Aoraki Mount Cook Village, one of the most dramatically located settlements in New Zealand. Here, we have the option to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre (own expense) or the informative Aoraki Mount Cook National Park visitor centre (free of charge). In the afternoon there is also the chance to take a hike up towards Sealey Tarns, the Hooker Valley Track or the Tasman Glacier viewpoint amongst a simply stunning glacier and mountain landscape. We overnight in Aoraki Mount Cook Village and spend the evening dining and relaxing below the highest peaks in the Southern Alps.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

Time

3 hrs cycling

Distance

30 KM

In the morning, we drive back out of the valley as far as the village of Twizel, where we saddle up and ride, mostly on a cycle trail, past Lake Ruataniwha and on to Lake Ohau where we can stop for lunch at the Lake Ohau Lodge. Once we have refuelled, those who would like a challenge can continue on the trail, which starts its steady climb up to the Tarnbrae Saddle. At 900 metres elevation, this is the highpoint of the whole Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail where your efforts are rewarded with stunning views across the Mackenzie Basin. Alternatively, for those who want a more relaxing afternoon, there is the option to transfer by vehicle to this highpoint and from there enjoy a final, mostly downhill and flat ride on the trail into Omarama, our stop for the night. Omarama is called 'Place of Light' in Maori terminology, a reference to its extraordinarily pure and clear sky.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Time

6 hrs cycling

Distance

79 KM

Setting off on our bikes directly from our accommodation, we ride along the shore of a part of Lake Benmore to Sailors Cutting. From here, you can choose to cycle 5 kilometres up to the Otematata Saddle take the support vehicle to the top and to then enjoy a fabulous downhill section towards Aviemore Dam, where we will enjoy a lakeside picnic. From here we avoid the main road by driving a short distance to our accommodation in Kurow. The tiny village of Kurow can be explored by bike. An interesting option is to ride from the bridge over the Waitaki River to the beautifully restored St. Albans Church, then to the local Pasquale vineyards to taste award winning wines. Tonight's accommodation is at the Waitaki Braids Lodge where elegant en-suite rooms, open onto their own small conservatory and local art adorns the walls. Dinner is served in the comfortable onsite restaurant by an award winning chef serving local produce and wines. This is the perfect place to relax whilst recovering from a fun day on the bike.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Time

4 hrs cycling

Distance

52 KM

After breakfast, we hop back on our bikes and continue our ride towards the Pacific Ocean. We pass the Maori rock art site at Takiroa close to the small farming town of Duntroon. Here, we turn southwards and cycle on a mixture of trail and quiet rural roads with a stop-off to walk among the unusual rock formations known locally as Elephant Rocks. Following a short section of an old branch railway line we cycle through Raki's Tunnel before a downhill ride into the settlement of Windsor. After lunch, we cycle through picturesque rolling rural countryside to Friendly Bay and the end of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. We overnight in Oamaru, the largest town in North Otago, and will have plenty of time to look around its beautifully restored Victorian Quarter which features local crafts, cafes and bars, as well as a number of quirky art installations of the 'Steampunk' genre.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Time

5 - 6 hrs cycling

Distance

74 KM

After breakfast we drive south out of Oamaru following the Pacific Ocean coastal road to Dunedin. En route we visit the perfectly spherical Moeraki Boulders lying along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. Believed to be at least 60 million years old, each boulder weighs several tons and can be up to six feet high. We arrive in Dunedin by mid morning and are free to spend the rest of the day exploring the city and its surroundings. You bikes will be available for you to use and both the Otago Peninsula and Port Chalmers are good options to visit by bike. By the time the Scottish settlers arrived in Dunedin around the mid-19th century, they found an area rich in Maori history. The rough, tough and enterprising whalers added another element of diversity to this burgeoning Otago harbour. The cultural mix of Maori, whaler and Scot gave early Dunedin a character all of its own, and here you will find some of the finest examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. Dunedin's railway station, known as one of the world's most beautiful train stations, is said to be the most photographed building in New Zealand.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Today is the first of 2 days on the second of our cycle trails, the Otago Central Rail Trail, and begins with a transfer to Middlemarch where we have lunch before setting off on the day's ride. The first part of the historic Otago Central Rail Trail takes us through tunnels and over bridges that were once the secret preserve of railway workers. During the ride we can enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape and marvel at the ingenuity of the region's first settlers. Our destination today is Wedderburn, a sleepy town in the heart of the Maniototo Plain, where we can pay a visit to the Wedderburn Tavern, which dates back to 1885, for some well-deserved refreshments.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B D

Time

6 hrs cycling

Distance

75 KM

The second part of the Otago Central Rail Trail leads through an ever-changing landscape; rugged mountains, crystal clear rivers, and steep winding gorges. We cycle over the impressive Poolburn Viaduct and the Manuherikia Bridge and through the 229 metre-long Poolburn Tunnel. With views of the Dunstan Mountains and the Raggedy Range, we continue on to Clyde, a quaint and historic town in an up-and-coming wine region. Clyde was once a wild and rollicking 'canvas' town, bustling with gold miners, shop keepers and ever-present dancing girls. Dunstan House, significant as a social gathering point for the thousands of miners, was the first hotel built in Clyde. This unique hotel restored with an ambiance of yesteryear is our accommodation for the night. The gold that can be found in this region today is wine and before dinner, we have an option to try award-winning Pinot Noir with a private wine tasting at a local winery.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B D

Time

5 - 6 hrs cycling

Distance

75 KM

After breakfast we have a short transfer to the wine growing region of Gibbston Valley, where we can connect with the scenic Queenstown trails network. Back on our bikes, we cycle the length of the beautiful Gibbston Valley with its world-renowned vineyards and continue via the Kawarau Gorge which is spanned by the famous suspension bridge used by the AJ Hackett Bungy Company. After watching a couple of bungy jumps (and perhaps thinking about taking the leap of faith) we continue our ride to Arrowtown, a delightful gold rush village set amongst stunning peaks that rose above the Arrow River. Treat yourself to a coffee or a beer in this small but sophisticated town. After lunch and some time for exploration, we ride our final few miles on quiet trails towards Queenstown. Queenstown is the world's adrenalin capital and makes a fitting point to take a rest day from our riding adventure. Surrounded by majestic mountains and hugging the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is the perfect place to relax.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B D

Time

4 hrs cycling

Distance

45 KM

After 8 days of cycling it's great to take a break and there's no better place to do this than in Queenstown. Surrounded by mountain ranges and glistening lakes, the area's spectacular landscape featured prominently in the filming of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. We recommend taking a stroll along the lakeshore after breakfast and stopping for coffee at Joe's Garage. Then hike to the top of Bob's Peak (or take the gondola) for some of the best views of Queenstown. There are lots of great places for lunch and lots of opportunity for diversion, ranging from wine-tasting in the nearby Gibbston Valley to bungy jumping and jetboat riding on the Shotover River (own expense). There are also optional excursions to either Doubtful Sound or Milford Sound (own expense). These tours have an early start with a bus journey to either Manapouri (to visit Doubtful Sound) or Milford Sound to join an amazing cruise into Fiordland. In the evening, simply choose one of the friendly restaurants in town and tuck in.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Today we make our way to Wanaka, via the Crown Range Road, New Zealand's highest road. To cut down on the hardship that this would otherwise involve, we load up the bikes and drive to the Crown Range's summit at 1076 metres above sea level. Here, after enjoying the sweeping views over the Arrow Valley, the Remarkables Range and Lake Wakatipu, we unload the bikes and set off on a great downhill ride to Wanaka. After less than an hour of largely freewheel riding, we can stop off for coffee in the pleasant garden of the old clapboard Cardrona Hotel which dates back to the 1860's gold rush era. The angle eases as we continue easily down the Cardrona Valley and into the picturesque alpine village of Wanaka. In the afternoon we have the chance to enjoy some free time in Wanaka which is a great place for relaxing, shopping, people-watching or for walking by the lake. We get together in the evening for dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B D

Time

3 hrs cycling

Distance

40 KM

There's no great rush this morning, as we look forward to the scenic drive (6 hours with stops) to Fox Glacier. We start this spectacular drive by skirting Lake Hawea with the backdrop of the Mount Aspiring National Park, before climbing over the Haast Pass to reach the rugged West Coast. The road here is bordered by rainforest and mountains on one side and the wild ocean on the other and we will have several stops along the way to stretch our legs at waterfalls and other viewpoints. We end our day in the tiny township of Fox Glacier, the location of one of only 3 temperate glaciers in the world. There will be time to enjoy a short walk and to relax before going out to dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

After breakfast, we'll take a 90-minute walk around the jewel-like Lake Matheson, which is a photographer's dream with its reflected views of some of New Zealand's biggest peaks. Returning to the township, we can also take a short walk to the 'snout' of Fox Glacier before lunch. In the afternoon, there is the option for those who want to challenge themselves further to cycle one of the classic West Coast challenges. Known as the 'Triple Bypass', the road between Fox and Franz Josef Glacier includes 3 short and steep climbs in just 25 kilometres of riding. Alternatively, you can skip this and jump in the support vehicle for this leg of the trip. Once in the township of Franz Josef there is the chance to take a soak in the local hot springs.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

Time

3 hrs cycling

Distance

25 KM

Today starts with an hour and a half transfer northwards to the town of Ross, where we meet the third of our cycle trails - the West Coast Wilderness Trail. Setting out on a former railway line, we cross the Totara River on an old and impressive 200-metre long bridge and soon make a stop at the West Coast Treetop Walkway where we can walk on canopy-level platforms amongst giant rainforest trees. The trail continues through small townships and farms and by way of the old Kaniere water race to the shores of the beautiful Lake Kaniere nestled against the Southern Alps. Here we take a moment to appreciate our surroundings before loading up and driving back to nearby Hokitika, a quiet coastal town known for the crafting of a local greenstone known as pounami. The late afternoon is free to explore the town and to take a walk on the beach at sunset.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Time

4 hrs cycling

Distance

54 KM

Returning to Lake Kaniere after breakfast, we continue our ride on the amazing West Coast Wilderness Trail. There's a mix of quiet rural road and dedicated cycle trail as we make our way to a coffee stop at Milltown, home of saw-milling in earlier times. The trail crosses a swing bridge and there's a kilometre of switchback climbing above the Arahura River that takes us to the high point of the day's ride. From here it's mainly downhill and superb cycling, as we follow water races, bush tracks and reservoir roads that allow us to take in the spectacular views, as we gradually descend to Kumara. Here, we take a break at a beautiful and historic hotel and enjoy a celebratory drink, before boarding the support vehicle and driving across the spectacular Southern Alps to Christchurch. Arriving at our hotel in the city in the late afternoon, we'll have time to freshen up before going out to a restaurant to celebrate the completion of our great adventure.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Time

4 hrs cycling

Distance

50 KM

Your holiday ends after breakfast. A single mid-morning transfer to Christchurch Airport is provided.

Meals

B
Download Trip Notes
The Route
Airport Airport
Point Point
Direction Direction
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Transfer
Bike

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • Single timed Christchurch Airport group transfers on Day 1 and Day 17
  • An experienced and professional local cycling guide
  • A support vehicle and driver
  • Entrance to the Treetop Walkway at Hokitika
  • Clyde Village wine-tasting and tour
  • All accommodation as described in the trip dossier
  • Meals and snacks as detailed in the Meal Plan
  • Bike hire - regular bike or e-bike
  • NZ taxes and concession fees

  • Travel insurance Airport transfers (other than group transfers on Day 1 and Day 17
  • Tips for the local support staff
  • Miscellaneous expenses drinks souvenirs etc

A single group transfer will be provided on Day 1 of the trip itinerary from Christchurch Airport to the first night's accommodation. This transfer will usually depart from the airport at around 1145 hrs.

If your flights don't work with the timing of this transfer, you can take the airport shuttle to the group hotel (USD$25-$30, 20 minutes).

On Day 17 the single group transfer will arrive at Christchurch Airport at around 0830 hrs.

Hotel contact details together with an emergency telephone number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

All 16 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 11 evening meals are included in the holiday price.

Water is drinkable from the taps on this holiday. Please fill your personal bottles for your day in the morning. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

Breakfasts are provided at the accommodation and are generally ‘Continental’ in style including cereals, toast, jam, honey, fruit, fruit juice and tea or coffee. Lunch could be a picnic provided from the support vehicle, a meal taken at roadside café or a combination of snack items purchased from a supermarket or bakery on our route. Dinners will usually be taken at a restaurant near the group’s overnight accommodation. In the bigger towns with more options, the guide will recommend places to eat and you will purchase your own dinners. In the smaller towns with fewer options, we’ll pre-book to make sure we get a table at a nice place and in this case the cost of the dinner is included. Most restaurants will offer a choice of dishes including vegetarian options and in the larger towns there is a wide choice of cuisine, from Indian to International.

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide special diets.  Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your diet with food/snacks from home.  If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice.  Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

We use a good standard of family-run hotels and motels that are not only comfortable but which are chosen on account of their location and charm. All rooms are twin-share with en-suite facilities. If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex.

Single room occupancy can be pre-booked at additional cost. If you intend to extend your holiday, additional nights at the group hotel in Christchurch can also be pre-booked.

This holiday will be accompanied by an experienced KE cycling leader. In addition, there will be a support vehicle and driver.

This holiday does not involve any significant ascent to altitude and we would not expect any altitude issues with this trip.

A total of £450 should cover the cost of your miscellaneous expenses, including the meals you will pay for directly. You should allow approximately £10-12 per lunch and £25-30 per evening meal (based on a standard two course restaurant meal with one glass of wine / beer). Approximately £250 (or equivalent in local currency) should cover your non-included meals. Take at least some of your travel money in the form of cash and exchange this on arrival in Christchurch. It is not necessary to obtain New Zealand dollars prior to departure. It is possible to withdraw cash from ATM's at towns throughout the trip and credit and debit cards can be widely used. If you are intending to buy expensive souvenirs, you should budget accordingly (plastic cards can be useful in this respect). Also, if you expect to buy considerable quantities of soft drinks or beer, you should make an allowance for this.

Tipping is not expected in New Zealand, although if your guide and driver have done a good job, you may feel it is appropriate to reward them with a tip or a gift. Also, for good service in restaurants it is not uncommon to leave a tip of around 10%.

Bikes are provided locally within the cost of the holiday and you can choose whether you want to ride a regular bike or an e-bike. Please let us know which you would prefer when you book.

The regular bikes are Avanti Discovery bikes that have been built to suit the New Zealand trails. They combine the best characteristics of hybrid and mountain bikes and have been adapted with faster-rolling tyres, upgraded suspension forks, easy-shifting gear systems, disk brakes and a handy bike rack. This model of bike provides a reasonably upright riding style which means you are in good shape to take in the amazing scenery you’ll encounter along the way. The bikes are fitted with flat pedals, but we can fit your own pedals if you normally ride clipped-in. Please provide us with your height when you book, so we can reserve a bike for you. If you would prefer a ‘womens’ style frame with a lower step over, this can also be arranged.

E-bikes. If you would like to ride an e-bike, this can be arranged at no additional cost. These are either Avanti or Merida bikes and have an electric motor which provides assistance as you pedal. These bikes are safe and easy to handle and the battery will typically provide assistance for up to 80 kilometres before needing to be recharged.

Throughout the tour we will have the back-up of a support vehicle. Each morning the group’s baggage will be loaded onto this vehicle which will follow the group on the day's ride. The support vehicle will meet the group at key points where the trails and country roads coincide and will pick up any group members who wish to take a break from cycling at any time. The support vehicle will carry water, energy mix for drinks and snacks. The cycling guide will communicate with the support vehicle driver by mobile phone in the case of a breakdown or other incident.

You should travel with one main item of luggage (holdall or holdall with wheels) and a small day pack or cycling-specific hydration pack. The day pack can be used to carry valuable items such as cameras and GPS devices whilst travelling and will also carry your day-ride essentials during the rides.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

From 1 October 2019, travellers must have an NZeTA (New Zealand Travel Authority) to travel to New Zealand. From July 2019 you can request your NZeTA via the Immigration New Zealand mobile app or the Immigration New Zealand website (www.immigration.govt.nz/nzeta). The app is fast, easy to use, and the most affordable option. The cost of the ETA is NZD$9 for requests made via the mobile app and NZD$12 for requests made via the Immigration NZ website. You will be asked to pay your International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD$35 (Aug 2019) at the same time. ETA requests will take between 5-10 minutes to complete. Once issued, an ETA is valid for up to two years and can be used for multiple visits to NZ. 

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

VACCINATIONS

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended in the UK e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid. A good online resource is Travel Health Pro.

The unit of currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar.

The better conditioned you are the more you will enjoy your trip. We suggest that you adopt a sensible weekly exercise regime and fit in a number of long cycle rides in hilly country to ensure you are physically capable of taking part in this trip - this will also provide you with an opportunity to make sure all your riding kit is tried and tested before you travel. Cycling is obviously the best activity to prepare for this trip, however, running and swimming are also good for developing aerobic fitness and stamina.

We run this New Zealand cycling holiday during the Southern Hemisphere spring and summer period of November through to March. At this time of year, we can expect temperatures of between 20°C and 25°C during the day, falling to between 10°C and 15°C at night. Surrounded by warm oceans, New Zealand has a maritime climate and can experience rainfall throughout the year. The West Coast (of South Island) is wetter than the east of the island, which lies in the rain shadow of the Southern Alps.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

  • Lonely Planet. New Zealand.
  • Fodor’s Exploring. New Zealand.
  • The Rough Guide to New Zealand.

New Zealand – South Island. Reise Know-How 1:550,000 Scale.

Available at www.stanfords.co.uk - New Zealand South Island. Waterproof and tear-resistant road map with topographic and tourist information. The map is double-sided to provide the best balance between a good scale and a convenient size sheet, with a very generous overlap between the two sides.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

For this holiday you will need your usual cycling clothing, including shoes, cycling gloves and helmet (which must be worn at all times when cycling).

Bike Wear

  • Cycling helmet
  • Cycling shoes or trainers
  • Daypack or mountain bike-specific hydration pack (e.g. Camelbak)
  • Water bladder - min. 2 litres water capacity (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)
  • Padded (baggy) cycling shorts
  • Long leg cycling trousers or leg warmers
  • Base-layer – short sleeve cycling tops
  • Mid-layer - long sleeved cycling tops
  • Fleece jacket or jumper
  • Lightweight windproof top
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket
  • Regular biking gloves
  • Long-fingered biking gloved
  • Warm hat that fits under your helmet
  • Buff
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun cream (inc. total bloc for lips/nose)
  • Camera

Other Stuff

  • Travel and off-the-bike clothing and footwear
  • Wash bag, towel, toiletries, including anti-bacterial handwash
  • Swimwear
  • Basic First Aid kit and personal medication
  • Chamois cream (e.g. Assos/Ozone)
  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Spares

The bikes are provided in good condition and a supply of spares is carried. You may be asked to pay directly for any spares used, especially in the case of crash damage or damage by mis-use.

Repairs

Your bike guide will be happy to help with repairs and general maintenance, but being able to carry out a simple repair – like changing an inner tube - yourself could save the inconvenience of having to wait for assistance.

Hydration and Energy Snacks

You should take a standard cycling water bottle (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic). Water, energy drinks and snacks are provided, but you might consider taking a small supply of the gels, power bars or sports drink mix that you would normally use on a ride at home.

Cotswold Outdoor Red PantonMany of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 12.5% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers.
>> Find out more

DATES & PRICES

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

2024

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Best of New Zealand Trail Cycling
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: NDMB/02/24/
  • This trip begins on Sun 8 Dec and ends on Tue 24 Dec
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$825
  • Single Supplement Price: US$2,030 - Single supplement includes all nights.
  • Download Trip Notes

2025

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Best of New Zealand Trail Cycling
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: NDMB/01/25/
  • This trip begins on Tue 11 Feb and ends on Thu 27 Feb
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$825
  • Single Supplement Price: US$2,030 - Single supplement includes all nights.
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

The dates shown are for the LAND ONLY itinerary, joining in Christchurch. For clients making their own flight arrangements, Christchurch Airport is the most convenient for transfers to the group hotel. Please refer to Joining Arrangements & Transfers, and Flights for further details.

Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the departure is showing 'Guaranteed to Run' or 'Limited'.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE


Changes to flights

Please be aware that the flight industry is experiencing a high level of service fluctuation and changes to your flights may occur. This may also require amends to the transfers and joining arrangements. Thank you all for continuing your patience and understanding.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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