The Grand Tour is comprised of two short tours:
Nelson Lakes 7 days and West Coast 10 days and can be combined with Southern Scenic 7 days to make a magnificent 22-day tip to tip South Island tour.
DAY 1 PICTON.
We can drive you from Christchurch to Picton if required. Take a short cycle around the bays.
DAY 2 NELSON.
Ride along Queen Charlotte Drive with its beautiful bush-framed views of the Marlborough Sounds to New Zealand’s sunniest city of Nelson.
DAY 3 ST ARNAUD.
We cycle through orchards, farmland and pine plantations on our way to Nelson Lakes National Park.
DAY 4 MURCHISON.
Time for a forest walk near the lake edge before following the Buller River down to Murchison.
DAY 5 WESTPORT.
Take a bike ride down impressive Buller Gorge to the sea and the start of the West Coast. A great downhill day on the bike!
DAY 6 + 7 PUNAKAIKI.
Visit the local seal colony and the famous Pancake Rocks and blow holes. A rest day gives time to explore the area, go kayaking or walk in Paparoa National Park.
DAY 8 HOKITIKA.
We head south along the rainforest clad coast to Greymouth and then to Hokitika, a former gold rush town.
DAY 9 + 10 FRANZ JOSEF
A shorter ride Cycle over Mt Hercules with a flat run into Westland National Park and Franz Josef Glacier where you will have superb views of snow-capped peaks. A rest day gives time for a walk to the glacier, a day on the beach, a visit to the white heron colony, or a scenic flight.
DAY 11 LAKE MOERAKI.
Time for an early morning walk around Lake Matheson, famous for its reflections of Mts Cook and Tasman. Ride through tall stands of ancient rainforest to stay at a beautiful lodge overlooking the Moeraki River. Canoe on the lake or take a bush walk.
DAY 12 MAKARORA.
Knights Point affords excellent views of the rugged coastline where seals can often be seen basking in the sun.
DAY 13 + 14 WANAKA.
Spectacular mountain and lake views as we pass Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. Cycle the scenic Loop road bike ride around Lake Dustan. Visit a vineyard or take a hike up Mt Iron.
DAY 15 QUEENSTOWN.
Over the Crown Range to the quaint old gold mining town of Arrowtown. Queenstown lies ahead with a chance for exciting activities: rafting, jet-boating, a scenic flight or a lake cruise on the historic SS Earnslaw.
DAY 16 CHRISTCHURCH.
This morning our tour end and we say goodbye after breakfast. You are welcome to join us on our way to Christchurch or stay and spend more time in Queenstown.
