Enjoy friendly Kiwi hospitality, superb scenery and terrain that will delight cycle enthusiasts – knowing that each evening, there is a comfortable lodge and excellent cuisine awaiting you.
Our South Island Adventure starts at Picton, a picturesque fishing town at the northern tip of the South Island. It is a small town (pop.2,600) nestling under the bush-clad hills of Queen Charlotte Sound, named by Captain Cook in 1770.
We start with a magical ride around the Marlborough Sounds coastline, to Nelson, an attractive small city famous for its high sunshine hours. Nelson has become a haven for artists, craft breweries and boutique wineries. Climb gradually to Nelson Lakes National Park, and then it’s down spectacular Buller Gorge to the wild West Coast.
We stay at Punakaiki, right by the beach and see Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Paparoa National Park. From here you can either return to Christchurch or continue on our West Coast tour.
Contact us for a quote on a PRIVATE TOUR (your family and friends only)
DAY 1 PICTON.
We take a short ride ( c. 20 kilometres) around the scenic bays in the afternoon.
DAY 2 NELSON.
Along Queen Charlotte Drive with its beautiful 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 to Nelson Lakes National Park.
DAY 4 MURCHISON.
It’s time for a forest walk near the lake shore before following the Buller River down to Murchison.
DAY 5 WESTPORT.
Ride down the impressive Buller Gorge to the sea and the start of the West Coast.
DAY 6 PUNAKAIKI.
Visit a seal colony and the famous Pancake Rocks and blow holes at Punakaiki.
DAY 7 CHRISTCHURCH.
This morning is the end of the Nelson Lakes tour. Our guides and the mini-bus may continue with the West Coast Tour or travel across the Alps to Christchurch. You are welcome to join the guides with the drive to Christchurch if they do not continue with the West Coast Tour. We’d stop en route for lunch on our way back to Christchurch.
What’s included
6 nights accommodation (mostly 3 and 4-star)
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 6 dinners
Full minibus support
Experienced guide/ cycle mechanic
Pedaltours souvenir cycle jersey
Pedaltours souvenir drink bottle
Daily route directions and coloured maps with profiles
Excellent, well-maintained bikes with pannier/carry bags and helmet included (e-bikes available)
Day 1 (D)
03 573 8900 www.pictonhotel.com
Stunning harbourside location and only 2 minute’s walk to Picton town centre.
03 548-2299 www.heritagehotels.co.nz
The hotel is located in a prime spot only a minute’s walk from Nelson’s landmark cathedral and main shopping district (including just a block away from Jens Hansen Goldsmiths, creators of the ring in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy).
St Arnaud, Nelson Lakes National Park
03 521-1869 www.alpinelodge.co.nz
Luxury studios in an alpine design with mountain & bush views
located on the first floor. Close to the beautiful Lake Rotoiti
which is surrounded by a Beech forest and features a tramping track which circles the lake.
53 Fairfax Street, Murchison
03 523 9026 www.murchisonmotels.co.nz
Contemporary four-star comfort, beautiful gardens and stunning facilities. Only a few minutes walk to cafes, restaurants and bars.
Chelsea Gateway Motor Lodge
330 Palmerston Street, Westport
03 789 6835 www.chelseagateway.co.nz
In a central location, only a few minutes walk to restaurants. The Buller River is also within walking distance and is one of New Zealand’s longest rivers.
Punakaiki Resort, Punakaiki
03 731 1167www.punakaiki-resort.co.nz
Beachfront accommodation with spacious modern rooms situated on New Zealand’s wild west coast and only 300m south of the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
This morning our mini-bus travels across the Alps to Arthurs Pass. We stop en route for lunch on our way back to Christchurch, where our tour finishes.
