The Grand Tour can be extended to a wonderful 22-day holiday by combining it with the Southern Scenic route, or the Southern Scenic can be taken as a magnificent week-long holiday by itself.
From Queenstown we take the road beside Lake Wakatipu and head for Te Anau where we have two nights, allowing a day trip to spectacular Milford Sound. , past towering mountains, beside lakes and innumerable waterfalls. Take time out for a walk to The Divide on the renowned Routeburn Track. Much of our route is on very quiet sealed roads with little or no traffic. Stay with local farm hosts before we finish at Larnach’s Castle on beautiful Otago Peninsula, known for its penguin and albatross colonies and close to the city of Dunedin.
DAY 1 QUEENSTOWN.
We meet at the hotel mid afternoon where our guides will assist you with unpacking your bike or fitting you to your rental before heading off for an introductory ride around Queenstown.
DAY 2 TE ANAU.
A beautiful ride beside Lake Wakatipu to Kingston, where the vintage steam train departs.
DAY 3 TE ANAU.
Drive to Milford Sound (fiord) along one of the most spectacular roads in the world, with plenty of stops for beautiful walks on the way. We are one of the few companies with a Department of Conservation permit to take you to The Divide on the Routeburn Track. Lunch overlooking Mitre Peak, take a cruise on scenic Milford Sound then drive back to Te Anau.
DAY 4 INVERCARGILL.
We cycle past Lake Manapouri, and along the edges of Fiordland National Park. Our longest day finishes in Invercargill, New Zealand’s most southerly city.
DAY 5 PAPATOWAI.
Quiet rural riding through mixed farm land and the Catlins Forest, an area of native bush, waterfalls and beautiful deserted beaches. Some excellent coastal views.
DAY 6 + 7 DUNEDIN.
Dunedin is a small attractive city with a rich architectural heritage and strong Scottish ancestry. You may like to spend additional time on spectacular Otago peninsula, and visit the albatross and penguin colonies.
What’s included
6 nights accommodation (mostly 3 and 4 star and the superb Larnach’s Castle)
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 5 dinners
Full minibus support
Experienced guide/ cycle mechanic
Pedaltours souvenir cycle jersey
Pedaltours souvenir drink bottle
Daily route directions and coloured maps with profiles
Day 1 (D)
Millennium Hotel
32 Frankton Road, Queenstown, 03 450 0150 www.millenniumhotels.co.nz
A year-round resort near the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping area.
Day 2 (B, L, D) and Day 3 (B, L)
Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
64 Lakefront Terrace, Te Anau, 03 249 9700 www.distinctionhotelsteanau.co.nz
Located in the heart of Te Anau, with spectacular views over the mountains and lakes
Cnr Avenal and Dee Streets, Invercargill, Phone 03 214 0408 www.homesteadvillamotel.co.nz
Very spacious modern luxury units. Close to city centre, museum and art gallery.
Southern Secret Motel & Catlins cottages, Southern Scenic Route, Papatowai
Phone 03 415 8600 www.southernsecretmotel.co.nz
Nestled in native bush near picturesque seaside village and only three minutes walk to the beach.
Larnach Castle Lodge, Otago Peninsula, Dunedin
Phone: 03 476 1616 www.larnachscastle.co.nz
Built within the grounds of Larnach Castle. Fantastic views over the harbour and Otago Peninsula.
Depart. We look forward to seeing you on another Pedaltours adventure one day.
