The Tasman Sea from above | Lachlan Gardiner
The Tasman Sea from above  | Lachlan Gardiner
Soak in the changing landscapes over a full-service breakfast in Scenic Plus, as you cross the mighty Southern Alps.  | Jay French
Experience lush west coast bush with a walk through the Pororari River Gorge  | Sandra Appleby
Glide through the towering Tiritiri-o-te-moana / Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine — a spectacular prelude to your West Coast cycling journey.  | Jay French
Incredible coastal views from the Cape Foulwind Walkway  | Sandra Appleby
Milltown Creek switchbacks | West Coast Wilderness Trail  | Lachlan Gardiner
West Coast Wilderness Trail  | Lachlan Gardiner
You can't beat a Hokitika sunset  | Lachlan Gardiner
McPherson Creek swingbridge  | Lachlan Gardiner
ADS UGC SM - Clifford Ah Kit - WTC
It's hard not to smile on the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail  | Lachlan Gardiner

Premium West Coast Wilderness and Kawatiri Cycle

The very best of the West Coast by bike

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 9 reviews

6 Days from

$2460 USD

Trip Code: BWC
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Ebike Rental
$420 USD
Single Supplement - Limited to 2 per departure
$520 USD

Duration

  • 6 Days

Activities

  • 6 day cycle trail

Accommodation

  • 5 nights hotel/motel

Meals

  • 5 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

3 / 5

moderate

Trip highlights

  • Enjoy the spectacular TranzAlpine train journey across the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Greymouth in Scenic Plus with priority perks and an elevated dining experience.
  • Enjoy premium accommodation and gourmet meals
  • Relax on a sunset cruise on the Lake Mahinapua waterway
  • Explore the Hokitika Gorge, Pororari River Gorge & the Truman Track – 3 West Coast must-do’s
  • Experience one of the world’s best Glow Worm displays in a pristine and untamed natural wilderness environment
  • Spot wildlife and birdlife from the beautiful Cape Foulwind walkway
  • Taste and tour at the Reefton Distilling Company

Overview

Discover the wild beauty of New Zealand’s South Island on this immersive 6-day guided tour along the West Coast, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, towering mountains, crystal-clear rivers, dense rainforests, and rugged coastlines. Setting off from Christchurch, the adventure begins with an optional scenic train ride, or a comfortable road transfer in one of our modern fleet vehicles, over the Southern Alps before embarking on the West Coast Wilderness Trail.

This journey takes you along historic tramways, across suspension bridges, and beside serene lakes and rivers, including the stunning Hokitika Gorge and Lake Mahinapua. Explore Punakaiki’s famous Pancake Rocks and marvel at the Pororari River Gorge, known for its striking coastal views and lush greenery.

Cycle along the newly completed Kawatiri Trail, and delve into the glowworm-lit caves of Charleston. At Cape Foulwind, enjoy a coastal walk with the chance to spot local wildlife such as fur seals, penguins, and dolphins.

With hand-picked accommodation, delicious local cuisine, and expert guides to enrich your experience, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of the West Coast’s untamed wilderness.

Itinerary

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Your adventure kicks off with the spectacular TranzAlpine first-class level comforts of "ScenicPlus"train journey across the Southern Alps included in your tour. We begin early in Christchurch, heading to the railway station for this world-class ride. You'll enjoy first class comforts with a seasonal menu of locally produced ingredients and drinks of your choice included in your ticket! Upon crossing the Southern Alps, we arrive at the historic gold mining town of Ross, nestled against ranges covered in lush native bush. After a group photo at the official West Coast Wilderness picture frame, we’ll gear up for our first ride along the trail. Leaving Ross, we cross the historic Totara River railway bridge, built in 1908, and follow an old tramway through native bush, wetlands, and former mill sites before reaching the picturesque Lake Mahinapua. Our welcoming hosts will greet us at our first night’s accommodation, where we’ll embark on a sunset cruise. Take in the serene beauty of the Mahinapua waterways with stunning views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps in the background. The day will end with a delicious evening meal prepared by our hosts. Cycling distance: 28km / 17 miles Accommodation : Lake Mahinapua Waterway Accommodation

Meals: D

After breakfast we head towards Hokitika and then ride inland through rural country to reach the bush-lined Kaniere water race – always a favourite for its flowing riding and babbling waters. Nestled in the forested foothills, Lake Kaniere is a grand sight indeed. We’ll follow its shores to reach the small township of Kokatahi where we’ll stop for a picnic lunch. Hokitika Gorge is up next. A short walkway crossing 2 impressive swing bridges offers a chance to see its granite boulders and swirling, surreal turquoise waters from many angles. From there, we’ll drive back to Hokitika, a quirky little town known for its arts and crafts, pounamu (greenstone) and glassware. There will be time to explore the small town and take a walk along the dramatic wild beach with its driftwood sculptures and incredible sunsets. Cycling distance: 44km / 27 miles Accommodation : Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika

Meals: B,L,D

Today we drive back to Lake Kaniere and continue our ride through the amazing bush trails of this cycleway. Firstly on rural roads and then the dedicated trail that takes us to the coffee stop at Milltown, home of saw-milling in earlier times. The trail crosses a swing bridge and then a kilometre of switchback climbing takes us to the highpoint and more superb riding. From here it's mainly downhill, as we follow water races, bush tracks and reservoir roads taking in the spectacular views as we gradually descend to our overnight at Kumara and the beautiful historic hotel that is our accommodation. Cycle Distance: Lake Kaniere to Kumara - 48km / 30 miles Accommodation : Theatre Royal Hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Our final day on the West Coast Wilderness Trail see us riding on the old tramway out of Kumara and then north to Greymouth on a combination of riverside and coastal pathways. The views of the Southern Alps back down the coast can be impressive on a clear day. After a café lunch, there’s time for a stroll around the town or an optional visit to the historic Monteith's Brewery. In the afternoon we drive the stunning coastal highway to explore Paparoa National Park. First, we’ll explore the Pororari River with its dramatic limestone gorge, with a 3.5km walk up to a suspension bridge, returning the same way. Then we take a leisurely stroll around Punakaiki’s Dolomite Point, famous for its Pancake Rocks and thundering blow holes. Cycling distance: 31km / 17 miles Accommodation : Scenic Punakaiki Hotel, PunakaikiWest Coast

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we head north out of Punakaiki following the trail to the Truman Track, where a short walk takes us through striking sub-tropical forest to reach a rugged beach. We then drive along the quiet coastal road with vantage points high above the sandy beaches and wild sea and we wind our way inland to the sleepy west coast township of Charleston. Here we join an excursion to experience spectacular calcite formations, water-sculpted canyons and one of the world's best glowworm displays. It starts by taking a rainforest train through the Nile River Canyon and then guided by the light of head torches, a walk deep into the cave system. You can explore the vast Te Ananui caves and be awed by the magical array of glowworm galaxies! To join this tour you must be sure footed, be able to walk comfortably for 2 hours and be able to climb 135 steps. Back out in daylight, we drive to the famous surfing beach at Tauranga Bay for our last walk of the day along the panoramic Cape Foulwind walkway. The easy track takes us high above rocky coastal bluffs to a fur seal breeding colony and along to the Cape Foulwind lighthouse. Our final night is spent out on the Cape, with wonderful ocean views and dramatic sunsets, a fitting finale with our final group dinner and reflection on our West Coast adventure. Walking distance: approx 5km / 3 miles Accommodation : Omau Settlers Lodge, Cape Foulwind

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast we will set away to test drive the new Kawatiri Cycle Trail from Tauranga Bay to Westport. Some sections are yet to be completed, but follow quiet roads and we get to sample the breathtaking route meandering alongside the crashing sea, through native forest and wetland, over suspension bridges and boardwalks. From Tauranga Bay the trail climbs gently for 3km to the lighthouse and then meets the road to continue downhill to Carters Beach, the final 5.5km section takes us off-road again to the Buller River and onto the centre of Westport. Here we grab a coffee before we leave the West Coast behind and begin our journey back to Christchurch. Firstly we follow the mighty Buller (Kawatiri) River twisting inland through the bush clad Buller Gorge to Reefton. We have time for lunch and to explore this small gold mining town, famous for having the first electrical lighting in the Southern Hemisphere. More recently it's been known for Reefton Distilling Company, producers of some of New Zealand's most awarded gin, and here we enjoy a tour and tasting. Onwards we cross over the Southern Alps via the Lewis Pass and enjoy the scenic mountainous drive back to arrive in Christchurch in the early evening. Cycling distance: 19km / 12 miles

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

  • TranzAlpine train travel from Christchurch to Greymouth, enjoy in Scenic Plus with priority perks and an elevated dining experience (only for bookings made 27 May 2025 onwards)
  • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x5), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x4), two course restaurant dinners (x5) catered to all dietary requirements
  • 5 nights comfortable motel/lodge ensuite accommodation on twin share basis
  • Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides on groups of 8 or more)
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
  • Lake Mahinapua Waterways Sunset Cruise
  • Nile River rain forest train & glowworm tour
  • Standard Bike hire with helmet
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

Not included

  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • All beverages, other than breakfast
  • Optional activities (eg. Monteith's Brewery tour in Greymouth)
  • Electric Bike hire
  • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)

About your guide

Our guides are one of our biggest assets and we pride ourselves on their level of quality and high standards. Once the trip reaches 8 people, we provide you with two of our expert guides to maximise your enjoyment and overall experience. You’ll know you’re in safe hands as all of our guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics. They come from all walks of life but our guides have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you.

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Reviews (9)

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