Hana Black Photos - GGR | Hana Black

Exploring the south island of New Zealand | Hana Black

A stunning day cycling the Roxburgh Gorge | Geoff Marks

Lake Dunstan Trail | Natalie Tambolash

Cyclists ride along the edge of Carrick Winery Vineyard, with Bannockburn Inlet in the background. | Geoff Marks

Lake Dunstan credit: Geoff Marks | Geoff Marks

Sunny day on Lake Dunstan | Will Nelson

The beauty of Lake Tekapo and its surroundings is ideal for photos | Learna Cale

Cycling the Lake Dunstan Trail | Ross Mackay

Riding beyond the crowds | Hana Black

Taking in the serenity riding through Central Otago | Cam Stables

Hana Black Photos - GGR | Hana Black

A stunning day cycling the Roxburgh Gorge | Geoff Marks

Gravel Riding | Hana Black

Gravel Riding on the South Island Explorer | Hana Black

Stunning blue waters on the Lake Dunstan Trail | Lisa Jones

Views of the coastline climbing on Banks Peninsula | Hana Black

South Island Gravel Explorer

Explore the South Islands best back country gravel roads from Christchurch to Queenstown

New Zealand

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18 reviews

7 Days from

$3220 USD

Trip Code: GGR

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Gravel Bike Hire

$240 USD

Ebike Rental

$490 USD

Single Supplement

$550 USD

Duration

7 Days

Activities

7 day gravel riding

Accommodation

6 nights hotel/motel

Meals

4 Dinners
7 Lunches
6 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

4 / 5

moderate to challenging

Carbon Footprint

30kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(182kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Challenge yourself with 7 days of breathtaking gravel riding
Enjoy incredible views of the Southern Alps from the Port Hills
Tackle some iconic back country passes - McKenzie and Hakataramea
Cycle through arid McKenzie Country surrounded by the highest peaks in the country
Enjoy a great section of the Alps to Ocean Trail through the Waitiki Valley
Admire a contrast of vivid blue lakes, sparkling rivers, snow capped mountains and golden tussock-lands
Ride the spectacular Lake Dunstan Trail, plus the magnificent Roxburgh Gorge Trail
Conclude the tour in iconic Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital
Indulge in award winning wine and local Kiwi cuisine

Overview

Explore the vast and impressive Mackenzie Basin and remote Central Otago on this remarkable gravel tour from Christchurch to Queenstown. We trace the footsteps of the early pioneers, along gold mining trails and stock routes which now form quiet back country roads.

Our journey begins with an awesome ride on the Port Hills with views of the vivid blue Akaroa Harbour, the crater of an extinct volcano. We then travel through beautiful farm country over the McKenzie Pass to the stunning turquoise Lake Tekapo and into the "big-sky country" of Central Otago. We cross the Hakataramea Pass and then ride through the Waitiki Valley on the Alps to Ocean Trail to Oamaru. Next up we cycle on the route of the historic railway, crossing viaducts, bridges and through railway tunnels dating back to the gold mining era of the 1880’s.

Our final two days take us along the Clutha Gold and Roxburgh Gorge where we experience real isolation cycling alongside the Clutha River before we embark on the Lake Dunstan trail, surrounded by high mountain peaks and above a stunning gorge. We finish this epic cycle tour in Queenstown.

Itinerary

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Today we find our cycle legs with a stunning ride on Port Hills, one of New Zealand's most unique landforms. We start with a short drive out of Christchurch and set off riding along a flat lakeside trail to warm up the legs. From there we're onto a rather grunty climb on a sealed road but the views from the top are magnificent. This is the crater rim of an extinct volcano with incredible views towards the Canterbury Plains, the snowy Southern Alps and into the vivid blue harbour. We cycle the undulating and almost traffic-free Summit Road, right along the out to Godley Head, home to a WWII coastal defence battery that sits atop sheer 120m cliffs, we stop and walk to see the views from the peninsula out to the Pacific Ocean. Loading up, we drive back to Christchurch in the afternoon and have free time to rest up before we meet for our first group dinner. Cycling Distance: 62km, Elevation Gain: +927m 75% unpaved

Meals: L,D

After breakfast, we load up our gear and drive to the small settlement of Cave on the edge of the Canterbury Plains with a coffee stop at Pleasant Point. This area, New Zealand’s only “flat” land, is wide open country with braided rivers teeming with trout and salmon. The Canterbury Plains are also rich in sheep and dairy farming and today’s ride finds us traveling through a pastoral landscape. Today our ride takes us up the Little Opawa River Valley and over the Waratah Saddle, winding through rolling farmland. We then head towards the tussock covered hills and over the Mackenzie Saddle (785m/2575ft) which cuts through the ranges and gives us our first views of the vast arid Mackenzie Country, where rivers flow through sweeping tussock plains with a backdrop of the snowy alps. We head northwards to meet the main highway at Dog Kennel Corner, a memorial to the importance of sheep dogs, prior to formal fencing of farmland. Here we load up to drive the final 15km along the main road to Tekapo. In early summer this road is lined with lupins creating an incredible splash of colour to the arid landscape. Upon arrival in Lake Tekapo, we take in views of the amazing turquoise water and the Southern Alps from the Church of the Good Shepherd. Dinner at your leisure tonight. Cycling Distance: Cave to Dog Kennel Corner - 66km Elevation Gain: 1293m 76% unpaved

Meals: B,L

This morning we retrace our steps by vehicle to Dog Kennel Corner and start riding from the turn off where we see a sign pointing to Hakataramea Pass. On gravel from the start, we leave civilisation and climb towards an indigo sky, lofty views of the Southern Alps and the cloud piercer, Aoraki/Mt Cook behind us are now even more imposing above the Mackenzie Basin, whose truly vast scale is more easily appreciated as we approach the pass. The pass, marked with a fence-line, gate and signposts to destinations in both directions, proudly announces the pass is at 965m (3230ft) above sea level. A short winding descent leads to the broad Hakataramea Valley. The imposing Kirkliston Range to the west towers above the ordered, rolling farmland and we descend to Kurow, a small town where the Hakataramea and Waitaki valleys meet and our overnight stop. Cycling Distance: Hakataramea Road to Kurow – 76km Elevation Gain: 646m 54% unpaved

Meals: B,L,D

We'll spend today on the spectacular Alps to Ocean trail riding from Kurow out to Oamaru, a coastal town on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. From Kurow, the trail takes us along the banks of the Waitaki River, past vineyards and a Maori rock art site to reach the small town of Duntroon. Here we turn inland to cycle on a mixture of trail and quiet rural roads. A walk among the unusual rock formations known locally as Elephant Rocks is a must-do on the way past. 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, past the Oamaru stone quarry to Friendly Bay and the end of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. Our accommodation is within convenient walking distance to the historic precinct and Steampunk HQ. Cycle Distance: Kurow to Oamaru - 83km Elevation Gain: 619m 88% unpaved Accommodation: Oamaru

Meals: B,L,D

Today's terrain is mostly on an old railway line so hard packed shingle and no steep climbs makes the riding relatively straightforward! The main feature of the ride is the best section of New Zealand’s original and most famous “Great Ride,” the Otago Central Rail Trail. Steeped in history, this off-road rail trail offers a scenic and historic journey into the Central Otago heartland. This ever-changing landscape includes rugged mountains, crystal clear rivers, and steep winding gorges. Keen riders can choose to ride the extra 33kms to reach the Rail Trail from our accommodation, with the rest joining in from the iconic Wedderburn Station. From here it’s a steady climb to the highest point on the trail before dropping down to cycle over the impressive Poolburn viaduct and Manuherikia Bridge and through the 229m Poolburn tunnel. With views of the Dunstan Mountains and the Raggedy Range, we continue on to Alexandra, our home for the next 2 nights. Dinner at your leisure tonight. Cycling Distance: Wedderburn to Alexandra - 71km Elevation Gain: 387m Unpaved : 98%

Meals: B,L

Today we get to ride on 2 stunning NZ Great Rides (Clutha Gold Trail & Roxburgh Gorge Trail) alongside the mighty Clutha River. The day begins with a drive to Beaumont where we start on the Clutha Gold Trail, riding 20kms through the scenic Beaumont Gorge. Emerging from the Gorge, we’ll reach the small farming settlement of Millers Flat. The next 30kms takes us past interesting riverside landmarks and deep into the orchard-lands of the Teviot Valley. The impressive Roxburgh hydro dam marks the end of one trail and the start of the next. With amazing vistas across the Lake Roxburgh the trail drops into a gorge and then heads away from the water passing through a small secluded valley and into sweeping hill country. At Elbow Creek, it’s a gradual descent to Shingle Creek, to meet a jet boat taking us 13km upriver to Doctor’s Point. The second half of the Roxburgh trail is equally remote and awe-inspiring with stone-walled water races and other remnants of gold mining activity. We emerge from the gorge back in Alexandra. Clutha Gold/Roxburgh Gorge Trails : 77km Elevation Gain: 620m plus 10km Jetboat 85% unpaved

Meals: B,L,D

Today is the culmination of our epic adventure as we cycle the iconic Great Ride, the Lake Dunstan Trail. This spectacular ride takes us through unique and fascinating landscapes so characteristic of Central Otago as it journeys along the Clutha, the Kawarau River and the shores of Lake Dunstan. The region’s rich modern, pioneering and Maori historical stories are integrated along the way, some of which are brought to life in Clyde and Cromwell Historical Precinct. First, we begin with a delightful ride along the River trail from Alexandra to Clyde where we then join the Lake Dunstan Trail. From Clyde, you pass the historically controversial hydroelectric Clyde Dam, responsible for damming the Clutha River and creating of Lake Dunstan. Next up, the stunning Cromwell Gorge where you cycle around sheer rock faces and over lake inlets on impressively engineered platforms and bridges rising above Lake Dunstan, eventually meeting the Kawarau River at Cornish Point. Passing vineyards and olive groves the trail crosses the Bannockburn Bridge and ducks into the Cromwell Heritage Precinct where we’ll have a brief stop to explore before heading along the shores of Lake Dunstan where the trail finishes part way up the lake. Our concluding drive takes us through the picturesque Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown, passing the vine-lined Gibbston Valley and the famous Kawerau Bungy Bridge, ultimately reaching Queenstown, the grand finale of our gravel adventure. You will be dropped at a central location in town. Cycling Distance: 71km Elevation Gain : +698m 95% unpaved

Meals: B,L

Map

Elevation

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

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

Tasty cafe breakfasts (x6), gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x7), two course restaurant dinners (x4) catered to all dietary requirements
6 nights hand picked hotel/motel 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)
Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
Transport from Christchurch to Queenstown
Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

Not included

Bike hire (including helmet)
International or domestic flights and taxes
Arrival and departure transfers
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages, other than breakfast
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
Optional activities
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.

Reviews (18)

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Responsible travel

Extra trip info

Sinch eBikes - Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL

Designed right here in Aotearoa New Zealand, our fleet of Sinch eBikes is made to handle the country’s trails with ease. These pedal-assist bikes take the edge off hills and longer rides thanks to smooth, reliable Shimano motor systems and a comfortable, upright riding position.

They come with front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and air-sprung dropper seat posts to help fine-tune your comfort on the go. The smaller sizes (XS, S, M) feature step-through frames and swept-back handlebars for a relaxed touring posture, while large and XL frames are also available in a step-through option on request.

Whether you’re riding through the Mackenzie Basin, tracing the path of the Molesworth muster, or rolling past vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, the Sinch eBike is built to help you enjoy the ride.

Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes on offer for this tour.

Sinch eBike (Front suspension mountain bike style) - Sizes L & XL

They come with front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and air-sprung dropper seat posts to help fine-tune your comfort on the go. Large and XL frames are also available in a step-through option on request.

Whether you’re riding through the Mackenzie Basin, tracing the path of the Molesworth muster, or rolling past vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, the Sinch eBike is built to help you enjoy the ride.

Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes on offer for this tour.

Merida Silex 700 (Gravel Bike) - (subject to availability - through November 2025)

The Merida Silex 700 is our go-to gravel bike — stable, responsive, and ready for the kind of backcountry riding we love to share. Built with a lightweight aluminium frame and carbon fork, it’s designed for long days in the saddle, with relaxed geometry that takes the edge off the climbs and keeps you feeling confident on the descents.

The 1x12 Shimano GRX drivetrain gives you a wide range of gears without the faff of a front derailleur, and the 45 mm tyres soak up the bumps while still rolling fast across seal, gravel and everything in between. It’s the perfect match for the kind of riding we love to share.

(Photos will be updated mid-August)

Tap the arrows left and right to explore the other bikes available to rent for this tour.