Day 1 – Christchurch
to Twizel – 42km cycling (64m ascent/143m descent)

After being picked up in Christchurch this morning we drive via
Lake Tekapo through the attractive Mackenzie County with panoramic views to Mt
Cook (3764m) at the head of Lake Pukaki. We then start riding on the stunning Alps
2 Ocean Trail from Braemar Road to Twizel. The off-road trail starts at the
bottom of Hayman Road and follows the Lake Pukaki shoreline. With Aoraki/Mt
Cook as a backdrop, the trail passes over Pukaki dam, finishing at Lake Pukaki
Visitor Centre.

You will enjoy outstanding vistas across Lake Pukaki towards the
Southern Alps. This is an incredible day of riding and the perfect introduction
to what is in store over the next few days.

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 – Twizel to Lake Ohau – 38km cycling (mostly flat)

After
breakfast, we start our second section of the Alps 2 Ocean trail. Today, we
ride from Twizel to the Lake Ohau, with more dramatic glacial lake and mountain
views. We cross canal bridges and skirt around the lake foreshore passing the striking
Maori Pou (think Totem Pole). From Lake Ohau Village we join a short section of
the sealed Lake Ohau Road to reach our lovely Lake Ohau Lodge. The views from
here are something else.  Another
incredible day amongst the stunning South Island NZ scenery.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Lake Ohau to Clyde – 44km cycling (580m
ascent/580 descent)

After
breakfast, we take a short transfer to Cromwell to start our ride on the newly
opened Lake Dunstan Trail. This is an incredible new extension of the Otago
Trail.  Today includes a stop for a wine
tasting (pinot noir is a must) and lunch at Mount Difficulty Winery. A
little bit more riding through to Clyde to meet the official start of Central
Otago Rail Trail.  The riding today includes
sections along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River
Mata-au.  We overnight in Clyde tonight.   

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Clyde to Lauder – 44km cycling (253m ascent/86m descent)

The Otago
Rail Trail starts at the former Clyde railhead and follows a semi-rural
landscape of orchards, vineyards and lifestyle blocks. From Alexandra the route
crosses the Manuherikia River and passes the old Tucker Hill gold diggings. We
will cross the river again before Chatto Creek – the landscape is schist rock
covered in aromatic wild thyme. Between Chatto Creek and Lauder you will see
the 1650m high Dunstan Mountains to the northwest and the Raggedy Range to the
southeast. Across the Manuherikia River from Omakau is the historic goldfields
village of Ophir (renowned for the highest summer temperatures and the coldest
winter temperatures in New Zealand). After a wonderful day of cycling we ride
into our accommodation at the Pitch Store in Ophir.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Lauder to Wedderburn – 35km cycling (310m ascent/102m descent)

We ride from our accommodation again today,
always a delight. We are on the Otago Rail Trail with Hawkdun Range at the head
of the Manuherikia Valley, we soon enter the spectacular Poolburn Gorge and
cycle through two tunnels cut through schist bluffs, cross the 37m high
Poolburn Viaduct and then slowly descend Blackstone Hill to Oturehura, passing the
Idaburn dam, popular for the winter sport of curling. Gilchrists, New Zealand’s
Oldest continuously operating general store is located here.  

Visit Hayes Engineering Works a heritage site
consisting of a fascinating 1890s engineering factory. Beyond Oturehura we
gradually climb the northern tip of the Rough Ridge range. Here you will reach 618m
above sea level the highest point of the Trail. Shortly after here the Trail
crosses the line of 45 degrees South latitude – look for the concrete markers.
Enjoy a gentle descent to Wedderburn. Optional: visiting, by minibus, the
attractive old goldmining town of Naseby

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 – Wedderburn to Hyde – 46km cycling (mostly
flat)

We ride across the
Maniatoto Plains to the art deco town of Ranfurly. Take time for a break to
wander around some of the picturesque buildings and museum. Between Waipiata
and Kokonga the trail skirts farmland that was once the Taieri Lake and passes
the area where stone was collected to build the Dunedin Railway Station. From
outside the Kokonga Station Ganger's Shed are wide views of the Kakanui
Mountains and the Ida Range. The trail gradually climbs into a spectacular
gorge carved by the Taieri River. Features of this section include the historic
Cap Burn Railway Bridge, Prices Creek Viaduct and the 152m long Prices Creek
Tunnel. The original 1894 Hyde Station building is still standing and is a
powerful ode to stories of the past.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Hyde to Middlemarch and return to
Christchurch – 27km cycling (155m descent)

The trail now
traverses the foothills of the Rock and Pillar Range as you cycle through
farmland to the trail end just north of Middlemarch Station. From here we will
be driving northwards across the Canterbury Plains, stop at Timaru on to
Christchurch for our farewell dinner.

Meals
included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Depart Christchurch

The tour ends after breakfast. We wish you 'happy biking', 'bon voyage' and hope to see you again.

Meals included: Breakfast