new zealand

Tour Overview
Our 14 day cycling tour of the South Island of New Zealand is best done between February and March. New Zealand is traditionally known for its rail trails and mountain biking but the south island is a true road bike mecca because it has a third of the population of the north island which means much quieter roads and drop dead scenery! Our tour of the south island offers the option to ride most every kilometre from our first hotel in Christchurch to our final destination in Queenstown but also offers shorter distances each day. Because it's a fully supported tour it also offers the option to jump into the van when the legs have had enough. Staying in 3-4 star accommodation venues in small towns along the way as well as iconic locations that simply cant be missed, dining in top restaurants and riding your bike through truly spectacular scenery this tour will surely meet any cyclists requirements.
Including a soak in the hot tubs in Omarama, a rest day in Mount Cook Village to experience a guided glacial boat tour, a gondola ride up to the 'sky' with dinner in the Stratosfare Restaurant in Queenstown followed by a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw down the lake to Walter Peak Homestead for our final dinner together, this is truly a comprehensive cycling experience we are proud to bring you.

from $7,850

Difficulty level: 3/5
★★★★★
  • 4 star luxury accommodation | 3 star in small towns
  • All ground transfers
  • Bike and luggage transfers
  • 13 x breakfasts
  • 13 x 3 course or buffet dinners
  • Fully supported with vans stocked with food, electrolyte, bananas, cake etc
  • Mechanical spares
  • Cycling kit
  • T-shirt, cap, backpack
  • Newsletter
  • ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
  • Mt Cook guided glacier lake tour
  • 90 min Hot Tub Omarama
  • TSS Earnslaw cruise with buffet dinner & sheep dog show Walter Peak
  • Gondola ride and premium buffet dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant
BOOK NOW
Price is twin share. Limited single subsidy is available on enquiry. Price does not include lunches, bike hire, travel insurance or alcohol. Itinerary is subject to change. Email us for a copy of the itinerary
FULLY SUPPORTED
All our tours are fully supported with Velo Tours' riders on the road and vans stocked with food & water so you can call it a day at any time.

OUR HOTELS

Our hotels have been carefully chosen to accommodate us as a group along with bikes, parking for the buses and trailer and laundry facilities in mind. Every hotel has coffee making facilities in the rooms, access to WiFi, is close to the centre of town or has an onsite bar or restaurant. Most hotels are 4 star such as Peppers Resort on Lake Tekapo, The Pavilions in Christchurch, Mt Cook Hotel or Lodge & Motel, Edgewater in Wanaka & Ridges Lakeland or The Mercure Reort in Queenstown to name a few. The smaller towns en-route offer 3 star stopovers with spacious, clean facilities and some even have a pool.

Itinerary overview

Here are is an example of what to expect on our tour of the south island....
Lindis Pass from Omarama to Wanaka is just spectacular
Lake Tekapo is one of the most picturesque locations on the south island.
The Gondola & Skyline Restaurant features as one of our dinner destinations
The ride to Glenorchy is as scenic as any lake ride you'll do in Italy. Just stunning...
The coastal town of Akaroa with its French theme and tranquil outlook is a place requiring 2 nights to explore
ARRIVAL
Your tour begins with arrival into Christchurch Airport and a transfer to our accommodation in the city centre. We get settled in, our bikes put together in time for welcome drinks in the bar where Kerry will deliver a brief of what's to come across the tour before moving on to dinner.
Locations
Staying in quality accommodation venues that allow us to roll in and out each afternoon and morning, with some venues offering luxury comforts after a day of riding scenic roads and others have a pool. Locations include Christchurch (2 nights) | Akaroa (2 nights) | Geraldine (1 night) | Lake Tekapo (1 night) | Mt Cook (2 nights) | Omarama (1 night) | Lake Wanaka (2 nights) | Queenstown (2 nights)
daily rides
The rides depart the hotel each morning after breakfast with fully stocked support van. Your day bags will be in the van packed with anything you were advised you will need that day, such as a change of clothes or shoes for any walking at attractions we will do or items you dont want to carry in your jersey. We stop for coffee and lunch at local cafes or bakeries offering great menu choices.
AVERAGE RIDE DISTANCE AND GAIN
Every day offers various ride options and the support van is always available to get into anytime. The average daily itinerary looks like this but there is always a shorter or longer option provided:
  • Christchurch - Akaroa (D)105k (G)1,985m
  • Akaroa - Lincoln (D) 71k (G) 957m
  • Geraldine - Lake Tekapo (D)100k (G)1,200m
  • Lake Tekapo - Mt Cook (D)103k (G) 920m
  • Mt Cook - Omarama (D) 95k (G) 520m
  • Omarama - Wanaka (D)110k (G)1,116m
  • Wanaka - Queenstown (D) 77k (G)1,015m
NIGHTLY DINNERS AND LUNCHES
All dinners are included in your package to take the stress out of wondering where to go. We've done all the leg work for you, choosing all the best restaurants for their tripadvisor ratings and outstanding quality. Dinner is either a lavish buffet or 2-3 courses of your choice from menus offering a great range of fresh local products. Lunches will be at local cafes or bakeries en route. Lunch and alcohol are not included in our packages.

SOME SIGHTS YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE AND RIDE

Photo: Omorama Hot Tubs
Photo: Hermitage Glacier Explorer Tours
Queenstown Adventures Photo: AJ Hackett Bungy Centre
Photo: Geraldine Information Centre
Maori Experieince Photo: New Zealand Tourism
Lake Wanaka Photo: New Zealand Tourism