Southern Off-Road Mountain Biking

NZ Mountain Biking Tour from $5,495 NZD

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15 Days
  • 2013
  • 2014
  • Best time to travel: November - March
  • 14 Jan to 28 Jan $5,295NZD $5,495NZD
  • 18 Feb to 04 Mar $5,295NZD $5,495NZD
  • 18 Mar to 01 Apr $5,495NZD
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From mountains to plains, lakes, rivers and sea — the South Island's best trails are here.

Sweeping downhills, gnarly single tracks, gravel roads and even an alpine scree slope — this New Zealand mountain biking tour has it all. See Central Otago's arid mountains and cold lakes, Canterbury's beech forests, and the native bush and sparkling waters of Marlborough's sounds.

The tour is Active to Challenging — you'll need at least medium technical ability. However, it's designed to accommodate a range of abilities and fitness.

Queenstown to Picton

Queenstown
  • Mountain biking
  • Grade
  • NZD1200 single room surcharge
  • NZD690 bike hire
  • This tour is invoiced in NZD
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South Island mountain biking guided tour map



Southern Off-Road Mountain Biking Fitness and Preparation

You'll find challenges if you're keen, and 'opt-outs' if you're not! Also, our support vehicle is always close at hand. There's a mix of single trail, gravel roads and 4WD tracks on this South Island mountain biking tour.

Key to our riding description:

  • XC=Cross Country
  • ST=Single Trail
  • 4WD=4 Wheel Drive Track
  • CT=Cycle Trail
  • GR=Gravel Road
  • SR=Sealed Road.

You'll stay in comfortable motels and lodges, with breakfasts and lunches provided. Don't miss out on Marlborough's world-famous Sauvignon Blancs.

NOTE: Your trip may differ from the itinerary according to group needs, or circumstances beyond our control, such as the weather.

Challenging to Active Tours

Overall, riding is a mix of single trails, shingle/gravel roads and 4 wheel drive (4WD) farm tracks with occasional optional sections on sealed roads.

For more information on track grading please go to the New Zealand Mountain Bike Track Grading Reference.

Alternatively, please request our detailed itinerary documents including a full day-by-day track description.

Fitness required

This tour requires a moderate to good level of fitness and a medium level of technical ability with plenty of challenges for the more experienced mountain biker (with ‘opt-outs’ normally available). There are great opportunities to improve your riding skills. The tour is designed with many ‘2 night stays’, which gives you the opportunity to have a day off when required.

Full Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival Day: Queenstown

Total riding: 25 km, ST G2, 3.5 hrs (return trip = 51 km).

Welcome to Queenstown, New Zealand's Adventure Capital! At 10 am your guide(s) will meet you at your hotel for a preliminary briefing. This afternoon we'll ride the Frankton Arm Walkway alongside stunning Lake Wakatipu for a 25 km warm-up on undulating gravel roads and single trails. You can take the support van for a comfortable drive back to the hotel, or bike back via the same route. This evening we’ll meet over dinner at one of the many great local restaurants.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2

Queenstown to The Snow Farm (Pisa Range)

Total riding: various XC loop (G2-3) and downhill (G4-5) options

This morning we drive to the spectacularly beautiful historic goldmining village of Arrowtown. Then we drive up the Crown Range Road to the settlement of Cardrona. A gravel road takes us high into the Pisa Range to The Snow Farm, a summer playground for mountain bikers. Its intertwined trails are set up as loops of 1-30 km across a variety of landscapes. All rides start and finish at The Snow Farm lodge, and there are options for everyone including those into downhill riding. The lodge is a nice setting for afternoon drinks and dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3

The Snow Farm (Pisa Range) to Wanaka

Total riding: approx. 40 km G2-3, 5 hrs (+ optional 24 km, 1.30 hrs)

A big day out is ahead, including a mighty downhill from the top of the Pisa Range to the Clutha River Valley (approx 800 m vertically). This is partly over a private sheep and cattle station. From the Lodge is a climb to stunning views from Mt Pisa, then a descent down rugged 4WD tracks to Luggate township for lunch. You can choose to finish your day’s ride here. Alternatively, cycle 12 km on the Clutha River trail to Albert Town, then 12 km along Lake Wanaka to Wanaka town – our home for the next 2 nights. Tonight, relax in our resort.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4

Wanaka

Total riding: approx. 14-44 km ST G3(4), 2-5 hrs

A fun ride is in store today, with great tracks for all skill levels. We head back along the lakeshore to the Clutha River Outlet, then climb to ‘Sticky Forest’. This trail network makes great use of the exotic pine forest, with over 20 tracks to choose from including some technical switchbacks. After a picnic lunch we continue our 'fun riding’ around the burgeoning township of Albert Town, before ending up at the Albert Town Tavern or a café on Wanaka's waterfront.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5

Wanaka to Clyde

Total Riding: 35km 4WD + ST G2+(4); 3 hrs (+ additional options)

First up, a bus trip alongside hydro-electric Lake Dunstan and via the town of Cromwell to Bannockburn. The village is increasingly famous for the Pinot Noir grown on its dry hills. We start with a moderate gradual climb on a 4WD track to a mountain top with views to Lake Dunstan and Clyde. For the downhill, follow the 4WD track to the Old Clyde Bridge, or more advanced downhillers can have a go at single trails. Rugged Clyde's Clutha River is one of the gold-richest on Earth. For those seeking more adventure, there are plenty of easily accessible trails to explore.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6

Clyde

Total Riding: 22km 4WD G2(3) or ST G3+(4), 2:30 hrs, or Alexandra ST G3-4 + 14km ST G2, 1hr

We'll drive 1.5 hours to the colourful Knobby Range. Then, onto our bikes for a gentle climb and one of our most scenic downhills. This rocky mountain range is especially lovely in spring when flowering thyme turns the hills purple. Next, we visit the Shaky Bridge Café for a fuel up. Then: 2 options. Explore the Poolburn Gorge section of the Central Otago Rail Trail — an old railway line converted to a cycling/hiking track. Ride over viaducts and through tunnels to Chatto Creek (20 km), then 27 km to Alexandra, or be driven back, OR: bike the easy River Trail from Alexandra to Clyde.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7

Clyde to Christchurch

No cycling

Today we take a rest from our bikes, as after 6 days of continuous riding your body may welcome the break! Our bus transfer from Clyde to Christchurch via the Inland Road along the foot of the Southern Alps will take much of the day. In clear weather there's a good view of New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook. We'll stay 2 nights in Christchurch just outside the central city, close to Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens and the upmarket suburbs of Merivale and Fendalton. It's an ideal base, with great restaurants nearby.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8

Christchurch

Total riding: 5km ST loops G3+(4), 0:45hr/loop (as many loops as you like!) 4-10km ST G3+(4), 1:00-2:00hrs

Today we explore a mountain biking jewel at Living Springs, Governor's Bay. Enjoy a purpose-built cross-country loop on steepish farmland with a mix of pine and native bush. You'll need moderately good technical skills. After some laps, drop down to the shore for lunch. Then, a short drive to the Sign of the Kiwi, a historic stone cottage atop the Port Hills with views across the Canterbury Plains. We ride a great single trail called 'Flying Nun’ into Victoria Park, a tree plantation criss-crossed with trails – most of them downhill. Your guide will select the track(s) for some fun riding.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9

Christchurch to Flock Hill Station (Craigieburn Range)

Total riding: 10km + 4km ST loop G2, 2 hrs, no climbing 10km + 2km ST loop G2, 1.5hrs, undulating

An easier day's biking today after yesterday's exertions. Christchurch is fortunate to have 2 purpose-built single trail loops in 2 forests. Bottle Lake Forest, a 1000 ha pine plantation, has undulating trails and many bermed corners, good for any level rider. The loop takes about 1.5 hours. Next, McLeans Island, where the surface is more hard packed — ideal for learning and practicing cornering techniques. After lunch we'll drive 90 km to Flock Hill Station. If time permits we’ll stop at beautiful Kura Tawhiti (Castle Hill) Reserve. Its limestone outcrops are popular for rock climbing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10

Flock Hill Station and Craigieburn tracks

Total riding: Approx. 15km ST G5, 3hrs; Approx. 10km ST G3+(4), 2hrs; Approx. 10km ST G3+(4), 1.5hrs

This ride is for fans of twisted single trails. We drive to the foot of the Craigieburn mountains, then hop on our bikes and climb through beech forest on a gravel road. Then take a technical single trail down, crossing scree slopes where we need to push/carry our bikes. This is a highlight for lovers of alpine terrain, as long as you don't fear heights (there's an alternative route if you do!). After lunch, 2 more single trails, one with a flowing descent into rugged bush, and the second through tussock grassland. Later, descend to Castle Hill for a snack or hard-earned beer.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11

Flock Hill Station to Wharfdale Track to Hanmer Springs

Total riding: 55km XC G3+(4), 6hrs or 17km, 1:30hrs

Today, a 'Classic Canterbury MTB Adventure'. We drive to Mt Oxford to bike the Wharfdale Track, once a stock route. We climb the saddle, then wind through beech forest on gnarly trails. Next, a 4WD track down tussock flats to the Lees Valley. A 17 km winding shingle road leads to the end of our ride at Ashley Gorge. For a less challenging option, ride the scenic road into the Lees Valley (the van will also take this road). Then its a 140 km drive to the thermal resort town of Hanmer Springs. Your body may already be looking forward to a soak in the hot pools.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12

Hanmer Springs (St James Conservation Area)

Total riding: 47km XC G2-4, 4-5hrs

Today we explore the recently created St. James Conservation Area — 78,000 ha of diverse native landscape on 3 mountain slopes. After a 45 minute drive into the mountains, we bike down a gravel road to Lake Tennyson. We follow a pass down a valley and along the Waiau River on smooth trails, lunching at Lake Guyon. A gentle 12 km climb precedes a steep climb up to Fowlers Pass (1296m ascent) before a single track leads us back to the bus. If the weather prevents us entering the hills, there are fun loops in the forest tracks around Hanmer Springs to test all abilities.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13

Hanmer Springs to The Portage

Total riding: various STs in Hanmer Forest (G2-4)

After breakfast, we head out to ‘play’ in the local forest for a couple of hours just to get the blood flowing before our big drive north. Our 290 km trip to the port town of Picton is followed by a short water taxi ride across Queen Charlotte Sound to Torea Bay. The Portage Resort is at Portage Bay, on a narrow peninsula between Queen Charlotte Sound and Kenepuru Sound. We will use the hotel as a base to explore this beautiful area over the next 2 days.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14

Portage (Queen Charlotte Track)

Total riding: 15km ST G3, 2:30hrs; 12.5km ST G3, 2hrs 24km ST G3, 3hrs or 20km on road (1:15hrs)

A long and exciting day awaits us riding the Queen Charlotte Track, which runs almost the entire length of Queen Charlotte Sound. After breakfast we ride over a hill to the jetty. Then a 1 hour water taxi ride takes us through the picturesque Sound to Ship Cove, which can only be reached by boat. We follow a single trail along amazing coastline through dense forest, birdsong echoing around us. After lunch there's a challenging ride, rewarded with breathtaking views of the Marlborough Sounds as we bike the single trail back to Portage.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 15

Departure Day: The Portage to Picton

Total riding: 8.5km ST G3, 1:45hrs or 45 mins on tarseal 12.6km ST G2, 1hr 23.3km Road, 1:30hrs

The second section of the Queen Charlotte Track from Portage to Anakiwa is as beautiful as the first. You bike from lush green coastal forest over mountain ridges, again with magnificent views. If you are tired from yesterdays ride, skip the Te Mahia Saddle section and ride on the sealed road. However, Te Mahia Saddle is a pleasure to ride for mountain bikers of all skills. From Anakiwa, we either continue riding along the winding sealed coastal road to Picton, or be driven there in our support van. We finish the tour and say our farewells over lunch on the waterfront.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hi I'm Axel

Call me if you have any questions.

Axel

+64 (0)3 982 9933
NZ - 0800 829 933

Email: reservations@globaladventureguide.com

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions:

Tour Includes:

  • Transfers as per itinerary
  • 14 nights accommodation:
  • 9 nights in 3-4 star hotels/motels/apartments
  • 2 nights in bed and breakfast (some rooms with shared facilities)
  • 2 nights in farm lodge
  • 1 night alpine lodge
  • Meals:
  • 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 2 dinners (excluding drinks)
  • Support vehicle: (Bus and/or 4WD) with bike trailer (& luggage space)
  • Tourguide/driver (support crew subject to group size)
  • Boat transfer to Portage Resort and start of Queen Charlotte Track
  • Local fees for use of private land and conservation land

Tour Excludes:

  • International flights and airport taxes
  • Airport transfers outside the days/times specified above
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals where not specified on the itinerary
  • Drinks (except water while riding), phone calls and minibar expenses
  • Personal expenses (including any specific medical-related requirements)
  • Bike repairs and maintenance (except if hiring a bike)

Tour Video

Mountain biking in New Zealand, Tanzania, Tibet and Italy. This movie gives an overview of what you can expect on a Global Adventure Guide mountain biking tour.