Itinerary

Day 1
Road Bike | Lake Pearson to Arthur’s Pass | approximately 20 miles with 800 feet of climbing
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Millennium Hotel Christchurch (14 Square Cathedral Square, Christchurch, New
Zealand) at 10:00 AM on the first day of the trip. After a 2.5 hour shuttle you’ll arrive at the shores of Lake Pearson. After lunch,
your guides will spend some time fitting and familiarizing you with your bike for the week—either a Trek 5.2 Madone or a 7.5
Hybrid bike. Then we take to the road for the warm-up ride toward Arthur’s Pass, surrounded by mountainous peaks while riding
alongside the braided river-bed of the Waimakariri River. This evening we’ll gather for social hour and a discussion of the week
to come before dining on exceptional regional cuisine prepared at the lodge.
Hotel | Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge | +64 (3) 318 9246 | www.WildernessLodge.co.nz

Day 2
Kayak | Lake Pearson | approximately miles with feet of climbing
Hike | Broken River Gorge
Today we will head to the eastern end of the Wilderness Lodge’s Cora Lynn Station farm to Lake Pearson where we paddle across
this lovely lake to the Purple Peak fan for morning tea on the lakeshore, searching for endangered Crested Grebe and other water
birds along the way. Afterward, we will continue our adventure as we scramble down the Broken River gorge through amazing
tumbled landscape of eroded limestone. Feeling rejuvenated after a bountiful lunch, we will travel upstream from the Porter River
junction and climb onto the magnificent limestone castles and tors of Prebble Hill. Prior to dinner you’ll experience the sheep
dogs mustering techniques followed by a sheep shearing demonstration at the sheep station at the lodge.
Hotel | Arthur’s Pass Wilderness Lodge | +64 (3) 318 9246 | www.WildernessLodge.co.nz

Day 3
Road Bike | Ross to Franz Josef | approximately 70 miles with 2,000 feet of climbing
Avid Option | Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier | approximately 82 miles
After a hearty breakfast we shuttle two hours to Hokitika, founded on gold mining in 1864, now known for its local artisans
making jewelry from greenstone (Jade), found in the local rivers. As you make your way down the west coast, you will be inspired
by the snow-capped mountains and the breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea. You’ll arrive at the Glacier Retreat where this
pioneer family has resided for over 100 years. This special place has the intimate atmosphere of a private residence. Enjoy the
culinary delights prepared by the 5th generation residents of Franz Josef.
Hotel | Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat | +64 3 752 0012 | www.Glacier-Retreat.co.nz

Day 4
Hike | Base of Franz Joseph Glacier
Road Bike | Franz Joseph to Okarito Lagoon | approximately 30 miles with 900 feet of climbing
After a hearty breakfast, choose to ride to Okarito Lagoon, home of the kotuku (white heron), or hike to the base of Franz
Josef Glacier. Following this unforgettable experience, you’re free to explore town and try one of the many restaurants for lunch.
Weather permitting, you’ll have the option to go heli-hiking on the glacier—your Trek Travel guides can help set this up with
a local tour operator. (This activity is not included in the trip price.) Tonight you’ll be at your leisure to enjoy dinner at a local
restaurant.
Hotel | Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat | +64 3 752 0012 | www.Glacier-Retreat.co.nz

Day 5
Road Bike | Fox Glacier to Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge | approximately 50 miles with 2,400 feet of climbing
Avid Option | Franz Josef Glacier to Lake Moeraki | approximately 75 miles
This morning you will have the opportunity to challenge yourself over the triple bypass, a series of challenging hills or opt for a
more relaxed morning shuttle over to the town of Fox Glacier. As you continue to make your way further south toward Westland
National Park, take a break for a rejuvenating lunch at Bruce Bay, overlooking the Tasman Sea. Along the way, you can visit a
Salmon Farm, specializing in smoked salmon. This afternoon you will arrive at the Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge. Situated
amidst temperate rainforests, this amazing property has been recently renovated and features excellent hiking trails, kayaking and
even glow-worms. Tonight we will gather for social hour and dinner at the lodge.
Hotel | Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge | +64 3 7500 881 | www.WildernessLodge.co.nz
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Day 6
Hike | Lake Moeraki
Road Bike | Lake Moeraki to Haast Beach | approximately 40 miles with 1900 feet of climbing
Today our naturalist guide will take us on an interpretive hike through the temperate rainforest to the banks of the Lower
Moeraki River. From there you will kayak to the mouth of the river where you meet up with the Tasman Sea. Alternatively, our
naturalist guide will take us on an adventurous hike, crossing some streams, until you emerge from the forest onto a breathtaking
beach. From there, you will hike along the Tasman Sea in search of a resident Fur Seal colony, usually found basking in the sun.
Both excursions are scheduled around the current tide table. Tonight we gather for another delicious dinner at our Lodge.
Hotel | Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge | +64 3 7500 881 | www.WildernessLodge.co.nz

Day 7
Road Bike | Lake Moeraki to Makarora or Wanaka | approximately 30 miles with 500 feet of climbing
Avid Option | Haast to Pleasant Flats, Makarora or Wanaka | approximately 90 miles with 4,500 feet of climbing
We’ll rise early today to prepare for the day’s long, spectacular ride to Wanaka. After breakfast you’ll have many options for
shortening the ride to fit your mood. If high miles and challenging ascents are calling you, then you’ll start the ride from the lodge.
If you’d rather take it easy, we’ll let you know the best places to start and finish, so you don’t miss some of the most beautiful vistas.
No matter what option you choose, you’ll enjoy watching the scenery change as we make our way from the temperate rainforests
of the west coast, over Haast Pass and the continental divide, to the pristine lakes featured around Wanaka. This evening we’ll
enjoy a well-earned, homemade BBQ and expansive selection of tempting desserts with the fabulous hosts at our comfortable
B&B-style lodge.
Hotel | Edgewater Resort | +64 3 443 0011 | www.Edgewater.co.nz

Day 8
Road Bike | Wanaka to Treble Cone | approximately 30 miles with 1,800 feet of climbing
The options are endless again today and include adventures other than cycling so you can explore the area in a diverse fashion.
Choose from the myriad optional activities that Wanaka has to offer, or opt for another day on the bike. Your guides can make
arrangements for scenic flights out to Milford Sound, skydiving, jet boating, fishing, river sledging or any other adrenaline
activity that you might be interested in. (These activities are not included in the trip price). If you are looking for a more
mellow adventure, we have a beautiful bike ride out to Treble Cone along Lake Wanaka, or a short stroll along the lake to the
renowned Rippon Winery. We’ll enjoy our final dinner together at Relishes Café in Wanaka and raise a glass to new friends and
the cherished memories of awesome adventures undertaken during our South Island journey.
Hotel | Edgewater Resort | +64 3 443 0011 | www.Edgewater.co.nz

Day 9
Optional Hike | Mt. Iron
After breakfast we’ll take a one-hour hike up Mt. Iron for a great view of Wanaka, followed by a light snack. You’ll say farewell to
your guides at 10:30 AM at Edgewater Resort. You’ll then shuttle to the Queenstown airport and downtown hotels. Connecting
flights to Christchurch and Auckland are available on a regular basis. We suggest that you do not book a flight on this day prior
to 3:00 PM.

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