Invercargill Airport ex flight from Wellington at 11.00 a.m. After assembling your bikes it’s time to hit the road, the route today skirts the beautiful Catlins Forest Park and coastline. The roads are quiet and the scenery diverse as the coastline becomes increasingly spectacular. The ride ends at MacLeans Falls, with options to visit the spectacular falls or the nearby Cathedral Caves. 

Accom – MacLeans Falls Motels, Catlins.

Today’s ride is a serious challenge for the long distance cyclists in the group, for the rest the option of a leap-frog in the support vehicle is always available. The day starts with more scenic cycling along quiet roads today as we continue along the Catlins coast. The cycling is tough with some serious climbs but the rewarding views of the coastline make the effort well worth it. The ride then travels inland to the arid landscapes of Central Otago as it follows the Clutha River all the way. There is a long section of easy gradient & quiet roads before a final climb near Roxburgh & a downhill then flat run into the old gold mining village of Clyde.

Accom – Dunstan House, Clyde

This morning we ride early to avoid the traffic on the busy Kawerau Gorge. We travel via spectacular Cromwell Gorge and the wineries of Gibbiston valley to Arrowtown, where a serious climb awaits. From the summit of the Crown Range Point it’s an easy downhill run to the lakeside town of Wanaka via Cardrona Pub

Accom – Clearbrook Resort, Wanaka

Accom – McGuires Lodge, Haast.

Rainforest surrounds today as we cycle with the Southern Alps on our right & the Tasman Ocean on our left. On a clear day the views are spectacular & there is not too much climbing today as the road heads north into Glacier Country.

Accom – Mt Cook View Motels, Fox Glacier 

After averaging 140 kms per day for the last five days it is time for a rest from the bikes. The pedal addicts can be challenged by the return ride to Franz Josef Glacier which involves 6 decent climbs - the hot pools at Franz can make this an attractive option. For the rest there is a glacier to visit, local hikes, flight-seeing and nice local cafes to relax in. 

Accom – Jade Court Motor Lodge, Hokitika

A series of three climbs take us to Franz & from here we continue north skirting the lakes of Mapourika & Wahapo. The road tracks inland with a decent climb at Mt. Hercules before returning to the coast just south of Hokitika. Known as the greenstone capital it is well worth allowing some time to visit the local craft galleries & the sunsets into the Tasman Ocean viewed from the wild beach can be spectacular. (B)

After a warm-up ride along the Taramakau river valley, the climb up Otira Gorge to the summit of Arthur’s Pass provides a serious challenge today. There follows a beautiful ride through the beech forests of the Alpine region into the arid eastern mountain zone. Our overnight is at Flock Hill Station at the foot of the Craigieburn Ranges.

Accom – Flock Hill Lodge, Arthurs Pass. 

Our final ride today starts in the mountains of Arthur’s Pass and ends on the Canterbury Plains. On the way we enjoy a thrilling descent down Porters Pass and a challenging final ride across the plains, where we will be praying for a head wind! Time for some celebration after riding 1100 kms 

Accom – Chateau on the Park, Christchurch

Day 10 – Sunday March 20^th     Fly home for Christchurch