Day 1: Arrival in Christchurch
You will be met at the airport and taken to your accommodations. For
those who are interested, there will be an afternoon tour of the city,
including a stop at the "Sign of the Takahe”, where you will be treated to a bird’s eye view of the city, the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps and the South Pacific ocean where it laps at the shores of New Brighton and Sumner beaches. After returning to your accommodations, the group will go out for an evening meal, which will give you the chance to get to know each other. Day 2: Tranz–Alpine Trip
The TranzAlpine train trip has been described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the Southern Hemisphere. It takes you from the east coast over the Southern Alps to the majestic west coast, terminating at an old coal mining and latter day fishing settlement called Greymouth. Your guide and escort van will be waiting for you where you will drive further up the coast. At the little town of Runanga you start your first cycling leg, finishing at Punakaiki, where you will be staying tonight. Day 3: Punakaiki – Fox Glacier
Punakaiki is famous for its "Pancake rocks”, which are limestone
formations that resemble stacked pancakes. Drive back past
Greymouth and continue south along the coast road towards Hokitika,
where you stop at a jade carving factory. Greenstone, or pounamu, as it is known to the Maori, is a New Zealand jade stone which was used by the indigenous people of New Zealand to make war clubs, jewelry and tools. After the factory tour, travel by vehicle further south to Hari-Hari. The biking leg today is from Hari Hari to Franz Josef, where you view the face of this mighty Glacier. The rest of the journey to Fox Glacier will be in the van. Day 4: Fox Glacier - Wanaka
First thing this morning, Pacific Cycle invites you to take the beautiful walk to Lake Matheson, before setting off again in the Van. The continuing southward journey becomes more spectacular, as the Alps are higher and the coast more rugged. The road snakes its way through dense rainforest, past the Pakihi swamp and along the coastline, which is a beautiful bike ride. Haast is situated in the Fiordland National Park, New Zealand’s largest at 1,252,297 hectares. Its world importance was recognised by UNESCO when it was given World Heritage status. You will notice the incredible contrasting landscapes, from the confines of the steep river valleys of the
West Coast to the wide open river valleys and glacier formed lakes further east.
In Makarora the dense native bush gives way to drier, more arid countryside as you pass Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Wanaka is a beautiful and quaint town and is a well known tourist destination, both in summer and winter. Days 5: Wanaka
An early start for the drive to Queenstown where you ski ‘Coronet Peak’. This is one of the top South Island fields, with a wide variety of runs and terrain to suit all abilities. Well-groomed sunny slopes, plunging valleys with world-class facilities. Or you could ski ‘The Remarkables’ with it’s wide open trails, powder snow, spectacular views, sun drenched terrain and unforgettable runs. Challenges for skiers of all abilities with some of the longest off-piste runs in the South Island. True alpine magic!
After an exhilarating day on the slopes, return to Wanaka for a
relaxing evening. Day 6: Wanaka - Lake Tekapo
Today, ski at ‘Treble Cone’ with its spectacular views overlooking Lake Wanaka. The field comprises 550 hectares of varying terrain with slopes to suit all but particularly suits advancing intermediates to extremists. It's well known for its regular falls of dry powder and reliable weather.
Or you can ski the easier slopes of the ‘Cardrona Alpine Resort’ - a well developed field with excellent facilities. Its three basins offer wide-open spaces and a mix of terrain suitable for snowboarders and skiers of all abilities.
In the afternoon you may be treated to magnificent views of New
Zealand's highest mountain, Mt. Cook, (or Aoraki - the cloud piercer) at the head of Lake Pukaki onthe way to spend the night next to a beautiful turquoise colored glacial lake – Lake Tekapo. Day 7: Lake Tekapo - Christchurch
Mount Hutt is the largest ski area in Canterbury and the Garden City’s
mountain. From the on-piste with a mixture of man made and natural
snow to the many off-piste areas with wide open bowls, steeps and
shutes. There is plenty of terrain for every level of skier.
In the afternoon on your return to Christchurch, the tour finishes in
Christchurch with tonight’s accommodations right in the heart of the city. Day 8: Departure
Your tour finishes this morning after breakfast with an airport transfer. |
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