Day 1: Saturday
Arrival at Frankfurt airport and departure with Singapore Airlines. Day 2: Sunday
Today you'll be in transit for 26 hours, including a stopover in Singapore. During the stopover you'll be able to shower (more detailed information in the "Rotalis Travel Information" which you'll receive with your confirmation) and shop in the many boutiques of pleasant Changi airport. Rotalis has chosen Singapore Airlines for its excellent service, relatively roomy seating in Economy Class, it's excellent flight connection to New Zealand and it's generally outstanding reputation.
Arrival in Christchurch by late morning. After completing some arrival formalities a 20-minute bus ride brings you to your comfortable hotel "Chateau on the Park." Located on the edge of Hagley Park, the hotel has lovely gardens. A leisurely walk along Christchurch's Sumner Beach is the perfect introduction to New Zealand's Pacific Coast flair and a great way to relax after the long flight. End the day with an early dinner in the hotel restaurant. Day 3: Tuesday
Christchurch - Christchurch (12 miles)
This morning you'll walk through the famous botanical gardens of Christchurch to the Cathedral Square in the city center. On the way you'll be introduced to the history of this English-influenced city on the Avon River, as well as that of the Maori people of the South Island. Later in the morning, the bus brings you over the Port Hills to Governor's Bay for lunch. Today's bike tour follows small roads along the painterly coves of Diamond Harbor. The stunning route around the remains of an extinct volcanic crater, now flooded by the sea, is one of the landscape highlights of the trip. On a long ascent shortly before the day's destination, assistance will be available. By ship you'll reach Lyttelton, which is simultaneously the harbor of Christchrurch and the starting point for the English colonization of the entire Canterbury plain. Second night at the Hotel "Chateau on the Park." Day 4: Tuesday
Christchurch - Christchurch (12 miles)
This morning you'll walk through the famous botanical gardens of Christchurch to the Cathedral Square in the city center. On the way you'll be introduced to the history of this English-influenced city on the Avon River, as well as that of the Maori people of the South Island. Later in the morning, the bus brings you over the Port Hills to Governor's Bay for lunch. Today's bike tour follows small roads along the painterly coves of Diamond Harbor. The stunning route around the remains of an extinct volcanic crater, now flooded by the sea, is one of the landscape highlights of the trip. On a long ascent shortly before the day's destination, assistance will be available. By ship you'll reach Lyttelton, which is simultaneously the harbor of Christchrurch and the starting point for the English colonization of the entire Canterbury plain. Second night at the Hotel "Chateau on the Park." Day 5: Wednesday
Christchurch - Geraldine (25 miles)
Leaving Christchurch behind, a ninety-minute bus ride brings you to the Rakaia River Gorge at the foot of the over 6,500 foot high Mount Hutt. Just beyond this spectacular backdrop you'll begin biking through the Canterbury Plains, an absolutely flat landscape characterized by tall hedges and herds of sheep. The route follows quiet roads along the Mount Hutt Range to Geraldine. In springtime the mountains are often still covered with snow. In this small provincial city you'll be welcomed and the simple but comfortable "Geraldine Motel." Dinner tonight is in an authentic New Zealand Pub. Day 6: Thursday
Geraldine - Lake Tekapo (23 miles)
After a 90-minute bus ride though the "rolling hill country" you'll reach Burke's Pass above the grandiose and seemingly limitless Mackenzie Basin. Here you are in the isolation of the New Zealand outback shared only by grazing sheep. The path starts out a bit bumpy but smoothes out along the way to the expansive valley floor. The nearly 9,500 foot heights of the Southern Alps are visible in the far distance. Riding through this landscape gives a better understanding of the Kiwis strong connection to nature. Shortly before our arrival in Lake Tekapo you'll get your first glimpse of the nearly unreal looking turquoise waters of the lake. Tonight you'll be a guest of the pleasant "Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort" near the lakeshore. An excellent dinner awaits you at one of the neighboring restaurants. Day 7: Friday
Lake Tekapo - Queenstown (24 miles)
Today you'll ride along a lonely canal path in the direction of Lake Pukaki. With luck you'll get a peek at New Zealand's highest mountain, 12,000 ft. high Mount Cook. In good weather, a small forest at the waters edge makes a perfect picnic spot from which to admire the blue green lake. After lunch, the bus brings you on a three-hour ride through a partly alpine, partly semi-arid landscape, over the Lindis Pass and through the fertile area around Cromwell and on to Queenstown. This idyllically situated town on the edge of Lake Wakatipu offers nearly unlimited opportunities to enjoy nature, from hiking and biking to bungee jumping. Tonight will be spent at the refined "Heritage Hotel" above the lake and you will dine in the fine hotel restaurant. Day 8: Saturday
Queenstown - (0 miles)
This morning there is a choice between hiking and biking around the Queenstown area accompanied by the tour guide. The afternoon is free for exploring on your own. If the weather cooperates it will be possible to take an air and sea outing in Milford Sound, part of the impressive Fjordland National Park. (This outing is optional and not included in price of the trip.) In the evening you'll meet up again for a ride on the historic steamship "MS Earnslaw" which brings you to a "Farmshow" accross Lake Wakatipu. After gaining some insight into the art of shepherding you'll dine at the Walter Peak Station and return by ship to Queenstown. Second overnight in the "Heritage Hotel." Day 9: Sunday
Queenstown - Wanaka (29 miles)
Today’s itinerary begins with a short bus ride across the Shot Over River, through a gentle mountain landscape and into the former gold mining town of Arrowtown. A visit to the historic quarters of the Chinese gold miners provides a glimpse of the tortuous living standards they suffered under. The attractive town offers a convenient opportunity to acquire some New Zealand merino wool textiles or to have a relaxing coffee break. A short and spectacular ride in the bus brings you to the 3, 674 ft. high Crown Range Pass. From here you'll coast on your bike from the Cardrona Valley with its characteristic Tussock grass down to Wanaka. In this lovely town situated at the end of Lake Wanaka, Graeme and Andy Oxley will warmly welcome you to their "Te Wanaka Lodge." In the evening you'll be treated to a Kiwi barbecue. Day 10: Monday
Wanaka - Franz Josef (31 miles)
31 miles of cycling today to the lovely glaciers of Franz Josef. Day 11: Tuesday
Franz Josef - Punakaiki (17 miles)
In the morning you'll take the bus along the "wild" west coast, arriving in the former gold mining town of Greymouth in about two and a half hours. Shortly before noon you'll visit a jade cutting studio where you'll learn about this traditional Maori craft. In the afternoon, follow a winding route along the coast with the forested slopes of the Paparoa Range on right and the shores of the Tasman Sea on the Left. The "Punaiki Rocks Hotel & Villas," located directly on the beach, will welcome you this evening. Before dinner in the excellent hotel restaurant you'll visit the Pancake Rocks, only 550 yards from the hotel. With luck you'll be treated to a spectacular natural show. Day 12: Wednesday
Punakaiki - Saint Arnaud (19 miles)
After a short transfer you'll reach Truman's Track and hike through the rain forest to the beach. During the hike you'll discover many native tree and fern species such as Kahikatea, Rimu, Mamaku and Ponga. Then, bike along the coast enjoying beautiful views over the beaches and cliffs along the Tasman Sea until your noontime stop in Charleston. In the afternoon you'll hike to the Cape Foulwind Seal Colony. Near Westport the bus brings you away from the coast on a two-hour ride along the Buller River to Saint Arnaud. On the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park, near Lake Rotoiti, you'll spend the night in the "Alpine Lodge," the most modest lodging of the trip. Day 13: Thursday
Saint Arnaud - Renwick (near Blenheim) (35 miles)
Today’s cycling begins after a short transfer to the upper Wairau River. The route takes you through flat land and light descents of the river valley bordered by mountains. The lonely and severe landscape, relieved occasionally by sheep meadows, leads you into the softer wine region of Marlborough known worldwide for its excellent Sauvignon Blanc. This part of the river is know for the Massacre of Wairau in 1843, when the Maori rose up against the ever-expanding white settlements. After a short pass through Renwick you'll reach the "Vintner's Retreat Hotel" surrounded by vineyards. Here you’ll be treated to a special dinner paired with wines produced in their own cellars. Day 14: Friday
Renwick - Portage (22 miles)
On small side streets you'll ride through the wine-growing region of Marlborough and have a wine tasting before lunch. A half-hour ride on the bus in the early afternoon will bring you high over the Mahau Sound, known in New Zealand for its delicious green lip mussels. From there the route follows the shore to Linkwater. Those who would like to arrive early in the "Portage Resort Hotel" to enjoy some quiet time on the beautiful Kenepuru Sound can take advantage of the Rotalis bus. All others have the possibility to bicycle the next 14 miles along the stunning coastal road, a challenging but rewarding ride. Day 15: Saturday
Portage - Hapuku (6 miles)
Start the day with a two and a half hour hike along the Queen Charlotte Walkway, which offers lovely views over the Queen Charlotte Sound and passes through areas of unspoiled ancient forest. By bus you'll arrive at your midday destination, a cafe high over the Pacific, before continuing on to Kaikoura airport in the afternoon. Here begins a half hour whale watching flight that is sure to be a high point of the trip. The sighting of native Sperm whales (up to 66 ft. long and weighing over 40 tons) isn't guaranteed but is very likely. After this exciting experience the bus brings you to the "Hapuki Lodge & Tree Houses,” the luxurious final hotel of the trip, affording views of the Seaward Kaikoura Range. Day 16: Sunday
Hapuku - Christchurch (0 miles)
The three-hour drive southward to the airport in Christchurch takes you along some lovely stretches of coastal highway. In the early afternoon you'll depart with Singapore Airlines, excepting those who have booked a further stay in Christchurch. You'll find more detailed information about staying on in Christchurch, as well as a possible stay in Singapore in the "Rotalis Travel Information Packet." Day 17: Monday
Arrival in Frankfurt in the early morning. | 
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