A cycling tour in wonderful New Zealand from the top of the South Island (Picton) to Queenstown

Join AllTrails in 2023 on a rediscovery of New Zealand’s south!

Starting in Picton at the top of the South Island in the heart of Marlborough wine country, we will make our way through the spectacular parks and forests of the region, heading to the rugged West Coast, The Pancake Rocks, and Greymouth. Here we take the TranzAlpine to Christchurch – one of the world’s greatest train journeys – where we finish Stage One and park up for a rest day in the Garden City. Stage Two sees us cycling over the Southern Alps, back to the West Coast as we continue down the bottom half of the island, taking in some magical landscapes and locations such as Hokitika, Franz Joseph Glacier, Wanaka and Queenstown where we finish the ride.

Arrive a few days early to take advantage of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and world-renowned wine region or stay a few days after the tour to soak up Queenstown and surrounds including Milford Sound which is a day trip from Queenstown.

This tour will have the perfect mix of cycling and sightseeing with 3 rest days in must-see locations and start/finish towns that are well worth hanging out in for a few days if you have some time. There is no better way to experience such a dramatically beautiful landscape as doing it on two wheels, with the famous AllTrails support and camaraderie.

THE TOUR AT A GLANCE

Stage One: Picton to Christchurch 23 Jan - 30 Jan 2023
Stage Two: Christchurch to Queenstown 30 Jan - 9 Feb 2023
Duration: Full tour: 18 days. Short tour options: 8 or 11 days
Distance: 1,100km approx
Average Daily: 85km approx
Bike Type: Road Bike
Terrain: Good bitumen roads
Group Size: 15 - 20
Difficulty Rating: 7/10 (some hills and a few days 100km+)
Accommodation: 3 to 4 star hotels & motels
Meals: Most included

Who’s this tour for? Cyclists looking for a challenging road ride with some hills and longer distances, plus great scenery, world-renowned destinations and plenty of hidden gems.

Some of the highlights:

• Start in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds
• Marlborough Wine Region
• Nelson – sunniest region in NZ
• Hidden gems like St Arnaud & Murchison

• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes
• TranzAlpine World-Renowned Train Journey
• Christchurch rest day and short option stopover
• Spectacular West Coast scenery

• Franz Joseph Glacier rest day - not to be missed
• Wanaka rest day – natural wonderland & vibrant township
• Shotover Jet – an optional adrenaline hit (when in Rome…)
• Queenstown finish (too many things to list here!)