Explore the South Island by bike
Spend some time riding the beautiful coastline of the South Island
Discover the top of the South Island by bike
Enjoy a fantastic group guided tour of the South Island by bike
Bike part of the South Island of NZ on a fantastic adventure
Bike the spectacular Marlborough Sounds
Join a small friendly group to bike tour NZ
See a variety of scenery on tour including epic ocean views
Ride to Punakaiki and visit Pancake Rocks

Marlborough and West Coast Cycle

Duration
7 days
Site savings
$23
From
$2,208 USD

Exploring the northern regions of the South Island, this action-packed cycling tour is sure to inspire as you cycle past bush clad lakes and tracks, along with wild coastlines as well as sample some of New Zealand's very best wines! Experience one of the best coastal rides in the world which takes you to the amazing geology of Punakaiki and its Pancake Rocks, the hot pools of Hanmer Springs and the opportunity to swim with the dolphins or join a whale watching tour in Kaikoura (optional). Cycle over the Southern Alps via the picturesque Rahu Saddle, travel through beautiful rainforest-clad mountains and along scenic river valleys and discover the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds.

  • Category
    Road Cycling
  • Type
    Fully Guided
  • Duration
    7 days
  • Culture Level
    Familiar
  • Skill Level
    3 - Intermediate
  • Activity Level
    3 - Active
  • Elevation
    3 - Intermediate
  • Terrain
    Coastal
  • Distance
    304.5 miles
  • Avg. Daily Distance
    43.5 miles
Best Price Guarantee
No booking or payment fees
Save $44 on your next booking
Loading tour details...
5.0
Awesome
from 22 reviews
Accommodation
5.0
Bikes
5.0
Communication
5.0
Meals
5.0
Route
5.0
Scenery
5.0
Service
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Rating:

Wendy
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Fabulous cycling, brilliant guide (Angela), wonderful scenery, great company. We made new friends, learned a lot about the area, enjoyed fantastic food...and plenty of it. When booking, the trip seemed a little expensive, but we absolutely got our money's worth in the quality of every aspect. You have a very well organised company, with great employees and access to the best that NZ can offer in terms of cycling.


Overall Rating:

Bruce M
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Great trip with a small group of riders and two fantastic guides.


Overall Rating:

Michele M
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

I loved seeing New Zealand from a bike. The forests, the coastline, the quiet roads. I was amazed at the changes in biomes as we moved from place to place. Our guides, specifically Richard, did an amazing job of checking in with each of us, informing us of everything from wildlife to way of life in New Zealand. His friendly & genuine style welcomed me from day 1 to the end of the trip. Dave, our riding guide, kept good track of us and motivated me to get up that last hill on Day 7. He was also very good at telling me about the farming of deer & elk. Reaching the coast & all its beauty was the highlight for me. Our group walked around Pancake Rocks & the trail leading out to Te Miko beach. Our view from our room that night was simply breathtaking!


Overall Rating:

David R
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Guides were most informative Chris' knowledge of ecology was most useful. Distances were easy to do. Highlights were the co-travellers company and good humour. NZ scenery and relatively peaceful roads.


Overall Rating:

Mary J
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Thoroughly enjoyable. Challenging enough. Wonderful scenery and nicely varied. Guide Fiona excellent - friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and flexible. Having the next days map the day before would be helpful and seriously consider bringing your own seat!


Overall Rating:

Rani A
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Overall a great experience. Probably a bit more driving than I was expecting but then I got to see a lot more of the country! The roads were in excellent condition and very easy to ride on. Very few obstacles/potholes etc which means you can enjoy the riding. A bit more relaxation time each day would have been good.


Overall Rating:

Bill S
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

The rides were great and gave us a great cross-section of the north part of the island. The tour guides were exceptional. Always accommodating the wide range of ability of riders. The accommodation and meals were also good. Overall I had a great time and would highly recommend the trip. One suggestion would be handlebar mirrors so we can see approaching cars/trucks.

 

Overall Rating:

Bob and Bronwyn S
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

We cant think of anything we wold like to change on this trip. Both Sue and Brett were absolutely marvelous. The flexibility of start and finish options was really great. Their ability to come up with surprise additions such as jet baot ride and forest walks made it an even more fulfilling experience. Accommodation and meals were excellent. The camaraderie that Brett and Sue helped to engender made for a very happy and cohesive group.




Overall Rating:

Rachel N
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Sue and Brett were a well oiled machine. They worked so well together to make the trip enjoyable for all. There were options - short hikes, plans for inclement weather. The snacks were excellent, having fresh fruit everyday was a great treat. Big plus. Sue and Brett had a nice ice breaker and quiz - lots of fun! Both were so helpful hints and tips. Calm. Easy going. Champagne for New Years. They made the trip superb!


Overall Rating:

Alisa M | California, United States
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Excellent way to see New Zealand. Our guide, Eli was so calm, helpful and interesting. We had a great group of eight total including our guide all ready to tour New Zealand. Everything was very well organised. Comfortable accommodations and delicious food along the way. Each day can be modified for weather and how the group is doing. In addition to the bicycling, we also visited a museum on a partial rain day, swam in lakes and the ocean and hiked a bit to see seals! We especially loved the West Coast!! I would recommend [the operator] to anyone ready for an adventure.


Overall Rating:

Cheryl S | California, United States
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

This trip was pretty amazing. Eli, our guide, was so knowledgeable about New Zealand. I learned a lot from him and gained an appreciation for this wonderful country. The accommodations were very nice and the scenery was beautiful.


Overall Rating:

Neil M | United States
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

The Marlborough and West Coast cycling trip we did was very enjoyable. We got to see a lot of beautiful country. The bikes were high quality and set up for the right geometry when we started. The route selection was nice, and we appreciated being driven through some of the highest traffic areas. Our guide (Eli) was excellent and responded to all of our needs. We would book with [the operator] again.


Overall Rating:

Heather P | Australia
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

We were so impressed with our [operator] West Coast trip that we will return. On initial contact they were so professional and listened to all our needs of bike fits. We had the best guides - Rich and Mike - they were informative about all things NZ on our adventure and navigation for our daily rides - good fun - could not have asked for better. The accommodation was 95% great - clean, lovely comfortable rooms when we arrived exhausted each day from our adventures. the routes we travelled were OMG amazing - the scenery was surreal some days and we had sore necks from looking at the mountains and awesome views each day. Thank you all so much for the best biking holiday ever and we will be back to do another for sure. Recommend to all other keen cyclists or non cyclists (as we did have some on our trip) that want the best riding holiday with fun and scenery you will never forget.


Overall Rating:

Carleton D | United States
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Our leaders Richard Mortiboys and Mike were very friendly, attentive to our needs, and efficiently organised. The West Coast tour covered superbly scenic country. Group bus rides were strategically scheduled to avoid busy roads, leaving quieter, scenic stretches for use to enjoy on our own wheels. We were not the strongest riders in the group, so were grateful for the e-bikes provided, which allowed us to keep up with the moderate pace. We strongly recommend this tour to any reasonably athletic riders who want an intimate view of New Zealand's South Island.


Overall Rating:

Gregory Forrester | Montana, United States
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

The guides Mike and Rich were very patient with us and gave the slower riders plenty of time to complete their rides. The trip had incredible scenery and very good weather. The only time it rained on the whole trip was when we returned to Christchurch to be dropped off at the end of the tour. [The operator] tours are incredibly good value for the money. The hills did prove to be tough for me even though I average 7,000 miles (11,000 km) a year. I primarily ride a lowered geared bicycle that makes it much easier to climb hills than the gearing on the rental bike.


Overall Rating:

Maryann Hartley | Alberta, Canada
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Outstanding tour from start to finish! The trip was well planned and resourced, included a wonderful variety of terrain, vistas, rides and options. The tour guides were outstanding - professional, knowledgeable and respectful, incredible in managing the ability levels and expectations of 14 very diverse people. From the initial booking to the finish [the operator] communicated clearly & in a timely manner, managing every detail perfectly!


Overall Rating:

Barbara Livick | Minnesota, United States
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Route was excellent, crew was excellent, service was excellent. Would have spent an extra day at pancake rock area, gorgeous! Challenging ride! Love NZ!


Overall Rating:

Douglas Washburn | Utah, United States
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

[The operator] really knows how to put on a party with some super cycling to go along with it. NZ is a beautiful place and this outfit knows how to show it off.


Overall Rating:

John Ebsary | Ontario, Canada
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

New Zealand is a beautiful country and cycling is the way to see it. [The operator] organised a great tour for us!


Overall Rating:

Nicole Turpin | Canada
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Great trip with safe riding roads.


Overall Rating:

Ian Galley | New Zealand
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Excellent organisation and support. Great accommodation and meals. I would highly recommend [the operator].


Overall Rating:

Susan MacDonald | Ontario, Canada
(Review obtained from Tour Operator)

Had the most amazing time on our cycle trip. The scenery was breathtaking. And our guide, Fiona, was just amazing. She was flexible and helpful.