Kaikoura & Molesworth High Country Cycle

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Christchurch to Kaikoura

   You will meet at a central Christchurch location at 8:00am and be taken for a bike fitting/briefing before setting away on the cycle tour. You'll head towards the Waipara Valley which has emerged as the fastest growing wine region in New Zealand – winning international awards for the quality of its wines including Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay. Your first ride takes you along the Waipara wine trail, which winds through the region’s many wineries, providing spectacular views and delicious local produce at on-site restaurants.

   After a relaxed winery lunch you'll continue driving northwards to the afternoon ride. From Domett you'll cycle the quiet back road to visit the pebbly shore of Gore Bay and interesting Cathedral Rocks, before continuing to Cheviot and driving to Kaikoura. In the early evening you'll check into the motel, where you will spend the next 3 nights and meet again for your first group dinner.

   Cycling Distance:

   Waipara Wine Trail - 15km

   Domett to Cheviot via Gore Bay - 20km
   

   • 21.7 miles
   • Motel Accommodation
   • Lunch and Dinner
2. Day 2Kaikoura Whale Watch & Cycle Trail

   After breakfast, if the early morning departure is running, you'll have the option to join a whale watch tour offering an up-close encounter with the world's largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale. You might get to spot any number of Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Minke, Pilot, Orca and Southern Right Whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, as well as Elephant Seals and Leopard Seals. For those more interested in bird life, there is an Albatross Encounter tour at the same time. Both tours last around 3 hours and only operate in calm conditions.

   The rest of the group have time to explore the town, visit the historic Fyffe House established with the whaling station in 1842 and enjoy a walk over the cliff tops from South Bay. The full loop around the Kaikoura Peninsula takes around 3 hours and provides impressive views of rugged cliff formations, tidal platforms and the Seaward Kaikoura Range.

   You'll regroup for lunch and then ride the newly developed Kaikoura cycle trail following the perimeter of the plains under the towering peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges and Mt Fyffe. The trail takes a mix of single track and quiet country roads, some gravel and some paved, through bush and open farmland giving many glimpses of the ocean from above. You'll return to your accommodation and are free to make your own dinner arrangements.

   Cycling Distance: up to 45km

   Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway: up to 12km - 3 hours
   

   • 28 miles
   • Motel Accommodation
   • Breakfast

   • 

     Explore Kaikoura

     Spend some time exploring this wildlife-rich spot

   • 

     Walk Kaikoura

     Take a refreshing stroll to Kaikoura peninsula

3. Day 3Inland Kaikoura Road Cycle

   Today's ride follows quiet undulating rural roads alongside the Amuri and Seawards Kaikoura Mountains. After breakfast your ride starts directly from the hotel, you'll cross the Kowhai River and head towards the hills on the Inland Kaikoura Road. Entering rolling farm country, the route soon crosses from the Kaikoura District to the Hurunui, climbing several inclines and passing over the Conway River and the historic Doone Station and gravesite. The landforms around here still show the effects of the massive November 2016 earthquake, with the road crossing faultlines and scars. From the high point at the Whale Back Saddle it is all downhill to Mt Lyford Village where the lodge will be a welcome sight for refreshments before returning to Kaikoura.

   In the late afternoon you'll have free time to explore, walk on the beach and to visit the Kaikoura lookout or the Peninsula for those who missed it yesterday.

   Cycling Distance:

   Kaikoura to Mt Lyford - 61km
   
   
   

   • 37.9 miles
   • Motel Accommodation
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
4. Day 4Kaikoura to Molesworth Valley

   Today you'll leave Kaikoura early and drive north to the start of the Awatere valley (approx 1.5 hours) with a short stop at Ohau Point lookout to see fur seals on the rocks below. The next 3 days you'll travel through the stunning back country wilderness of the Molesworth Station, which at 180,787 hectares, is New Zealand's biggest farm and supports the country's largest herd of beef cattle, as well as almost 30 endemic plant species. Your 185km journey to Hanmer Springs follows the Awatere River, then crosses Wards Pass to follow the Acheron to its confluence with the Clarence River.

   You'll set off riding on a paved road up the wide Awatere Valley, surrounded by vineyards. You'll climb up the valley, through rolling farmscapes where the road turns to gravel and you become dwarfed by the impressive Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku (2885m) and the massive Inland Kaikoura Ranges. After a steep climb you'll reach the top of Upcot Saddle, and get a short downhill respite before another climb over a higher saddle brings you to Middlehurst Station, and your comfortable accommodation in the upper valley.

   The support vehicle will always be near by for anyone who wants a breather or wants to cycle a shorter distance. Tonight's farm stay has shared facilities and a hearty evening meal will be prepared by the onsite chef.

   Cycling Distance:

   Awatere Road to Middlehurst Station - up to 80km
   

   • 49.7 miles
   • Middlehurst Station
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Awatere Vineyards

     Enjoy the scenic vineyard views as you ride

   • 

     Middlehurst Station Lodging

     Spend a few days in this superb high country spot in very comfortable accommodation

   • 

     Middlehurst Station Lodging

     Spend a few days in this superb high country spot in very comfortable accommodation

5. Day 5Middlehurst Station - Molesworth Valley

   Today you'll enjoy a day at Middlehurst Station which offers a range of activities on their vast farm property, including bike trails, farm tours, heli-hiking, fishing, hunting and four wheel driving – there will be an extra cost for some of these activities, prices to be confirmed. For those keen to continue cycling there will be the opportunity to ride further along the Molesworth Road and the Awatere Valley towards Isolated Saddle. You'll pass by the original cob homestead built by John Murphy in 1866 and the gateway to Molesworth Station. The road climbs to Wards Pass (1145m) and across the 250-hectare expanse of Isolated Flat, an outwash plain, bounded by the Awatere Fault. From January until April, masses of tall, white gentian flowers and blue borage can be seen growing colourfully amongst clumps of short tussock and pasture grass.

   At the end of the ride you'll load up the bikes and return to Middlehurst Station for a second night. You'll have plenty of time to relax in this amazing mountainous environment before another delicious home cooked meal is served.

   Optional Cycling Distance: Middlehurst Station to Isolated Saddle - 43.5km
   

   • 27 miles
   • Middlehurst Station
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

   • 

     Middlehurst Station Lodging

     Spend a few days in this superb high country spot in very comfortable accommodation

   • 

     Middlehurst Station Lodging

     Spend a few days in this superb high country spot in very comfortable accommodation

6. Day 6Molesworth Valley to Hanmer Springs

   After breakfast you'll say farewell to your hosts to ride the final section of the Molesworth Road, savouring the remoteness of the spectacular landscape around. Flanked by mountain ranges the road follows the Acheron River to the historic Acheron House, which was built in 1863 as an overnight stopover in the early stock droving days. Here you'll reach the mighty Clarence River and ride alongside the river before one final push up and over Jacks Pass and a fast descent brings you into Hanmer Springs.

   The total distance from Middlehurst Station is 106km, you can ride a number of sections depending on how much, if any, you cycled yesterday. Some riders might like to attempt to complete the full journey to Hanmer Springs. After settling into your accommodation, you'll head to the thermal hot pools for a well deserved soak in the therapeutic waters. You'll meet again in the evening for your final group dinner to celebrate your weeks cycling achievements.

   Cycling Distance: Middlehurst Station to Hanmer Springs - up to 106km
   

   • 65.9 miles
   • Accommodation in Hanmer Springs
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
7. Day 7Return to Christchurch

   Hanmer Springs is a hub for mountain biking and hiking, and a great place to rest, relax and enjoy the mountain air. Today you'll have a choice to ride or walk and to revisit the hot pools depending on energy levels.

   Cycle Option: An easy section of the new St James cycle trail leaves from St James Station in the Clarence Valley and climbs slowly up a gravel cycle path for 15km to Peters Pass before returning through the Rainbow valley. The ride gives panoramic views in all directions and then returns to Hanmer Springs over Jacks Pass, to give a scenic loop of approx 30km.

   Hiking Option: A short relaxed walk takes you through the forest to a lookout at Conical Hill or a more challenging walk to the top of Mt Isobel (1319m) takes 3-4 hours from Jacks Pass. The route follows a steep, rocky and exposed ridge to the summit, giving wonderful views over Hanmer Basin and beyond.

   After your morning's activities you are free to go for lunch or another dip in the hot pools before you set away on the return journey to Christchurch. You will be delivered to Christchurch airport or the central city in the late afternoon.
   

   • 18.6 miles
   • Breakfast