We deal directly with each tour operator, which means we can guarantee you the best price. If within 24 hours of your booking you find the exact same tour elsewhere for a lower price, let us know and we'll refund you the difference!
NZ Gravel Bike Tour: South Island Ride
Duration
7 days
Site savings
$25
From
$2,392 USD
This superb cycling adventure from Christchurch to Queenstown offers you a chance to explore the vast and impressive Mackenzie Basin by bike to truly appreciate its huge glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains. The itinerary also allows you an opportunity to stretch the legs to admire the grandeur of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, when you walk beneath its flanks.
- CategoryTrail Riding
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration7 days
- Culture LevelFamiliar
- Skill Level3 - Intermediate
- Activity Level4 - Challenging
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainMixed
- Distance313.2 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance44.7 miles
Best Price Guarantee
No booking or payment fees
Save $47 on your next booking
I participated in the South Island Gravel Explorer from 24 Feb 26 to 2 Mar 26. We were a group of 7 mates from Perth and 5 additional cyclists of which 4 came from other countries. After a rest day in Queenstown the Perth 7 had three more great days…
I participated in the South Island Gravel Explorer from 24 Feb 26 to 2 Mar 26. We were a group of 7 mates from Perth and 5 additional cyclists of which 4 came from other countries. After a rest day in Queenstown the Perth 7 had three more great days of riding with the same guides and support. My comments apply equally to both parts and the ten days total riding.
I rode a brand-new Trek Checkpoint E gravel bike. After a day getting used to the power system I fell in love with this bike. Great gearing and braking and instinctive power system. This is a go anywhere bike which came into its own on the many uphill sections. As an example, at the steep end to Mackenzie Pass where experienced manual bike riders ran out of gears the E-bike's power system made all the difference.
The routes were amazing show casing the incredible scenery of the South Island including the three great passes and the famous Otago Rail Trail. Each day presented its own challenges and variety.
Our guides were fantastic. They made a point of quickly assessing each rider's abilities and building trust.
Every day ran so smoothly with subtle changes made on the run to accommodate changing weather and conditions. Shatel's regular briefings, delivered with panache and humor added to the great sense of adventure. David with his quiet sense of humor was always working tirelessly in the background to keep everything running smoothly. I can't say enough in praise of these two amazing people!
Accommodation and meals all excellent with a couple of wild cards thrown in: the geodesic domes at Kurow and the country pub at Lumsden.
The bus, the regular snacks, drinks and coffee all appeared seamlessly at every stop.
This was one of the most enjoyable outdoor holidays I have experienced. I can't recommend it enough for experienced cyclists looking for a great off-road experience.
Excellent bikes and high calibre guides. Attention to detail and support for all participants by Shantel and David.
This was my seventh multi-day bike tour and my first with [the operator]. I had a great time with a very nice group of people. We endured all of the elements over the seven days including heat, rain, cold and wind. A few route changes were made due to road…
This was my seventh multi-day bike tour and my first with [the operator]. I had a great time with a very nice group of people. We endured all of the elements over the seven days including heat, rain, cold and wind. A few route changes were made due to road closures and weather. The ...team handled these changes without a fuss and had us on alternate routes. The food and accommodation was very good, and it was nice to have proper gravel bikes which were perfect for the terrain we covered.