Are bicycles included for the trip?

Bike hire is not included in the trip price, as we have a few different options available: Avanti Discovery Hard-Tail Mountain Bike: NZD$150, Sinch E-Bike: NZD $500, Merida Full Suspension E-Bike: NZD $750

When you comment on a degree of "intensity" what does that mean? and do you have electric mountain bikes for hire?

This trip is classed at introductory, so it is low intensity, riding days range around 20-40kms per day on a purpose built trail. You have the choice of either renting our regular hardtail mountain bike or ebike and we manage the ride with a mix of both bikes and fitness levels. These days eBikes are a popular choice for those wishing to relax and enjoy the views whilst still getting some exercise. Whereas if you preference a more physical exercise then the regular bike is just fine also.

What portion of the trip is on bike only trails. How often are you on roads with auto traffic?

The West Coast Wilderness Trail is graded introductory to moderate. You will be cycling on a mix of wide trails, narrow water races and boardwalk with some undulating hills. About 95% of the trip is on the dedicated purpose-built West Coast Wilderness Trail. Over 120km of the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail is off-road on an excellent gravel trail. There are only a couple of km's of sealed back road sections and a road bridge which has a dedicated cycle lane.

what would the daily temperature be and will we be riding on roads with cars or off road ?

January is summertime in NZ and the West Coast is generally has temperatures in the 20's degrees. About 95% of the trip is on the dedicated purpose-built West Coast Wilderness Trail. Over 120km of the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail is off-road on an excellent gravel trail. There are only a couple of km's of sealed back road sections and a road bridge which has a dedicated cycle lane.

We are not in the best cycling shape of our lives so can't do tons of climbing or high daily mileage but we want to see the most dramatic NZ scenery we can get and we don't want to get eaten alive by sand flies.

The scenery is just amazing from start to finish, and Mount Cook is majestic. There are some hills, but it is not like riding the Rockies or the European Alps. Hiring an e-bike will make the riding easier, and being fully supported will enable you to ride the best bits and jump in the van when you have tired legs! Sand flies are not an issue on the Alps to Ocean - usually. But wear clothing to keep covered (long sleeves and long trousers) will mean less chance of being bitten, and good sand fly spray with a high percentage of Deet.

Were looking for a five day bike ride, happy to do 40-60km/day, prefer ebikes, and the West Coast Wilderness trip seems to fit the bill. Can you tell me how much is on dedicated bike trails vs shared road, and of the dedicated bike trails, how much is sealed vs gravel?

About 95% of the trip is on the dedicated purpose built West Coast Wilderness Trail. Over 120km of the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail is off-road on an excellent gravel trail. There are only a couple of km's of sealed back road sections and a road bridge which has a dedicated cycle lane. The terrain is varied and the views of the lakes, rivers and mountains are magnificent.

I'm interested in the west coast wilderness cycle tour - but I cannot find any times on the itinerary, only dates. I would need to coordinate with flights so please provide departure time on 16 Jan and the return time on 20 Jan thank you

This tour itinerary has been changed around due to the reduced schedule of the TranzAlpine Train and now meets at 7:15am in central Christchurch on Sunday 16 Jan. We start by getting the train over to the west coast, which usually occurs on day 5. We then return to Christchurch by bus, arrriving approx 6pm on 20 January. As we are now close to departure, we have done all our final rooming. If you would like to join the tour, please let us know as soon as possible, so we can check with our accommodation that we can get a room for you.

From

US $2,170 per person

West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail

5 days

•

Start and end in Christchurch

5.0

2 traveler reviews

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From

US $2,170 per person

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Plan your adventure:

Operator: Adventure South
Bicycle: Pedal-powered journeys for two-wheeled explorers
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Partially Guided: Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
High Intensity: Travelers should be in very good physical condition and expect continuous demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 4 - 14
Ages 16+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Christchurch to Hokitika
Meals
Dinner (Paddock to plate home cooked dining experience at local eco home hosted by Rob and Col)
Included Activities
- TranzAlpine Train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth
- Bike setup and first 18.4km cycle ride to Hokitika
- Home-cooked paddock to plate dinner at local eco home
Optional Activities
- First-class upgrade to ScenicPlus on TranzAlpine Train
- Lunch at scenic cafe on the train
Landmarks
Cathedral Junction
Christchurch Train Station
Southern Alps
Greymouth
Tree Tops Cafe
Hokitika
Day 2
Hokitika to Lake Kaniere
Meals
Lunch (Picnic lunch at Kokatahi township)
Included Activities
- 47km cycle ride from Hokitika through rural country to Lake Kaniere
- Walk along Hokitika Gorge to view granite boulders and turquoise waters
Optional Activities
- Dinner at choice of town restaurants and pubs in Hokitika
Landmarks
Kaniere Water Race
Lake Kaniere
Kokatahi
Hokitika Gorge
Day 3
Hokitika to Kumara
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Bike ride from Lake Kaniere through bush trails to Kumara (49km)
- Crossing swing bridge
- Switchback climbing section to highpoint
- Descent via water races, bush tracks and reservoir roads
Optional Activities
- Treetop Walkway viewing of Lake Mahinapua's rainforest and wetlands
Landmarks
Treetop Walkway
Lake Mahinapua
Lake Kaniere
Milltown
Kumara
Day 4
Kumara to Punakaiki
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch (Cafe lunch in Greymouth), Dinner (Final group dinner)
Included Activities
- Final bike ride from Kumara to Greymouth on riverside and coastal pathways (28km)
- Viewing of old road and rail bridge
- Pororari River gorge exploration
- Truman Track through sub-tropical forest to rugged beach
- Punakaiki Dolomite Point walk around Pancake Rocks and blow holes
- Final group dinner
Optional Activities
- Historic Monteith's Brewery visit in Greymouth
Landmarks
Greymouth
Monteith's Brewery
Paparoa National Park
Pororari River
Truman Track
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Punakaiki Dolomite Point
Day 5
Punakaiki to Christchurch
Meals
Lunch
Included Activities
- 25km final cycle ride from Punakaiki to Moana on Lake Brunner shores
- Return drive via Arthur's Pass to Christchurch
Optional Activities
- Refreshing dip at Lake Brunner
Landmarks
Punakaiki
Moana
Lake Brunner
Arthur's Pass
Christchurch

Landmarks
Cathedral Junction
Christchurch Train Station
Southern Alps
Greymouth
Tree Tops Cafe
Hokitika

Landmarks
Kaniere Water Race
Lake Kaniere
Kokatahi
Hokitika Gorge

Landmarks
Treetop Walkway
Lake Mahinapua
Lake Kaniere
Milltown
Kumara

Landmarks
Greymouth
Monteith's Brewery
Paparoa National Park
Pororari River
Truman Track
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Punakaiki Dolomite Point

Landmarks
Punakaiki
Moana
Lake Brunner
Arthur's Pass
Christchurch

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Additional Services

Operated by

Adventure South

(17 reviews)

Number of tours

Age Range

16 to 99 years old

Response time

within 3 days

Response rate

71%

Adventure South has been operating active holidays throughout New Zealand...

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Reviews

5.0

Overall rating based on 2 Reviews

Itinerary
5.0
Transport
4.5
Guide
5.0
Accommodation
4.5
Food
4.0
Tour Operator
5.0

D
Devlin
January 11th, 2026
5.0
This is an excellent tour. My son and I rode traditional mountain bikes, though others in the party opted for...
This is an excellent tour. My son and I rode traditional mountain bikes, though others in the party opted for electric bikes. This allows for everyone, irrespective of fitness to bike tour. The guides were fantastic. They have a great passion for the South Island and this adds to the enjoyment of the tour. The sights, the surrounds and the quality of the trails makes this a must (if you are not fit the electric bikes would be recommended by myself). My thanks on a great tour.Show more
Traveled in January 2026
F
Flavia
January 1st, 2020
5.0
Exelent tour! Excelent guides!
Traveled in December 2019

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What our customers ask about this tour

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E
Eva
Asked on December 2nd, 2025
Are bicycles included for the trip?
Tour Details
- Adventure SouthOperator•Written December 2025
  Bike hire is not included in the trip price, as we have a few different options available: Avanti Discovery Hard-Tail Mountain Bike: NZD$150, Sinch E-Bike: NZD $500, Merida Full Suspension E-Bike: NZD $750
R
Rachael
Asked on January 7th, 2025
When you comment on a degree of "intensity" what does that mean? and do you have electric mountain bikes for hire?
Tour Details
Transport
- Adventure SouthOperator•Written January 2025
  This trip is classed at introductory, so it is low intensity, riding days range around 20-40kms per day on a purpose built trail. You have the choice of either renting our regular hardtail mountain bike or ebike and we manage the ride with a mix of both bikes and fitness levels. These days eBikes are a popular choice for those wishing to relax and enjoy the views whilst still getting some exercise. Whereas if you preference a more physical exercise then the regular bike is just fine also.
R
Roger
Asked on May 27th, 2024
What portion of the trip is on bike only trails. How often are you on roads with auto traffic?
Tour Details
Transport
- Adventure SouthOperator•Written May 2024
  The West Coast Wilderness Trail is graded introductory to moderate. You will be cycling on a mix of wide trails, narrow water races and boardwalk with some undulating hills. About 95% of the trip is on the dedicated purpose-built West Coast Wilderness Trail. Over 120km of the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail is off-road on an excellent gravel trail. There are only a couple of km's of sealed back road sections and a road bridge which has a dedicated cycle lane.
A
Amber
Asked on May 24th, 2024
what would the daily temperature be and will we be riding on roads with cars or off road ?
Tour Details
Transport
- Adventure SouthOperator•Written May 2024
  January is summertime in NZ and the West Coast is generally has temperatures in the 20's degrees. About 95% of the trip is on the dedicated purpose-built West Coast Wilderness Trail. Over 120km of the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail is off-road on an excellent gravel trail. There are only a couple of km's of sealed back road sections and a road bridge which has a dedicated cycle lane.
- A
  Amber
  Traveler•Written May 2024
  does this include bike hire ? what type of bikes ?
- Adventure SouthOperator•Written May 2024
  We hire either a standard hybrid mountain bike or Sinch pedal assist eBikes. You can select your preference when you make the booking, bike hire is for the duration of the tour and is an extra on top of the tour price.
D
Dave
Asked on April 10th, 2023
We are not in the best cycling shape of our lives so can't do tons of climbing or high daily mileage but we want to see the most dramatic NZ scenery we can get and we don't want to get eaten alive by sand flies.
Tour Details
Transport
- Adventure SouthOperator•Written April 2023
  The scenery is just amazing from start to finish, and Mount Cook is majestic. There are some hills, but it is not like riding the Rockies or the European Alps. Hiring an e-bike will make the riding easier, and being fully supported will enable you to ride the best bits and jump in the van when you have tired legs! Sand flies are not an issue on the Alps to Ocean - usually. But wear clothing to keep covered (long sleeves and long trousers) will mean less chance of being bitten, and good sand fly spray with a high percentage of Deet.
- D
  Dave
  Traveler•Written April 2023
  One more question: what is the difference between the Alps to Ocean Classic vs the Alps to Ocean Biking Adventure beside the helicopter?
- Adventure SouthOperator•Written April 2023
  The End to End starts in Queenstown and finishes in Christchurch, is over 7 days, the biking starts at the base of in Mt Cook and includes a helicopter lift over the Tasman River. The Classic starts and finishes in Christchurch, is over 6 days and doesn't include the helicopter, starting at what is known as the Alternate start in Tekapo.
K
Kim
Asked on September 27th, 2022
Were looking for a five day bike ride, happy to do 40-60km/day, prefer ebikes, and the West Coast Wilderness trip seems to fit the bill. Can you tell me how much is on dedicated bike trails vs shared road, and of the dedicated bike trails, how much is sealed vs gravel?
Tour Details
Transport
- Adventure SouthOperator•Written September 2022
  About 95% of the trip is on the dedicated purpose built West Coast Wilderness Trail. Over 120km of the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail is off-road on an excellent gravel trail. There are only a couple of km's of sealed back road sections and a road bridge which has a dedicated cycle lane. The terrain is varied and the views of the lakes, rivers and mountains are magnificent.
H
Holly
Asked on January 11th, 2022
I'm interested in the west coast wilderness cycle tour - but I cannot find any times on the itinerary, only dates. I would need to coordinate with flights so please provide departure time on 16 Jan and the return time on 20 Jan thank you
Flights / Transfers
Tour Details
- Adventure SouthOperator•Written January 2022
  This tour itinerary has been changed around due to the reduced schedule of the TranzAlpine Train and now meets at 7:15am in central Christchurch on Sunday 16 Jan. We start by getting the train over to the west coast, which usually occurs on day 5. We then return to Christchurch by bus, arrriving approx 6pm on 20 January. As we are now close to departure, we have done all our final rooming. If you would like to join the tour, please let us know as soon as possible, so we can check with our accommodation that we can get a room for you.

From

US $2,170 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 69690

Currency
$
New Zealand Dollar
New Zealand
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.
Type I
New Zealand
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before July 6th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after July 6th, 2026, a minimum payment of $261 is required to confirm your booking with Adventure South. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 75 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Adventure South will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Adventure South" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
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- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Adventure South. Please familiarize yourself with the Adventure South payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
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West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail

Itinerary

Christchurch to Hokitika

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Hokitika to Lake Kaniere

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Hokitika to Kumara

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Kumara to Punakaiki

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Punakaiki to Christchurch

Included Activities

Optional Activities

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What's Included