Southern Explorer

Visit a region of world class wines, and Nelson, a town famed for its arts and crafts. Then, it’s through the mountainous backbone of New Zealand’s scenic South Island and its stunning lakes and forests.

After a free day in Christchurch, explore Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau and the Mt. Cook National Park. Continue through the Lindis Pass to Lake Wanaka, Glenorchy and Te Anau, the gems of the Southern Lakes. A highlight of the trip is an overnight cruise on Milford Sound, bringing to a close the second part of the tour at the mountain resort of Queenstown.

From the sunny, dry mountain landscapes of Central Otago cross to the West Coast of the South Island. With their grinding glaciers, luxuriant rainforests and surf-pounded cliffs and beaches, these landscapes are among the most dramatic in New Zealand. The glaciers are an invitation to adventure so take a guided walk to explore this wonderland of snow and ice, which paradoxically is located right by an ancient moss and lichen-clad rainforest. The holiday ends with one of the world’s great rail journeys, on board the TranzAlpine train returning to Christchurch.

At the end of each invigorating day, you’ll enjoy the comfort of hotel, lodge and guesthouse accommodation and an imaginative evening meal in the company of like-minded travellers. The cycling is mostly at recreational level, with the option of some single tracks for those who would like to stretch themselves a little further. The great thing about this kind of trip is the flexibility to cycle as much, or as little, as you feel like on any particular day.