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For this tour a 24-speed Avanti Pioneer hybrid cycle with front suspension is available. |
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| Outline Itinerary [1/2] >> |
| Day 1: |
Christchurch
Attend a lunchtime pre-departure briefing by the trip guides providing a full understanding of the itinerary, terrain and any operational issues. A short warm-up ride is available for those keen to turn some pedals. |
| Day 2: |
Christchurch-Hanmer Springs
Depart Christchurch and head over the Canterbury Plains towards Hanmer Springs, enjoying the quiet roads along the way. Arrive late afternoon, with the chance for a relaxing soak in the hot springs. |
| Day 3: |
Hanmer Springs-Reefton
Cycle the road over Lewis Pass and through beech forests, steadily climbing into the Southern Alps, reaching a fantastic lookout into Cannibal Gorge. Enjoy freewheeling down to the resort at Maruia Springs. Here there is a Japanese bathhouse and outdoor pools. Continuing onwards climbing over Rahu Saddle (optional vehicle transport) for a final descent into the west coast mining town of Reefton. |
| Day 4: |
Reefton-Punakaiki
The ride out from Reefton leads to the mighty Buller River and down to the junction with the State Highway 6. Here turn south to Punakaiki and the start of some of the best coastal rides. The accommodation has the added delight of exploring the famous Pancake Rocks and the limestone wonderland of the area. |
| Day 5: |
Punakaiki-Hokitika
Heading south again enjoy another spectacular coastal ride as the road hugs the coast with its mainly river mouths and bush slopes. Gradually the land opens up and the rural scenery intensifies on the approach to Greymouth and the Grey River. From here the road continues southwards through the rural countryside before it finally reaches Hokitika, home of the famous Pounamu, or Greenstone. |
| Day 6: |
Hokitika-Franz Josef
Further south, the glacier country beckons and the road soon changes from rural countryside to one fringed with the mighty podocarp forests. Along the way break for coffee at Ross, one of the early gold-mining townships and then onwards through Hari Hari and Whataroa until finally reaching Franz Joseph Glacier township for the night. |
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Northland