The Milford Wilderness

Itinerary 

Pick up / Drop off

Pick up in Christchurch.  Drop off in Queenstown.

Day 1 – Cycling the Port Hills and Lunch at a Winery

We begin our New Zealand cycling vacation in the charming Victorian city of Christchurch. From Christchurch we cycle into the Port Hills for spectacular views of the city and the Canterbury Plains before visiting one of New Zealand’s many wineries for lunch. After lunch we take a short shuttle ride before hopping on our bikes and riding to our accommodations at a working sheep farm. Cycling Options: 30 to 45 miles Lodging: Morelea Farm, Fairlie

Day 2 – Burkes Pass and the Turquoise Lake Teapot

Following a hearty country breakfast, we cycle to the turquoise blue Lake Tekapo via the Burkes Pass. Our route through the MacKenzie Basin offers stunning views of Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, and the Southern Alps. Enjoy a leisurely ride along wild flower edged roads and into the village of Tekapo where lake side accommodations await us. Cycling Options: 27 to 45 miles Lodging: The Chalets, Tekapo

Day 3 – Hiking in the Shadow of Mt Cook

Our day begins with stunning views of huge glacial lakes and continues with a combination of cycling and hiking beneath Mt. Cook and through a charming alpine village. The rugged beauty of the Southern Alps provides a never ending slide show as we cycle and shuttle into the town of Lake Ohau. Cycling Options: 26 miles Lodging: Ohau Lodge, Lake Ohau

Day 4 – Lake Side Cycling and Exploring Wanaka

We begin our day with an easy ride along the lake side before heading south to cycle through New Zealand’s historic gold mining areas before cycling into Wanaka via a stunning Lake side path. Cycling Options: 30, 44, or 54 miles Lodging: Archway Motels, Wanaka

Day 5 – Tea at the Cardrona Hotel and Cycling the Crown Range

Our morning begins with an easy twelve mile ride to the Cardrona Hotel for a relaxing cup of coffee before a combination of van and cycling takes us to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Using some of New Zealand’s most scenic trails we bike to the top of Lake Wakatipu. Cycling Options: 28 or 47 miles Lodging: Aspen on Queenstown

Day 6 – A Free Day for Exploration

We take a break from our travels around New Zealand to enjoy everything that Queenstown has to offer. The adventurous can choose jet boating or bungee jumping, while the prudent can enjoy hiking or take time to relax and explore Queenstown. Lodging: Aspen on Queenstown

Day 7 – Te Anau and Walking the Kepler Track

Again using both the shuttle and our bikes we travel to Te Anu. A leisurely day of cycling and walking around Lake Te Anu provides the opportunity to relax in one of New Zealand’s most scenic towns. Cycling Options: 25 miles Lodging: Manapouri Lakeview Motor Inn

Day 8 – Overnight on Milford Sound

An early morning departure from Te Anu takes us by bike and by coach into Fjord land National Park. We pause to walk parts of the Routeburn Trek before continuing a downhill ride into the town of Milford Sound. Here we board the SS Mariner for a cruise through Milford Sound in hopes of seeing whales and dolphins. We return to Milford Sound for optional kayaking before laying anchor and spending the night in the midst of one of New Zealand’s great national treasures. Cycling Options: 27 or 37 miles Lodging: Milford Mariner

Day 9 – Milford Sound and the Routeburn Track

After returning to shore by 9 am, we take a short transfer through the Milford Tunnel before cycling and hiking options take us through either the Gertrude or Holyfield Valleys. Local bush walks and cycling down the majestic Eddington Valley return us Te Anu. Cycling Options: 15 or 30 miles Lodging: Luxmore Hotel, Te Anu

Day 10 – The Von Valley and Cruising to Queenstown

Today we will cycle to the hidden Mavora Lakes, site of the closing scenes of the “Lord of the Rings” movies before a bus ride takes us to the Van Valley for lunch. From here we say goodbye to the van as we cycle to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and down to the Walter Peak Station for afternoon tea and a farm show. Next we embark on the steam ship SS Earnslaw for a cruise to Queenstown and the conclusion of our tour. Cycling Options: 30 or 41 miles

More Information

For our guests seeking the ultimate New Zealand Experience you can combine our Milford Wilderness and West Coast Escape Trips into an epic New Zealand Adventure. Run in partnership with Adventure South LTD