New Zealand Cycling: West Coast Wilderness Trail

Things to know

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced New Zealand cycling guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 5 days of cycling on various sections of the West Coast Wilderness Trail
    • Comfortable motel/lodge ensuite accommodation on twin share basis
    • Transportation during the adventure
    • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners)
    • Tasty and nutritious snacks, drinks and treats during rides
    • Pre-departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
    • Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
    • Transportation

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to Christchurch
    • Bikes (can be rented upon checkout, $95 for a hybrid mountain bike, $305 for an e-bike)
    • Helmet
    • Meals not indicated in the itinerary and beverages (except during breakfast)
    • Single room supplement — can be add to your booking upon checkout
    • Any personal expenses
    • Optional activities (like Tree Top Walkway and TranzAlpine ride — can be included upon checkout)
    • Travel insurance
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  To participate in this New Zealand guided cycling trip, you need to have a moderate level of fitness. You will ride wide trails, narrow water races, and boardwalks, sometimes covering undulating hills and between 15 and 35 miles a day. We recommend engaging in approximately 2 hours of cycling per week for at least three months leading up to your trip.

  Training on compacted gravel trails and sealed roads is highly recommended, as it will better prepare you for the terrain you will encounter. Additionally, completing a multi-day ride prior to your trip will help you acclimate to extended periods of time in the saddle. The more you train on hills and compacted gravel, the more enjoyable your journey will be.

  That said, it needs to be stipulated that the West Coast Wilderness Trail is designed to cater to cyclists of all levels. With its easy gradients and occasional hills, it offers an experience suitable for cyclists with varying abilities. Furthermore, to ensure that everyone can partake in our cycling holidays, your guide service offers e-Bikes rentals, providing pedaling assistance for those who may need it, as well as a gentler experience on the knees and joints compared to traditional bikes. However, it’s important to note that you still need to pedal, and e-Bikes are generally heavier overall.

• What if I’ve never cycled/mountain biked before?

  If you’ve never cycled or mountain biked before, don’t worry! The West Coast Wilderness Trail is graded from introductory to moderate difficulty, making it accessible for beginners. While a reasonable level of fitness is still required, this trail offers a great opportunity for you to embark on your cycling or mountain biking journey.

  We recommend starting with some basic cycling training to familiarize yourself with riding a bike. Begin by practicing on flat surfaces and gradually build up your confidence and stamina. It’s also beneficial to complete shorter multi-day rides (preferably on compact gravel) prior to your trip to get used to spending extended periods of time in the saddle.

  Additionally, your guides are experienced professionals who will provide support and guidance throughout the trip. They will ensure that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the trail safely and enjoyably. You should also keep in mind that you’ll have the option to get to the next point in the support vehicle if riding gets too strenuous.

  If you’re still concerned about your fitness level or lack of experience, you may consider renting an e-Bike. These bikes provide pedaling assistance, making it easier to tackle the trail. They are simple to operate and offer a more gentle experience on your knees and joints compared to traditional bikes.

  If you’re looking for something more challenging, check out this mountain biking adventure in New Zealand.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s what you’ll need:

  • • Your mountain bike or your e-bike and helmet (can be rented)
    • Necessary spares
    • Comfortable riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material
    • Sneakers or sport shoes
    • Breathable outside layer or jacket
    • Sunglasses
    • Water bottles or hydration bladder
    • Daypack large enough to bring all the items you may need during one day.
    • Biking gloves are optional but recommended
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Leisure clothes to wear when not riding

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. You will get a more detailed and comprehensive list of equipment and clothes you should bring once the trip is confirmed. The packing list will largely depend on whether you join the tour in the summer/early fall months (November through April) or cooler winter/early spring months (May through October).

• What’s the accommodation like?

  Rest assured, the accommodations during the guided New Zealand cycling tour are carefully chosen for comfort, value, and convenient locations, mostly offering twin or double ensuite rooms. You can expect a combination 3* and 4* hotels and family-owned heritage accommodation that are rich in local character.

  If joining the New Zealand guided adventure on your own, you’ll share the room with another cyclist of the same gender. Single supplements are available for those who prefer their own room, subject to additional cost and availability.

  The meals on the tour will sometimes be served at your accommodations, at local restaurants or in a form of picnic lunches. Some dietary restrictions and preferences may be accommodated, just make sure you let your guide know in advance (you can leave a note when booking).

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • The maximum group size for this group tour is 14 participants.
    • If more than 8 people join the tour, 2 guides will accompany the group.
    • The minimum number of participants that need to join for this group to operate is 4.
    • The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

  Cycling on the South Island in New Zealand can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Children as young as 10 are able to go on trips with a legal guardian. That said, if you have a young rider strong enough to handle sustained climbs (either riding or walking their bike) of hundreds of feet, and rough terrain, then they may be able to participate on a case-by-case basis.

  If your group has riders under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Christchurch, the starting point of the tour, most people fly into Christchurch Airport. Alternatively, you can fly into other airports in New Zealand (or Australia) and board another flight/take a shuttle service to Christchurch.

  You will meet your New Zealand cycling guide in the morning on Day 1 at Cathedral Junction (downtown Christchurch) at 6am.

  Keep in mind that most people arrive in the city the day before the tour starts and stay in the city for an additional night after the end of the tour. Catching international flights the day the tour ends is not recommended. Keep in mind that the tour finishes around 6.30pm on the same location where it starts.

• Covid measures in New Zealand

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in New Zealand please refer to the official New Zealand Travel Website.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  Deposits

  You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

  Cancellations

  Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

  Basic

  • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Flexible

  • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  • For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.

  Super Flexible

  • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  • For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  • For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.