Included:

• • An experienced guide-driver (or 2 guides for groups of 8+; one riding with the group, one supporting with the vehicle)*
  • 8-day Great West Coast cycling adventure
  • Accommodation for 7 nights in 3 & 4-star hotels/motels (double occupancy)
  • All meals during the tour catered to all dietary requirements
    • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x7)
    • Gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x5)
    • Two-course restaurant dinners (x5)
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks, treats, and morning and afternoon teas
  • TranzAlpine train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth
  • Transport from Christchurch to Queenstown
  • Pre-departure information kit
  • Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

Add-ons (can be added at checkout):

• • Bike rental
  • Single occupancy room

Not included:

• • International or domestic flights and taxes
  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • All beverages, other than breakfast
  • Bike hire (including helmet)
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
  • Visa (if required)
  • Optional activities (e.g. scenic flights, sea kayaking, etc.)
  • Guide gratuities — optional
  • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout

*If your departure has up to 7 participants, there will be one guide-driver with you. They will be supporting you from the vehicle and also riding with the group at times, usually on more challenging trail sections. For groups of 8+, there will be two guide-drivers; one riding with the group, one supporting you from the vehicle.

The Great West Coast Cycle is graded moderate to challenging. You should be a competent road rider with high stamina and a solid level of fitness. Specifically, you should be able to cycle comfortably for 6–8 hours (or around 80km/50 miles) per day, multiple days in a row, including extended uphill ascents.

Expect some long days and steep sections. You must be confident riding on main roads alongside traffic traveling at speed; consequently, this tour is not for beginners. However, the tour is fully supported—if you need a break at any stage, the support vehicle is always available for you to hop in and rest.

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The tour is fully supported so you won’t have to carry anything. If hiring one of our bikes, it will have a rear saddle bag with enough space to put an extra layer, your camera, wallet, phone etc. We recommend you pack your luggage in a soft sports bag for easy stowing in the trailer/ vehicle. We urge you to keep your luggage to a minimum. If you have extra luggage you do not require for your holiday, we can arrange to store it until the end of the trip.

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

• • Bike & helmet — bike rental available
  • Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
  • Comfortable biking clothes
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Sneakers or sport shoes
  • Breathable outside layer or jacket
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Fleece
  • Quality thermal wear
  • Casual clothes and sneakers for when you’re not cycling
  • Sunhat
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Biking gloves
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

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Yes — bike rental is available, with several high-quality options to match different riding styles, comfort needs, and experience levels.

Road bike (non e-bike):

• • Avanti Gran Durance 3 — A bike built for the diverse surfaces of New Zealand’s open roads. It’s a lightweight, fast machine kitted out with a Shimano GRX 2×11 groupset, hydraulic disc brakes, and carbon forks for a smooth, responsive ride. Your guides have chosen this model because the 32mm tires and relaxed frame geometry strike the perfect balance between speed and comfort, making it an ideal choice for all-day performance on our classic road tours.

Mountain bikes (non-e-bike):

• • Avanti Discovery – Hardtail Mountain Bike — A simple, solid, and comfortable hardtail built for mixed terrain. It features front suspension, fast-rolling tyres, a 1×10 drivetrain, and hydraulic disc brakes for reliable control. A rear rack with a rack bag (included) makes it easy to carry layers, lunch, or a camera. Available in multiple frame sizes (exact sizing subject to availability).
  • Avanti Discovery – Low-Step Hardtail Mountain Bike — The same dependable setup as the standard Avanti Discovery, with a low-step frame for easier mounting and a more accessible feel. It offers a relaxed upright riding position, front suspension, and hydraulic disc brakes—ideal for riders prioritising comfort. Available in multiple frame sizes (subject to availability).

E-bikes:

• • Sinch e-bike – front suspension (mountain bike style) — Designed in Aotearoa New Zealand, these pedal-assist eBikes smooth out hills and longer days thanks to reliable Shimano motor systems. They feature front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and a comfortable upright riding position. Available in sizes L and XL.
  • Sinch e-bikes – step-through options — These models offer the same pedal-assist support and trail-ready setup, with step-through frames and swept-back handlebars for a relaxed touring posture. Available in sizes XS, S, and M, with L and XL step-through options available on request.

If you’re unsure which bike is best for you, we’re happy to help match you with the right setup based on height, experience, and riding style.

The price for this Great West Coast cycling tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

Group sizes and prices:

• • For this Great West Coast cycling tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 7:1.
  • It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 14 participants.
  • If your departure has up to 7 participants, there will be one guide-driver with you. They will be supporting you from the vehicle and also riding with the group at times, usually on more challenging trail sections. For groups of 8+, there will be two guide-drivers; one riding with the group, one supporting you from the vehicle.
  • Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

The Great West Coast Cycle in New Zealand can be arranged for bigger and private 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.

The price for this Great West Coast cycling tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

To get to Christchurch, the starting point of the tour, most people fly into Christchurch Airport. You will meet your guide(s) and fellow cyclists at Cathedral Junction at 7.15 am on Day 1.

We recommend arriving a day prior to the cycling adventure as our journey kicks off right after this initial gathering. Arriving a day in advance provides you with the opportunity to relax and ensures a seamless and stress-free start to your experience.

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.