Included:

• • An experienced guide-driver (or 2 guides for groups of 8+; one riding with the group, one supporting with the vehicle)*
  • 5-day West Coast Wilderness Trail adventure
  • Accommodation for 4 nights in comfortable motels/lodges (double occupancy)
  • TranzAlpine train travel from Christchurch to Greymouth
  • Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
  • All meals during the tour catered to all dietary requirements
    • Tasty cafe breakfasts (x4)
    • Gourmet picnic or cafe lunches (x4)
    • Two-course restaurant dinners (x3)
  • Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks, and treats
  • Pre-departure information kit to help you plan and prepare
  • Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

Add-ons (available to add at checkout):

• • Single occupancy room
  • Bike rental (e-bike or mountain bike)
  • ScenicPlus (First Class) TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Greymouth (standard ticket already included in the price)

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. Tree Top Walkway, Monteith’s Brewery tour in Greymouth, TranzAlpine Scenic Plus Upgrade, 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 West Coast Wilderness Trail is graded introductory to moderate, offering a stunning mix of wide paths, narrow water races, and sweeping boardwalks. While the scenery is soul-soothing, there are some undulating hills to keep things interesting!

To get the most out of your journey, we recommend:

• • Fitness level: A reasonable level of fitness is key. Aim for at least 2 hours of cycling per week during the three months leading up to your trip
  • Surface training: We highly suggest training on compacted gravel trails to get comfortable with the texture of the trail.
  • Time in the saddle: Completing a multi-day ride beforehand is a game-changer—it helps your body (and your seat!) adjust to consecutive days of exploration.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more New Zealand bike adventures here!

The majority of the West Coast Wilderness trail consists of compacted gravel, ranging from wide paths to narrower tracks that follow water races. Cyclists should be confident riding on uneven surfaces, as this terrain can naturally reduce riding speeds. Beyond the gravel, the trail features sections of smooth, sweeping boardwalks winding over wetlands, as well as some riding on sealed roads. These are mostly quiet back-roads, so riders will need to be aware of road rules and comfortable managing small amounts of traffic.

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.

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.

Premium e-bike:

• • Merida eONE-FORTY 475 EQ (subject to availability) — Our premium option for riders wanting maximum comfort and capability. This full-suspension eBike features a powerful Shimano motor, long-lasting battery, and relaxed geometry that flattens climbs and smooths rough terrain. Integrated lights, mudguards, and a rack make it ideal for multi-day touring. Available in selected sizes (subject to availability).

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.

Group sizes and prices:

• • For this West Coast Wilderness Trail, 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.

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.

The price for West Coast Wilderness Trail 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. 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.

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.