Day Two

You will be collected from your accommodation in Christchurch and taken to the Adventure South depot in Addington at 7.00am. A fitting of one of our fleet of rental bikes will precede the loading of the bike trailer and we will depart by 8.00am. After a quick lunch stop in Tekapo the cycle program begins with a quiet ride alongside a canal system with spectacular views of Mt Cook & the Southern Alps. Crossing over the Lindis Pass we descend down to Cromwell and travel alongside the scenic river gorge before arriving at the railhead at Clyde.  You should try and allow some time in Clyde to explore this old goldmining town before enjoying our first dinner together. (B,D)
Road Cycling - 24kms

Day Three

The real riding starts today as adventure participants leave town across the flat rural countryside. From Chatto Creek the trail starts to rise before levelling off to Omakau where we stop for lunch.  Stronger riders may enjoy an optional detour from Omakau to the historic village of Ophir (8kms return).  After lunch, we cycle the remaining 9km until arriving at Lauder.  Late afternoon you will take a drive to the historic gold mining village, St. Bathans for a walk around the beautiful blue lake. This evening it is time for a relaxing beer and a game of pool at the local pub before dinner. (B,D)
Rail Trail Ride - 44 kms

Day Four
On this day the cycling adventure heads inland and rides through the first two tunnels and two rail bridges on the trip. With the willow tree edged gorge below the trail and the welcoming pools beckoning, we finally emerge into the scenic Idaburn valley.  One last short easy climb takes us to the summit of the trail and the beginning of the downhill descent that will take us to the art deco township of Ranfurly. Lunch at a local cafe and then a short drive takes us to the beautiful township of Naseby and our hotel stay for the night. There are some nice local walks around the village; and for the keen cyclist an easy forest trail alongside an old water race. For those willing to try their hand at something new, we have an option to try the sport of curling in the local indoor rink, the first in the southern hemisphere. (B, D)
Rail Trail Ride - 48 kms

Day Five

An early start for our longest ride today but it is some of the best riding of the trip. From Waipiata the trail follows the edge of the old lake before entering the Taieri Gorge. The trail crosses through further tunnels and bridges before a fast downhill to the lovely cafe at the old hotel at Hyde.  From here a final 27kms takes us past the scene of the famous Hyde rail disaster of 1943 and then out onto the rolling plains slowly descending into Middlemarch.  This is the end of the trail and time for a celebratory drink at the Kissing Gate Cafe.  However the day is not yet finished and by 4.30pm we join the famous Taieri Express for a spectacular ride through the gorge -described as one of the world’s great train journeys. We travel into Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South, our dinner tonight is in the form of a group celebration to acknowledge the 150kms of Rail Trail riding. (B, D)
Rail Trail Ride - 59 kms

Taieri Express – A trip not to be missed!
The 58kms of rail travel into Dunedin is rated as one of the worlds great rail trips. The 2-hour route traverses the Taieri gorge travelling across high iron viaducts and tunnels. All trains feature heritage carriages and you may have a viewing carriage on your trip, which provides even better panoramas. The train arrives at the historic Dunedin railway station at 6.30pm in time for a transfer to our accommodation.

Day Six
The riding is still not finished as we head north to Oamaru, leaving behind those who wish to finish in Dunedin. Via the beautiful coastal roads we get to visit the famous Fluers Cafe at picturesque Moeraki Village & the Moeraki Boulders before turning onto the final quiet 24km coastal ride along the cliff tops and farms that take us into Oamaru. Here in the old warehouse quarter the early buildings are being restored creating a fascinating opportunity to explore the past as you relax at a local cafe.  Back on the road again, we continue across the Canterbury Plains and finally reach Christchurch where we will deliver you to your final accommodation at the trip end. (B,D)
Coastal Rides - 24-40 kms

Day Seven
After your breakfast, the tour is ended, leaving you the option of more New Zealand travel, or a sad transfer to the airport and the start of the journey home – and the chance to enthuse your friends with all your tales of delight! (B)