14 Day South Island Self Guided

Christchurch to Kaikoura Self Guided

Today is the start of your NZ South Island Adventure. Riding north from the Garden City of Christchurch your route heads for the small coastal town of Kaikōura, renowned for its unique marine life encounters & dramatic coastline, past farms and vineyards, alongside braided scenic rivers, and along twisting forested roads. Optional Excursion - A Dolphin Encounter Tour. Their extremely knowledgeable guides will provide you with a special experience bringing you as close to wildlife as possible.

Kaikoura to St Arnaud Self Guided

Today your journey continues north along a rugged dramatic coastline where you might still see evidence of the earthquake that shook this region in 2016. You'll want to make a stop at one of the many viewpoints along the way to catch sight of our native fur seals & their babies basking on the rocks below. Your destination today is the small lakeside town of St Arnaud perched on the edge of Lake Rotoiti within the Nelson Lakes National Park. You’ll be enchanted by the alpine landscape of rugged peaks and stunning glacial lakes.

St Arnaud to Arthurs Pass Self Guided

Today you’ll have a wonderful ride through the Buller Gorge, a wild and picturesque river valley where the bush-clad road twists and turns as it follows the Buller River on its journey to the sea. Your ride takes you through the small gold rush town of Reefton, where many of the heritage buildings have been lovingly restored. From Reefton the road rises towards Arthur’s Pass National Park in the heart of the Southern Alps. Here high mountains with large scree slopes, steep gorges and wide braided rivers straddle the main divide between east & west, and are the ‘backbone’ of the South Island. The view of the Otira Viaduct from the lookout offers some awesome natural views and you might even encounter our mischievous native alpine parrot, the Kea. Just don’t let them anywhere near the bikes!

Arthurs Pass to Lake Tekapo Self Guided

Continuing your journey south today you'll leave the highest route through the Southern Alps and descend towards the Canterbury Plains & onto the Mackenzie District, riding alongside wide shingle-filled riverbeds and vast swathes of beech forest. You’ll visit the tiny historic village of Burkes Pass, discovered by Europeans in 1855 as a route leading into the vast Mackenzie region. The village was the last outpost of civilization in those days and has remained relatively unchanged since. Arriving in the small town of Tekapo we’ll make a stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd on the lakefront for a photo opportunity. Check out the awe-inspiring views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains through the church's altar window. Tekapo, being almost totally free from light pollution, is one of the best stargazing sites on earth. The thousands of glittering constellations will simply take your breath away.

Lake Tekapo to Cardrona Self Guided

Leaving Lake Tekapo this morning your route takes you towards the vivid blue Lake Pukaki, stop at Peter’s Lookout for its stunning views of Mt Cook. The road here passes through a landscape of high country tussock, farmland & snow capped mountains. If time permits a ride up to Mt Cook is one for the bucket list. From Pukaki you’ll ride over the dramatic Lindis Pass that links the Mackenzie Region with Central Otago and is a fantastic stretch of road that climbs through rocky gorges and grass filled plains. You end your day in the historic gold mining town of Cardrona where our hotel, established in 1863, is one of New Zealand's oldest and most photographed hotels. It is one of only two remaining buildings from the Cardrona Valley gold rush era which in its hey-day was a prosperous settlement and significant commercial hub for the area.

Cardrona to Te Anau Self Guided

Today you are in for a real treat, as we head south to Te Anau the gateway to Milford Sound. This morning take your time and enjoy the gentle winding road that skirts Lake Wakatipu as the scenery here is stunning, with the Remarkables mountain range on our left and the magnificent lake on your right. Tonight your accommodation is in the small town of Te Anau, nestled on the edge of the South Island’s largest lake, and is the perfect stepping off point for exploring the wilderness of Fiordland.

Te Anau to Invercargill Self Guided

Today you are in for a fantastic days riding. The road to Milford Sound, is a fantastic scenic experience all of its own, so be prepared for breathtaking views and have the camera ready. The weather here can be a little unpredictable (it has been known to snow in summer!) but this just makes the dramatic scenery even better. At Milford you'll cruise one of NZ"s most magnificent fjords - Milford Sound, where you can experience the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and, if you’re lucky, maybe dolphins and penguins too.

Invercargill to Queenstown Self Guided

This morning before leaving Invercargill take a short walk to Classic Motorcycle Mecca and check out the Southern Hemisphere’s leading motorcycle museum which is home to an incredible collection of 300 vintage bikes, exhibits and interactive displays. Your journey back to Queenstown provides another opportunity to experience the fantastic scenery of the Fiordland National Park.

Queenstown to Franz Josef Self Guided

Today marks the start of your journey north, and this morning you will start the day with an exhilarating ride along the spectacular Crown Range, NZ’s highest sealed road. Renowned for its beautiful views and epic scenery the road takes you through the historic mining town of Cardrona. It is rumoured that the historic Cardrona Hotel, one of NZ’s oldest and most iconic hotels, is the most photographed building in NZ. After a short pit stop by the lake shore of beautiful Lake Wanaka continue your journey and ride alongside Lakes Hawea & Wanaka and enjoy the stunning views of Mt Aspiring National Park as you head towards Haast Pass and the West Coast. This route was a traditional pathway for Maori journeying west in search of pounamu (greenstone or jade). Here the scenery changes from lush rainforest and glacier valleys to dramatic windswept coastal wilderness - it's a truly enjoyable ride. Tonight you stay in the heart of Glacier Country - Franz Josef.

Franz Josef to Punakaiki Self Guided

Continuing your journey north your route follows the West Coast road with the glistening Tasman Sea on one side and the magnificent Southern Alps on the other. It's a beautiful ride through small coastal towns, rich in gold mining & greenstone history. Your destination today is Punakaiki. Here you’ll get a chance to view the famous Pancake Rocks and watch the ocean crash through impressive blowholes where you can hear and feel the boom of the waves hitting the rocks and whooshing up into the air. Your camera will certainly get a work out here.

Punakaiki to Hanmer Springs Self Guided

Today's adventure takes you from the untamed beauty of the West Coast and leads inland, crossing the majestic alps via the Lewis Pass towards the enchanting alpine thermal spa town of Hanmer Springs. The journey is an extraordinary run through breathtaking mountain scenery, surrounded by lush tropical rainforests and nestled within tranquil alpine valleys. You'll have the opportunity to experience more of the awe-inspiring Buller Gorge, with its wild and picturesque river valley. Your destination today is Hanmer Springs with its soothing thermal waters, offering a perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate after a day of adventure.

Hanmer Springs to Christchurch Self Guided

Your last day on the road is an easy one, taking you alongside the braided Waiau river, through beautiful rolling sheep farming country, past the wine growing area of Waipara to your final destination of Christchurch and the end of your South Island adventure.