NEW ZEALAND SOUTH ISLAND - 23 Jan - 9 Feb 2023 - AllTrails Bicycle Tours
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NEW ZEALAND SOUTH ISLAND
23 Jan – 9 Feb 2023
Starting in Picton at the top of the South Island in the heart of Marlborough wine country, we will make our way through the
spectacular parks and forests of the region, heading to the rugged West Coast, The Pancake Rocks, and Greymouth. Here we
take the TranzAlpine to Christchurch – one of the world’s greatest train journeys – where we finish Stage One and park up for a
rest day in the Garden City. Stage Two sees us cycling over the Southern Alps, back to the West Coast as we continue down the
bottom half of the island, taking in some magical landscapes and locations such as Hokitika, Franz Joseph Glacier, Wanaka and
Queenstown where we finish the ride.
Arrive a few days early to take advantage of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and world-renowned wine region or stay a few
days after the tour to soak up Queenstown and surrounds including Milford Sound which is a day trip from Queenstown.
This tour will have the perfect mix of cycling and sightseeing with 3 rest days in must-see locations and start/finish towns that are
well worth hanging out in for a few days if you have some time. There is no better way to experience such a dramatically
beautiful landscape as doing it on two wheels, with the famous AllTrails support and camaraderie.
The Tour at a Glance
Stage One Picton to Christchurch: 23 Jan – 30 Jan 2023
Stage Two Christchurch to Queenstown: 30 Jan – 9 Feb 2023
Duration: Full tour: 18 days. Short tour options: 8 or 11 days Distance: 1100 km approx Average Daily: 85km approx
Bike Type: Road Bike Terrain: Good bitumen roads
Group Size: 15 - 20 Difficulty Rating: 7.5/10 (some hills and a few days 100km+)
Accommodation: 3 to 4 star hotels/motels Meals: Majority included
Highlights
• Start in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds • Marlborough Wine Region
• Nelson – sunniest region in NZ • Hidden gems like St Arnaud & Murchison
• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes • TranzAlpine World-Renowned Train Journey
• Christchurch rest day • Spectacular West Coast scenery
• Franz Joseph Glacier rest day • Wanaka rest day – natural wonderland & vibrant township
• Shotover Jet – an optional adrenaline hit (when in Rome…) • Queenstown finish (too many things to list here!)
Join AllTrails in 2023 on our awesome adventure to New Zealand Whether you’re on the bike coasting past the wild ocean and rugged coastline, ticking off some bucket list items at the famous landmarks, enjoying the small-town hospitality of the lesser-known gems that we visit along the way, or breathing the fresh air of the remote reaches of New Zealand’s South Island, this tour will leave you in wonder. Everything that they say about the natural beauty and friendly sense of community here is true and the opportunity to experience it all on a fully supported cycling tour with AllTrails – the experts in multi-day cycle tours – makes this tour a ‘must-do’ on any long-distance cyclist’s wish list. Numbers are limited so get your jandals on and book in today. If you have any questions, just let us know. Pricing and Payment information. Pricing and Payment information.
Pricing and Payment information
Booking AUD Until 23 July Until 23 Oct After 23 Oct
Picton to Queenstown (18 days full tour)
Twin share $8,890 pp $8,990 pp $9,090 pp
Single room $10,870 $10,970 $11,070
Picton to Christchurch (8 day option)
Pricing
Twin shareand Payment
$4190 pp information.
$4290 pp $4390 pp
Single room $5030 $5130 $5230
Christchurch to Queenstown (11 day option)
Twin share $5190 pp $5290 pp $5390 pp
Single room $6330 $6430 $6530
Included:
• All accommodation • Majority of meals
• Snacks, water and fruit on the road • Tour Guide, maps & directions
• Support & safety vehicle • Daily luggage transfer
• Bike mechanical assistance • Rider Pack: jersey, bottle, bag
Payment Schedule:
• Deposit on booking ($800)
• Progress Payment 30 days after deposit (40% of package cost less deposit paid)
• Balance 23 Oct 2022 (3 months before the tours begin)
Travelling on your own
We often have cyclists come on our rides who are travelling alone. If so, you may pay the Single Supplement price to have
your own room, or you can put your name on our ‘Twin Share Request List’ and we will pair you with another solo twin
share traveller of the same gender in twin share accommodation if we have another similar request. There is a good
chance that we will be able to partner you up with somebody else. If not, the single supp price will apply which will give
you your own room for the entire tour. Contact us anytime to check twin share availability – we may already have a match
for you.
Travelling with friends
$50 pp discount per stage ($100 pp total) for groups of 3 or more cyclists.
Optional Extras
Natural Flames Experience Tour:
A "must see" natural treasure in the Top of the South. The world's ONLY perpetually burning fire in a fairytale forest. On this
afternoon tour (26 Jan after cycling into Murchison) you will travel across a private farm via 4WD and walk for one hour
through beautiful beech forest to the flames. More info: naturalflames.co.nz. $95
Bike hire:
We have a contact in NZ who will hire bikes with pick-ups and drop-offs in Christchurch. Select the option on the booking
form if you would like to hire a bike and we will put you in touch with them.
Indicative price for full tour: NZ$400-750 (depending on bike type). Approx 25% cheaper for the short tours.
Bike box/case freight:
We may need to freight and/or store empty bike bags and bike cases in Christchurch with a 3rd party depending on vehicle
loadings. Cost of storage TBC. Cardboard boxes will not incur a charge as they will be flattened and transported in our
vehicles. Please contact us if you plan to bring a bike bag/case and advise your arrival and depart plans.
Pre-tour accommodation Picton:
We have included one night pre-tour in Picton as part of the tour cost (Mon 23 Jan). We also have rooms held on Sun 22 Jan
which can be reserved on the booking form at $140 pp twin / $250 single (inc bfast).
Mid-tour accommodation Christchurch:
We will be staying in Christchurch Sun 29 Jan as part of Stage One, and Mon 30 Jan as part of Stage Two. If you are on a single
stage only and you want to stay BOTH nights, you can book the other night at $145 pp twin / $265 single (inc breakfast).
Post-tour accommodation Queenstown:
We have included one night post-tour in our Queenstown hotel (Wed 8 Feb) as part of the tour cost. We also have rooms
held on Thu 9 Feb which can be reserved on the booking form at $145 pp twin / $270 single (inc breakfast).
Itinerary Daily distances are set out below. Shorter distances and support vehicle also available. Meals and Accommodation inclusions: Breakfast = B, Lunch = L, Dinner = D, Accommodation = A Location Distance Date B L D A Picton Arrival Day NA Monday 23 January 2023 - - D A Picton to Nelson 109km Tuesday 24 January 2023 B L D A Nelson to St Arnaud 87km Wednesday 25 January 2023 B L D A St Arnaud to Murchison 60km Thursday 26 January 2023 B - D A Murchison to Westport 96km Friday 27 January 2023 B L D A Westport to Punakaiki 56km Saturday 28 January 2023 B - D A Punakaiki to Greymouth (train to Christchurch) 43km Sunday 29 January 2023 B - D A Christchurch Rest Day NA Monday 30 January 2023 B - D A Christchurch to Springfield (overnight Christchurch) 66km Tuesday 31 January 2023 B - - A Springfield to Arthurs Pass 83km Wednesday 1 February 2023 B L D A Arthurs Pass to Hokitika 99km Thursday 2 February 2023 B L D A Hokitika to Franz Joseph 108km Friday 3 February 2023 B L D A Franz Joseph Rest Day NA Saturday 4 February 2023 B - - A Franz Joseph to Haast 116km Sunday 5 February 2023 B L D A Haast to Wanaka 85km Monday 6 February 2023 B L D A Wanaka Rest Day NA Tuesday 7 February 2023 B - - A Wanaka to Queenstown 78km Wednesday 8 February 2023 B L D A Queenstown Depart Day NA Thursday 9 February 2023 B - - - Total Distance Cycled 1086km 17 9 14 17 Average Daily Distance 84km Day to Day Arriving: Picton is situated right at the top of the South Island in the Marlborough Sounds. It is a small but busy port town and the arrival point for the Interislander ferry from Wellington (North Island). We expect most people will arrive to begin our ride by flying into Wellington International Airport then catching the ferry to Picton. The ferry journey is one of the most scenic in the world (especially if you hit a sunny day) winding your way in through The Marlborough Sounds. Other options are to fly into Blenheim (small airport 30km south of Picton – and potentially a small-ish plane too), or fly to Christchurch and catch an Intercity Bus to Picton (intercity.co.nz), approx 5.5hrs. The Marlborough region is a wonderful location to spend a few days if you have time – suggestions include the Marlborough Wine Region around Blenheim, and/or finding a relaxing pocket of the Marlborough Sounds to kick back in and soak up the beauty; from the big names like Furneaux Lodge or Portage to the hidden gems like Hopewell Lodge and Lochmara Lodge there’s a place for you. Picton Arrival Day - Monday 23 January 2023 Day 1. Arrive anytime today into the port town of Picton where this afternoon at 3pm we will hold our orientation talk, briefing and registration. Make sure that you are there by 3pm latest as we will go over the route planned for the weeks ahead and have a close look at tomorrow’s route discussing the snack stops, meeting points, potential hazards and attractions. Our bike mechanic will be available to assist in re-assembling bikes, then we will all enjoy a welcome group dinner together at our hotel as we get to know each other and prepare for the exciting first day of cycling tomorrow. Picton to Nelson 109km Tuesday 24 January 2023 Day 2. Today we are on the bike and head out of the township of Picton straight onto Queen Charlotte Drive which hugs the coastline offering beautiful views over the Marlborough Sounds through the gaps in the vegetation including Ngakuta Bay and Momorangi Bay. We then leave the sounds and follow the river into the Rai Valley before a couple of climbs over the ranges as we make our way into the Nelson region – the sunniest place in NZ. Nelson town, on the banks of Tasman Bay, has long been a magnet for creative people. There are more than 300 working artists and craftspeople living in Nelson, traditional, contemporary and Maori. Visit their studios and find a unique piece to take home with you. Every evening we meet together before dinner for a recap of the day and a briefing of the following day’s ride – what to look out for and what not to miss.
Day to Day cont. Nelson to St Arnaud 87km Wednesday 25 January 2023 Day 3. We leave Tasman Bay today – the last of the waters at the northern end of the South Island. We cut a track right down the geographic middle of the island heading for the tiny town of St Arnaud, sitting quietly beside Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park Region. It is off the beaten tourist track and doesn’t get much attention from the bulk of international tourists but the statistics showing 100 residents and 400 holiday homes shows that it is not a secret to the Kiwis. Head to the Information Centre for details on the Bellbird walk, a ten minute loop track through beech forest near Kerr Bay, or try the 40 minute Honeydew walk, named after the ‘Honeydew’ that you can find and taste on the trees in the area (it’s actually insect poo so do your research first!). St Arnaud to Murchison 60km Thursday 26 January 2023 Day 4. The Buller River is our constant companion today as it winds a consistent and gentle downhill all the way to Murchison through pastoral lands, valleys, tiny townships and past rural farming communities. It’s a beautiful day on the bike as we make our way towards the West Coast. Upon arrival in Murchison you’ll notice the township is an ode to its gold mining past with many buildings still in their original form from the late 1800's and early 1900s. Despite being a small settlement, Murchison dubs itself the ‘white-water capital’ of the country, because there are rivers everywhere. Along with that are action sports and experiences such as zip-lining across the Buller River, walking the longest swing bridge in the southern hemisphere, blasting the rivers by jet boat or hiking to some of the most amazing vantage points in the region. This afternoon you can enjoy the famous ‘Natural Flames Experience’ Tour before dinner together this evening. Murchison to Westport 96km Friday 27 January 2023 Day 5. The Buller River is again our guide today as we follow it all the way to the coast as it reaches its end-point at Westport. The ride itself has small undulations all the way as you wind through the remote forests, cut through the valleys and soak up the opportunity to ride in a such a wonderful place. 5km before Westport you clear the ranges and leave the main road behind as you enter a town which holds a spectacular location on the mighty Buller River and the Tasman Sea with a backdrop of the steep Paparoa. Named after a town in Ireland, it is the service centre for the Northern West Coast and Buller region making it a busy hub of activity in an area made up predominantly of small rural communities amongst forest and bushland. Westport to Punakaiki 56km Saturday 28 January 2023 Day 6. This morning we pass through the historic gold mining township of Charleston, famous for its glow worm caves, where we will stop for morning tea, after which we enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Great Coast Road - it’s one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world (in the top ten according to the Lonely Planet). The road leads us to Punakaiki, where beach walks, sunsets and towering limestone cliffs define the area. Tonight’s accommodation is a treat as we enjoy a beautiful resort located just 300m from the world-famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes – the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast. Tonight why not join a 1 hour stargazing tour exploring the star studded southern night sky above the West Coast of the South Island where there is almost no light, dust or air pollution. Punakaiki to Greymouth (train to Christchurch) 43km Sunday 29 January 2023 Day 7. Today we continue on the last section of the Great Coast Road with the Tasman Sea on the right and Paparoa National Park on the left on the way to our cycling destination of Greymouth. You can pack up your bikes for the day but don’t think that the day is over just yet. A special treat lays ahead as we all board the TranzAlpine railway to Christchurch, experiencing the South Island’s striking natural landscape from a different perspective, taking in epic vistas, travelling the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traversing the Southern Alps, and seeing miles of native beech forest. This is one of the world's great train journeys covering 223 km one-way. In Christchurch, the AllTrails crew will meet you with your bikes and luggage as we settle in for a rest day in our city-centre hotel in the Garden City of NZ. Christchurch Rest Day Monday 30 January 2023 Day 8. Today’s rest day is also a ‘changeover point’ for any cyclists who are on the shorter tours (Picton to Christchurch or Christchurch to Queenstown). Despite its devastating and destructive recent history, Christchurch is rising again and proving it is still one of the most beautiful cities in NZ. The manner in which the local businesses and community have bounced back, adjusted and creatively adapted to the aftermath of earthquakes in 2010 & 2011 has brought out the entrepreneurial spirit of the people, shown in many aspects of the city such as the outdoor mall temporarily rebuilt using shipping containers. There is plenty to do on your day off from flat-bottomed punt rides on the Avon River, which meanders through the city centre, to the cycling paths, the green expanse of Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens, a day trip to the lovely French settlement of Akaroa, or just wandering around the intriguing CBD with its mix of English heritage, Kiwi ingenuity, destruction, construction, old and new. Tonight we welcome our new cyclists to the group arriving for the second part of the journey.
Day to Day cont. Christchurch to Springfield (overnight Christchurch) 66km Tuesday 31 January 2023 Day 9. Today we begin our crossing of the island via bicycle from east to west, beginning with the Canterbury Plains. The area of braided rivers and pastoral perfection between the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean is a long, flat patchwork of agricultural activity that ranges from grazing grass and wheat to herbs and sunflowers and is a magnificent place to cycle. The area produces more than 80% of New Zealand's grains, crops and seeds. The ride today is a gentle, easy, consistent 400m climb over the full 66km of the route which will land us in Springfield in the foothills of the Alps. Springfield’s main claim to fame is a statue of a giant pink doughnut which was erected to promote the 2007 Simpsons Movie. Given that Springfield is a very small town with not enough accommodation for our group and boasts a #1 highlight of a Simpsons donut statue we have decided to bus the group back to Christchurch tonight for a third night in our downtown hotel (for The Simpsons fans among us, Shelbyville accom was also unavailable). Springfield to Arthurs Pass 83km Wednesday 1 February 2023 Day 10. This morning we will transfer cyclists back to Springfield to begin our assault of the Southern Alps. For the first 15km, we ride a gentle gradient that will warm up the legs in preparation for a 550m climb to the highest point of the day and the entire tour (945m). It’s a steep 3km climb, particularly the last 1km to the top. For those unwilling or unable, our support vehicle is always on hand to assist where required. For those accepting the challenge, as you roll over the summit you will be rewarded by New Zealand’s finest vistas as you traverse a corridor of high country plateaus margined either side by towering snow-capped peaks. Thankfully we do not climb any of those monsters! We follow the Waimakariri River through this ancient, glacier carved valley into Arthurs Pass National Park. You'll probably spot New Zealand’s inquisitive, intelligent, and comical alpine parrot, the kea, along the way. We overnight in Arthurs Pass Village in cosy motels, enjoy a well-deserved rest and celebrate a challenging day on the bike. As usual, our nightly brief will recap the challenges, achievements and highlights of the day as well as discuss tomorrow’s wonderful downhill run and points of interest along the route. Arthurs Pass to Hokitika 99km Thursday 2 February 2023 Day 11. Don’t let the first section of climbing fool you – today you need to be prepared for downhill. As we pass the 4km mark, you begin 5km of downhill that can be as steep as 16% gradient until you meet the Otira River. The road itself is a piece of extreme engineering involving viaducts, rock shelters and waterfalls that have been redirected into chutes over the road. From this point you still have another 50km of downhill before the terrain flattens out, but it is much gentler and will appeal to the “rolleur” within us. If you would like to skip any steep uphill or downhill sections on any day, remember that our support vehicle will always be there for you. After riding coast to coast, we turn south and follow the beach towards our overnight stop. Hokitika is dubbed ‘The Cool Little Town’, and that says it all really. It still has that small-town feel where you can walk around everywhere very easily and has a vibrant art, culture and heritage scene. Go to the beach, have a whitebait fritter from the Fish ‘n’ Chip Shop (or whitebait pizza!) or shop for some Pounamu (Greenstone / NZ Jade) in one of the shops & galleries. Hokitika to Franz Joseph 108km Friday 3 February 2023 Day 12. It’s an easy, flat 10km out of town. If you have time, take Shanghai Rd on the left at 10km to Lake Mahinapua for a nice photo opportunity. The road then travels inland for some time as we have morning tea at the lovely town of Ross and push on further past the lakes and forests that occupy the relative flatlands between the mountains and the sea. It’s a long day today (108km or full route option 136km) but you’ll love the scenery and contrasts as you make your way to the Franz Joseph Glacier village where we have a great motel located a stone’s throw from the Glacier which you can explore on tomorrow’s rest day. Franz Joseph Rest Day Saturday 4 February 2023 Day 13. We couldn’t come all the way here and not take the time to explore the glacier, so we have scheduled in a rest day for our cyclists to take a walk or a Heli Tour to one of NZ’s biggest attractions. The magnificent Franz Josef Glacier is widely regarded as the gem of New Zealand's West Coast Glaciers, and one of the most impressive sights to be found anywhere in the world. Other rest day options include a visit to the Glacier Hot Pools, walking tracks, or kayaking to name just a few.
Day to Day cont. Franz Joseph to Haast 116km Sunday 5 February 2023 Day 14. Yet another day of spectacular scenery and cycling. It’s a long day in the saddle as the main group will ride 116km (full route option 141km, shorter route option 60km). The full route includes a climb over 3 peaks in the Westland National Park between Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers which will get the blood pumping; 600m climbing with 550m downhill over a 18km stretch. You can take this section on if you wish and if you are prepared to leave very early; or you can jump in the support vehicle with the main group and take in the mountain climbs from the bus until the terrain flattens out at Fox Glacier where you can begin your day. The rest of the ride leads you through dense native bushlands, rivers, hills, mountains, forest and coastline until we finally hit Haast, situated in the heart of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. With National Parks to the north, south and east, everywhere you look, Westland rainforest tumbles across the landscape. Haast to Wanaka 85km Monday 6 February 2023 Day 15. Today is Waitangi Day – New Zealand’s National Day, so expect to see some NZ flags and celebrations happening. We say one last goodbye to the Tasman Sea as we work our way inland today around and through Mt Aspiring National Park. Today’s full route to Wanaka is 143km and again available for experienced cyclists up for the challenge. The rest of us will ride either the first 85km from Haast or the last 85km into Wanaka. At the 50km mark there is a very short but steep climb (up to 19%) and again our support vehicle is available to shuttle those who may wish to avoid it. Moving further into the National Park we begin following a new river, the Makarora, this time downstream as it flows towards Lake Wanaka. Be sure to stop at Blue Pools Walk – a definite “Well Worth A Look” (WWAL). From Makarora town, the road hugs the shores of Lake Wanaka for some time in a stunning display of natural beauty – depending on the recent weather you may get the famous picture postcard vista of the snow-capped mountains backdrop, fronted by the beautiful deep blue lake, fringed by green ferns and trees, and a crisp blue sky to accentuate the scene. Take a few photos at Lake Wanaka Lookout before the road cuts through ‘The Neck’ and takes you past the equally impressive Lake Hawea, where we will enjoy afternoon tea on a lakeside beach. Finally, we cross over the flatlands to the stunning township of Wanaka, waiting for you to enjoy your rest day tomorrow. Wanaka Rest Day Tuesday 7 February 2023 Day 16. Visitors from around the world are drawn to the Wanaka region by its outstanding natural beauty. With the backdrop of lakes and mountains and Mt Aspiring National Park, opportunities for outdoor activities abound but it’s also the galleries, stylish shops, cool cafes and restaurants that make the township buzz. For the adventure seekers there’s canyoning, skydiving, off road tours, airborne adventures, jet-boating, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. If you’d rather go down the gourmet route on your day off, try the artisan produce, world-class vineyards, boutique breweries or the award-winning distillery. Wanaka to Queenstown 78km Wednesday 8 February 2023 Day 17. Our last day on the bike! You’ll notice a distinct change of scenery today as we take the Cardrona Valley Road up into the alpine region past the cute town of Cardrona and continuing along to Crown Range Road. The rich greens and deep blues that you have become accustomed to in the scenery give way to shades of brown today and the dense vegetation on the roadside has now become much more barren and open, with outstanding vistas out over mountain ranges which will often still be holding snow-capped peaks in the distance, even in summer. Make sure you take a break at a few of the rest stops and roadside viewing areas. You will reach the Crown Range Summit at around 40km which is followed by 10km of downhill and a comparatively flat run for the final 30km of the day. As we plateau out for that last section we loop around the north road via the charming and quirky gold rush village of Arrowtown, where we stop for lunch, and Arthurs Point where we gather at the Shotover River, made famous by the Shotover Jet (anyone up for a ride?!). The last 5km into Queenstown we will ride together as the road snakes down through the hills and opens into the hustle and bustle of Queenstown - finishing lakeside with a celebratory champagne. Our final night digs are at our Swiss Style hotel with stunning views of the surrounding region. Tonight, we celebrate with one last group dinner reflecting on an amazing Kiwi cycling journey. Congrats! Queenstown Depart Day Thursday 9 February 2023 Day 18. After breakfast the tour officially disbands however that doesn’t have to mean the end of your holiday – it’s only Thursday! The world-renowned Milford Sound Day Tour is right at your doorstep and there may be a few of our cyclists who would like to join that tour today. If you would rather stick close to town, take the Gondola 450 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak, where you’ll enjoy the best views in the region unfolding before your eyes (don’t miss the luge ride at the top!). If you’re not sure what to do, just take a walk down to the lake-front and through the main centre of town where a thousand tour operators offer everything from Bungy-Jumping to 4X4 tours, to kayaking, rafting and everything in between. You can fly home out of Queenstown or catch an Intercity Bus to Christchurch (intercity.co.nz).
Frequently asked Questions We are happy to answer any other questions you may have. Feel free to contact us at any time through our website ‘Contact Us’ page, phone or email. We love what we do and want to get you on the best bike ride for you. Speak to us about what’s on your mind and we’ll help you make your decision. Sharing rooms – how does it work On the online entry form you can nominate any travelling companions who you would like to share a room with and/or be accommodated close to so that couples or friends can be grouped together. This can be in a double bed or twin beds. If you are travelling alone like many of our riders, a Single Supplement price is available for those who would like their own room for the whole trip, or you can put your name down on a Twin Share Request List and we will try to match you up with another solo rider of the same gender (often changed during the tour to allow solo travellers to meet other solo travellers. If you are a snorer or have other habits that may affect your fellow roommates we ask that you book your own room at the Single Supplement price. If you are coming on your own and have booked in as twin share, this usually means that you will share a room with one other single twin share cyclist or crew member, however in some cases we may have larger rooms (eg. two bedroom apartment or a B&B/house with multiple bathrooms) where we may have 3 or more single twin share travellers together. Snorers can enjoy their own room If you are a chronic snorer or have other habits that may affect your fellow roommates, we suggest booking your own room (single supplement cost). This is not just a courtesy to your fellow travelling companions but will also give you the space & privacy you need to enjoy your sleep after a long day on the bike. Carrying personal items on the bike We suggest you carry a spare tube, a full water bottle and your own personal goods such as phone, money and rain gear, on your bike with you. We transport your luggage, drawstring day bags, food & extra water. A more detailed list of things to bring and not bring is on our ‘Tour Preparation Guide’ which is sent out to you before the ride. Meals and food Check tour details for meal inclusions on your ride. Our emphasis is on fresh food and balanced diet with plenty of carbohydrates, proteins, fruit and vegies catering for a cycling holiday. We successfully cater to most dietary requirements, however feel free to contact us with any questions. Most meals are included as part of our tours, however you may be required to purchase some meals. Speak to a past client We will be happy to give you the names and telephone numbers of people who have participated in the ride or a similar ride to the one which you are considering. Where possible we will provide you with the details of someone within your city or state. Another good place to look is our ‘Testimonials’ page. Weather Our tours have been specifically scheduled to take into consideration the best time of year to travel to that destination. This takes into account the temperate range, possible rainfall and the prevailing winds. Of course, we can’t ever control the weather however this only adds to the adventure and excitement of your travel experience! Changing or cancelling a tour Should you wish to change your booking with AllTrails to a different tour, there will be a very reasonable service charge. We try to keep this figure as low as possible to allow flexibility where we can as we want to make sure that you get on the right tour for you. For cancellation and refund policies for your tour click the ‘T&Cs’ tab on the relevant tour page of our website. If you need to cancel your tour, a travel insurance policy will cover cancellation fees due to most unforeseen events. This is why we provide links to travel insurance options and highly recommend that you investigate and purchase travel insurance for all our rides (including Australian domestic tours) at the time of deposit and ensure that it includes coverage for cancellation fees if for some reason you are not able to travel (see Travel Insurance FAQ). For our international tours we require all participants to have Travel Insurance to assist you in the event of a medical emergency, lost baggage, personal liability, cancelled tour or other trip related issues. What sorts of people join our tours? People from all parts of Australia and also some overseas guests. Ages generally range from 35 – 75 with the average age about 50-60 years old. Adventurous cyclists usually about 40% women & 60% men with a mix of singles, friends and couples. Travel insurance for international rides Yes, yes, yes. Make sure that you are covered for every country that you are travelling to and ensure that you are covered from and including the day you leave and arrive back home. Due to the nature of our rides we are sometimes in remote areas during the course of a ride – ensure that you have medical insurance that would cover the cost of a helicopter ambulance to transport you to the nearest hospital. We recommend getting your travel insurance in place immediately after you book your ride so that you are covered for unforeseen events which may lead to you having to cancel your trip.
Frequently asked Questions cont. Packing for New Zealand Limit your luggage to two medium-sized pieces max. The best combination is a medium-sized suitcase on wheels and a small or medium carry-on bag, such as a backpack or a small duffel bag. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and kept to a reasonable minimum. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and your limit will usually include the weight of your bike if you are not renting one in NZ. You will be required to carry your own luggage at times so you should be capable of carrying your own bags up and down stairs. A good guide is to try to keep it under 15kg. If you are doing lots of shopping during your travels, it may be necessary for you to forward any excess to the city where your journey concludes, or ship purchases directly home. Accommodation in New Zealand Accommodation of the most suitable standard is chosen on a research trip of the route. All rooms have ensuite facilities, and are usually at least a 3 star level but in the bigger towns we can often source some 4 star properties. In the smaller villages or more rural areas we often get lovely and interesting accommodation full of character and personality. We aim to find accommodation that is bicycle friendly, with good restaurants and near to town centres wherever possible. Visa for New Zealand? If you are travelling on your Australian passport, or you hold a current Australian resident return visa, you don’t need a visa or permit to visit New Zealand unless you have been convicted of any crime(s) or you have been deported from any country. Passport holders of other countries may require a visa. A visa is a form of permission for a non-citizen to enter, transit or remain in a particular country. We do not issue visas for overseas travel and cannot provide definitive information on visas. Only the representatives of the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their visa requirements. For all countries, contact your nearest embassy or consulate of the country you intend to visit well in advance of travel. For Australian passport holders, additional advice can be found on the Smartraveller website www.smartraveller.gov.au. Why book with us? We only run approximately 10 tours per year. This makes every tour as special to us as it is to you because we are not repeating the same rides over and over again week-in week-out. Every tour is meticulously planned, and we are just as excited to be there as you – there is no bulk production-line here! On most occasions the owner-operators of the business will be on tour with you looking after everyone on the ride. The safety and confidence that comes with that is one of many great reasons to book your cycling holiday with us. AllTrails is a proud Australian owned company with a great reputation in the bicycle tour industry. We have earned that reputation through hard work and dedication and we sincerely care about every person on every tour. Our large community of loyal AllTrails riders that keep coming back year after year are testament to the high standard of tours that we provide. We consider ourselves the best in the business and we always make sure that our tours represent great value at a fair price.
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