West Coast Wilderness Trail Cycling Adventure

Christchurch New Zealand's garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it is known for its wide tree lined avenues and lush gardens. A great way to explore the city or easy way to see the sights or ride the historic trams across town to the renowned botanic gardens and the unique cardboard Transitional Cathedral, that's right it is built of cardboard!

Experience three of Christchurch's iconic attractions in one day: the Christchurch Tram, Christchurch Gondola, and Punting on the Avon River. The historic tram is a delightful way to explore the evolving inner city, taking in the various sights with the hop-on hop-off pass and learning about the city from the live commentary. You'll also enjoy a bird's eye view of Christchurch and the Canterbury region including the distant peaks of the Southern Alps when you ride the gondola cableway to the top of the Port Hills in Heathcote Valley. Punting on the Avon River takes you through the city's green belt: a relaxing way to explore what is affectionately known as the 'Garden City'.

Located just 15 minutes from the city centre, Christchurch's 75 acre Botanic Gardens host the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand. The impressive collection of plants provide a tranquil oasis, from the spring drifts of daffodils, spectacular summer roses and herbaceous border, stunning autumn leaf display and cosy conservatories to warm up in over winter, there's something to delight in every season. The New Zealand Garden also offers an accessible glimpse into the country’s unique wilderness to lose yourself in throughout the year.

A private driver will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to the Christchurch train station in time for your train journey.

Great Journeys New Zealand's Scenic Plus carriage provides comfort and vast panoramic views, making our TranzAlpine scenic train journey the perfect way to explore coast-to-coast through the 'Great Divide' and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand's South Island. Scenic Plus offers an all-inclusive experience on the unique TranzAlpine scenic rail journey to invigorate all the senses! Feast your eyes on epic scenery while you savour regionally inspired cuisine paired with sumptuous wine and beer all from the comfort of your luxurious seat – a hosted dining experience like no other. Quite simply, we have done everything we can to ensure you feel at peace as you sink back in your seat and soak up the scenery.

Māwhera Pā in Greymouth is the first location along the Pounamu Pathway touring route to open. This self-guided experience is a historical and creative exploration of the Poutini Ngāi Tahu and the Māwhera Pā settlement people, retold by their ancestors. The exhibition will lead you through six different narratives, each tale including a large-scale masterpiece, artistically crafted by Weta Workshop to cultivate an immersive journey of visuals and sound. 

The Wonderful Wilderness Tour will take you along one of the country's smoothest, most accessible and most popular cycle trails. Journey through ancient rainforests and wetlands, along historic bridges and down icy cold Glacial rivers. On the West Coast, you are likely to experience all weather events, making this an unforgettable cycling journey along New Zealand's Wilderness Trail.

Begin your 4-day cycling adventure today with a safety debrief from Kiwi Journeys in Hokitika before being transferred to Ross on the West Coast, your starting location for the Wilderness Trail.

Leaving your accommodation in Ross, you will cycle over the Totara River and along the Ross Ruatapu Railway Line, enjoying the incredible views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. Give your bike a rest and walk through the wetlands and native bush at West Coast Treetop Walkway. From the heights of the tree canopy, view Lake Mahinapua and listen to the gentle singsong of resident birds.
Follow the Mahinapua Tramline to Hokitika where you will be resting tonight.

Say g'day to the Kiwi Journeys team this morning on board your shuttle to Hokitika Gorge. Take in the breathtaking surroundings from the viewing platform which overlooks the calm turquoise waters. Stretch your legs and walk through native bush before continuing to the 8km long and 195m deep, Lake Kaniere, for lunch.
You will be reunited with your bike at Dorothy Falls or Hans Bay. Departing Lake Kaniere and cycle along the historic Kaniere Water Race, hand-dug in 1875. Approaching town, follow the trail under the road bridge into Hokitika, home to many art and crafts stores, cafes and restaurants.

Leave your luggage and bikes in the bike shed and enjoy breakfast before being transferred to Canoe Cove, the starting location for today's ride. Begin with a gentle incline up the Arahura Valley on gravel road to Milltown. Climb 300m at Kawhaka Pass before descending into Kumara. The ride will provide you with incredible views of the Southern Alps and along a smooth sweeping boardwalk and bush trail so be sure to take your camera. 

Today is your final day biking the West Coast Wilderness trail. Leaving Kumara in the morning, hop on your bike and head to the coast. Enjoy breathtaking views of Taramakau River and the coastal dunes and lagoons of the Tasman Sea. Finding the Grey River, follow the stream into Greymouth. It is here that you will be greeted by Kiwi Journeys and farewell this epic adventure.

Great Journeys New Zealand's Scenic Plus carriage provides comfort and vast panoramic views, making our TranzAlpine scenic train journey the perfect way to explore coast-to-coast through the 'Great Divide' and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand's South Island. Scenic Plus offers an all-inclusive experience on the unique TranzAlpine scenic rail journey to invigorate all the senses! Feast your eyes on epic scenery while you savour regionally inspired cuisine paired with sumptuous wine and beer all from the comfort of your luxurious seat – a hosted dining experience like no other. Quite simply, we have done everything we can to ensure you feel at peace as you sink back in your seat and soak up the scenery.

On arrival at the Christchurch railway station, you will be met by a driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.