With road, trail and mountain bike opportunities, the west coast of the South Island is a biker’s dream come true. Here are all the ways you can experience it for yourself.
The Old Ghost Road
Resurrecting an old gold miner’s route between the ghost town of Lyell in the Buller Gorge and Seddonville on the West Coast, this remote and challenging adventure is also New Zealand’s longest continuous single track. The terrain is magnificent, dominated by native forest, river gorges and rugged mountain tops, and there’s the added appeal of exploring five ghost towns along the route. (The ancient gold mining relics at Lyell are especially spooky).
This is a Grade 4 (advanced) mountain biking trail, which means it’s really only suitable for skilled and experienced backcountry riders. If you’d like to ride this trail, we can provide mountain bike hire.
The West Coast Wilderness Trail
An easier backcountry experience can be found on the West Coast Wilderness Trail, which lays claim to the smoothest cycle ride in the country. Its well-formed surfaces and easy terrain allows riders ample time to take in the surrounding scenery, which includes mesmerising mountain, river, lake and forest vistas.
We offer a five-day guided West Coast Wilderness Tour, which includes a wander through the treetops on the Westcoast Treetops Walkway, an overnight stay at the beautifully restored Theatre Royal Hotel in Kumara and a trip aboard the TranzAlpine Express. Head here for departure dates.
On-road
The entire coastline from Greymouth and Hokitika to Haast, lends itself to bike riding. Every corner reveals an equally impressive view, the towns are stepped in history and while the riding is challenging in places, it’s also varied and exhilarating.
Head here to read about our self-guided tours which encompass the west coast.
If you’d prefer an all-inclusive package, the following guided tours take in the west coast:
5 Day Road Cycle Tour Christchurch to Christchurch
6 Day West Coast Queenstown to Christchurch Cycle
9 Day Road Cycle Tour Christchurch to Queenstown
10 Day Road Cycle Tour Christchurch to Queenstown T1
10 Day Road Cycle Tour Christchurch to Queenstown T2
To enquire about bike hire, or to book any of these tours, send us an email.
Have a great week,
Steve
Image: One of the west coast’s most intriguing coastal features – the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. Madeleine Deaton.
