New Zealand 2026
Great New Zealand Bicycle Tour | December 5 – 13, 2026
Great New Zealand Bicycle Tour 2026
Trip dates:
December 5 – 13, 2026
Booking & Payment:
From $2,590 per person (based on double occupancy)
Single occupancy from $4,750
E-bike upgrade: $250
A 30% deposit secures your place.
Final payment is due September 15.
New Zealand feels made for this kind of travel.
Quiet coastal roads, lush forests, dramatic river valleys, and small towns that still feel untouched. This journey brings it all together in a relaxed, fully supported cycling experience, where the focus is on the scenery, not the effort.
The Experience
This is a guided, point-to-point cycling journey along New Zealand’s South Island, designed to feel active, scenic, and easy to enjoy.
Each day combines short, manageable rides with transfers, local experiences, and time to take in the landscape. You ride through rainforest, along rivers, and past rugged coastline, with regular stops that turn the journey into something memorable rather than just physical.
Electric bikes are available, making the experience accessible regardless of fitness level.
Before the Tour (Optional)
For those who want to ease into the trip, there’s an option to start in Auckland.
A few nights on Waiheke Island offer a completely different side of New Zealand, known for its vineyards, coastal views, and relaxed atmosphere.
From there, you continue on to Christchurch to join the main tour.
(All pre-tour arrangements can be handled if desired.)
The Journey
The cycling portion begins on the West Coast and unfolds over several days, with a mix of riding and scenic transfers.
Highlights include:
- Cycling through native rainforest and quiet backcountry roads
- Hokitika Gorge and its vivid blue waters
- The Treetop Walk experience
- Lake Mahinapua and surrounding wetlands
- Coastal riding between Charleston and Westport
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes
- The TranzAlpine train journey back to Christchurch
Distances are designed to be enjoyable rather than demanding, ranging roughly from 25–50 km per day.
Exploring New Zealand by bike is all about breathtaking landscapes, open roads, and that feeling of complete freedom.
From rolling hills to dramatic coastlines, every ride brings a new view you’ll want to stop and take in.
What’s Included
- 7 nights accommodation (mix of superior and standard stays)
- Standard bike hire (helmet, lock, carrier bag included)
- All route transfers and support shuttles
- Luggage transfers between stops (max 15kg)
- Entry to Treetop Walk
- Lake Mahinapua boat cruise
- TranzAlpine train journey
- 4 breakfasts, 2 packed lunches, 1 dinner
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights within New Zealand
- Travel insurance
- Optional pre- or post-trip arrangements
- Additional meals and activities not listed
Itinerary
A day-by-day journey through unforgettable moments
Pre-Tour (Optional)
-
Dec 1 – Depart LAX for Auckland (not included, approx. 12-hour flight)
-
Dec 3 – Arrive Auckland (morning)
-
Dec 3–5 – Transfer to Waiheke Island and stay
Relaxed coastal setting with vineyards and local wineries (optional, not included) -
Dec 5 – Fly to Christchurch (not included)
Main Tour
-
Dec 5 – Arrival in Christchurch
Overnight in Christchurch (included) -
Dec 6 – Transfer to Hokitika
Overnight in Hokitika (included)
Cycling Journey
-
Dec 7 – Ross to Scenic Waterways (29 km)
Ride through lush landscapes with a stop at the Treetop Bush Walk
Overnight at Scenic Waterways (included)
Dinner included -
Dec 8 – Dorothy Falls to Hokitika (30 km)
Shuttle via Hokitika Gorge with time for a scenic walk
Cycle back to Hokitika
Overnight in Hokitika (included)
Breakfast and packed lunch included - Dec 9 – Canoe Cove to Kumara (49 km)
Shuttle to starting point, followed by one of the longer ride days
Overnight in Kumara (included)
Breakfast and packed lunch included
- Dec 10 – Kumara to Greymouth (28 km)
Shorter ride through coastal and river landscapes
Overnight in Greymouth (included)
Breakfast included -
Dec 11 – Charleston to Westport (40 km)
Morning shuttle via Punakaiki
Visit Pancake Rocks and blowholes
Cycle along the coast to Westport
Overnight in Westport (included) -
Dec 12 – Greymouth to Christchurch
Shuttle to Greymouth
TranzAlpine train journey to Christchurch (included)End of tour
Booking & Payment
From $2,590 per person (based on double occupancy)
Single occupancy from $4,750
E-bike upgrade: $250
A 30% deposit secures your place.
Final payment is due September 15.
Secure your spot
Let’s make it happen!
Why Travel with Max
Exploring New Zealand by bike is an experience like no other, and sharing it the right way makes all the difference. Max brings warmth, energy, and a natural sense of connection, turning an incredible journey into something truly personal.
From scenic coastal rides to rolling countryside and breathtaking landscapes, each day offers a new perspective and a sense of freedom you can’t quite find anywhere else. With Max, it’s not just about the ride, it’s about experiencing every moment in a way that feels easy, connected, and unforgettable.