southern cycle journey

Nestled in picture postcard fashion on the shores of the Lake Wakatipu, and with a reputation as the adrenalin capital of the Southern Hemisphere, Queenstown is a sophisticated resort destination like no other.

The gateway to the Fiordland National Park, the town is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, fiords, backcountry fly fishing rivers, Lord of the Rings film scenes, deserted gold mining settlements and a host of exciting tour options. 

The quaint west coast town of Franz Josef has a few hundred permanent residents, with numbers swelling during the holidays to around 2000 visitors per day. This is glacier country and Franz Josef glacier (after which the town is named) and Fox Glacier, some 23 kilometres further south, are the main attractions. The town offers a myriad of options for cozy accommodation, especially after the snow and ice activities on offer. Combine a helicopter tour with a guided walk on the glacial terrain to view ice caves, and spectacular crevasses and pinnacles. Helicopter tours over the two glaciers are also available, with a stop off at the head of either glacier so you can experience the frozen landscape up close.

Hokitika, or ‘Hoki’, as locals have affectionately named this little town, is located on a stunning, driftwood-strewn beach on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Presided over by the towering Mount Cook and the Southern Alps, this idyllic little town functions primarily as a gateway to the South Westland World Heritage National Park. However, the town itself offers plenty and is well-known for its excellent local crafts and has developed a prolific artistic community with an array of open studios and galleries, where visitors can watch skilful artisans in the process of weaving, greenstone carving and glass blowing. Enjoy the fabulously fresh local seafood, or have a picnic on the banks of the picturesque Lake Kaniere, surrounded exquisite snow-capped mountains.

Rated by many as one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, the West Coast route is stunningly beautiful, an untouched wilderness with breath-taking landscapes and steeped in pioneering history.

Consisting of for a 600km section of New Zealand’s South Island coastline, the West Coast is bordered to the west by the Tasman Sea and to the east by the mighty Southern Alps, the South Island’s backbone.

The region consists of 5 National Parks, is home to glaciers, mountains, lakes, wetlands and rainforests which, in some places, reach down to the coastline. As well as being famous as Glacier Country with both Fox and Franz Josef glaciers easily accessible off the main road, there’s so much more to do. Hiking, cave rafting, jet boats, bird watching, 4WD tours, flying, relaxing hot pools; there’s something for everyone. Visit Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone as well as being a centre for creative and artistic talents. For beer lovers perhaps stop for a beer at the infamous Monteiths Brewery in Greymouth, the hub of the region, a town settled originally by gold miners.

Situated on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the vibrant city of Christchurch is the largest city on the island. Dubbed the 'Garden City', it is known for its many lush green spaces and possesses a multicultural charm with an added dash of Victorian flair.

The city offers a fabulous array of activities, including punting down the Avon River, helicopter tours, hot air ballooning, whale and dolphin watching. Enjoy a stroll around the beautifully sculptured parks, visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and browse numerous art galleries.