WEST COAST WILDERNESS CYCLE TRAIL - The Small Cruise ...

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WEST COAST WILDERNESS CYCLE TRAIL - The Small Cruise ...
WEST COAST WILDERNESS CYCLE TRAIL
Wedged between the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps                   our crew.
and the Tasman Sea is the 140km West Coast Wilderness Trail.
Weaving through the dense rainforests, glacial rivers, lakes and            Grading - Introductory to moderate 2
wetlands, a series of smooth flowing off-road tracks takes you              The West Coast Wilderness Trail is graded introductory to
from Ross to Greymouth.                                                     moderate. You will be cycling on a mix of wide trails, narrow
                                                                            water races and boardwalk with some undulating hills. You will
Following the path of long-gone railways, logging trams, and                need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 2 hours of
water races from the mining days, you’ll soak up colourful                  cycling per week for the three months leading up to your trip.
stories from the past.                                                      We recommend training on compacted gravel trails, and
                                                                            completing a multi-day ride prior to your trip to get used to
Our expert guides will show you the trail’s best sights such as             being in the saddle for long periods of time. The more training
gold rush relics, wildlife, and hidden natural wonders.                     you have done on hills and on compacted gravel, the more
                                                                            enjoyable your trip will be.
You’ll also have the option to take a trip on the TranzAlpine, one
of the world’s most spectacular train journeys.                             About Your Leader
                                                                            Our guides are one of our biggest assets and we pride ourselves
Character-filled towns, atmospheric accommodation and                       on their level of quality and high standards. Once the trip
friendly welcomes are all part of the package, as is the passion            reaches 8 people, we provide you with two of our expert guides
and local knowledge of                                                      to maximise your enjoyment and overall experience. You’ll know
                                                                            you’re in safe hands as all of our guides are certified in first aid
                                                                            and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics. They
                                                                            come from all walks of life but our guides have a common
                                                                            desire to give you the best possible experience, fun and lots of
                                                                            fond memories to take home with you.

                                                                            ITINERARY
                                                                            Day 1 Christchurch to Hokitika - 33km Cycle
                                                                            Your adventure begins with the drive inland across the
                                                                            picturesque Canterbury Plains, and across Arthur’s Pass with its

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WEST COAST WILDERNESS CYCLE TRAIL - The Small Cruise ...
towering, snow-capped peaks. On the west side of the Southern                    here it's mainly downhill, as we follow water races, bush tracks
Alps, we reach the old gold town of Ross, backed by ranges                       and reservoir roads taking in the spectacular views as we
cloaked in native bush. After a late lunch, we’ll saddle up for                  gradually descend to our overnight at Kumara and the beautiful
our first ride on the West Coast Wilderness Trail. A stretch of rail             historic hotel that is our accommodation. Cycle Distance: Lake
trail leads to Treetop Walkway (optional) where you can see                      Kaniere to Kumara - 55km / 34miles Meals: B,L,D
Lake Mahinapua’s rainforest and wetlands from on high. We’ll
then continue cruising through to Hokitika, a loveable little town               Day 4 Kumara to Punakaiki - 30km Cycle
fronted by a dramatic beach and famous for pounamu                               Our final day on the Wilderness Trail see us riding north to
(greenstone) and other arts & crafts. And sunsets. Two nights                    Greymouth on a combination of riverside and coastal pathways.
here won’t feel like enough. Cycling distance: 33km/22 miles                     The old road and rail bridge is just one highlight as we head
Meals: L,D                                                                       towards the town centre. After a café lunch, there’s time for a
                                                                                 stroll around the town or an optional visit to the historic
Day 2 Hokitika to Lake Kaniere - 40km Cycle                                      Monteith's Brewery. In the afternoon we drive the stunning
Our ride today takes us inland through rural country to reach the                coastal highway to explore Paparoa National Park. First, we’ll
bush-lined Kaniere water race – always a favourite for its flowing               explore the Pororari River with its dramatic limestone gorge,
riding and babbling waters. Nestled in the forested foothills,                   then take the Truman Track through striking sub-tropical forest
Lake Kaniere is a grand sight indeed. We’ll follow it shores to                  to reach a rugged beach. Our final walk is the leisurely stroll
reach the small township of Kokatahi where we’ll stop for a                      around Punakaiki’s Dolomite Point, famous for its Pancake
picnic lunch. Hokitika Gorge is up next. A short walkway offers a                Rocks and blow thundering holes. We’ll stay overnight in
chance to see its granite boulders and swirling, surreal                         Punakaiki, a fitting finale for our final group dinner and
turquoise waters from many angles. From there, we’ll drive back                  reflection on our West Coast adventure. Cycling distance:
to Hokitika where there’ll be time to explore the town some                      30km/19 miles Meals: B,L,D
more and hopefully enjoy another West Coast sunset. Enjoy
dinner of your choice in one of the town’s many restaurants and                  Day 5 Punakaiki to Christchurch - 25km Cycle
pubs. Cycling distance: 40km/24 miles Meals: B,L                                 Leaving the West Coast behind us, we’ll begin our journey back
                                                                                 towards Christchurch. Before we cross the alps, we’ll get
Day 3 Lake Kaniere to Kumara - 55km Cycle                                        dropped off for one last ride along quiet roads to reach Moana
Today we drive back to Lake Kaniere and continue our ride                        on the shores of Lake Brunner. With luck there’ll be time for a
through the amazing bush trails of this cycleway. Firstly on rural               refreshing dip before lunch! For those who choose the train
roads and then the dedicated trail that takes us to the coffee                   journey, we board the TranzAlpine, rated as one of the top train
stop at Milltown, home of saw-milling in earlier times. The trail                rides in the world, for an unforgettable journey across the
crosses a swing bridge and then a kilometre of switchback                        Southern Alps and across the Canterbury Plains back to
climbing takes us to the highpoint and more superb riding. From                  Christchurch. For the rest of us, we'll drive back via Arthur's

                                      01432 507 280 (within UK)
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Pass to arrive in Christchurch in the early evening. Cycling
distance: 25km/15 miles Note: Please let us know at the time
of booking whether you wish to reserve a seat on the
TranzAlpine train. Meals: B

Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

                                 01432 507 280 (within UK)
                                 info@small-cruise-ships.com | small-cruise-ships.com
YOUR SHIP: CYCLE TRAIL TOURS ACCOMODATION
YOUR SHIP:                     Cycle Trail Tours Accomodation

VESSEL TYPE:

LENGTH:

PASSENGER CAPACITY:

BUILT/REFURBISHED:

## Heritage Accomodation
Similar to a B&B, these family-owned heritage accommodations
are rich in local character, clean, comfortable and run by hosts
that help add to your experience. Most rooms are en suited,
however, due to the heritage nature of these buildings, on
occasion there may be shared bathrooms.
## Hotels
Hotels range from 3 to 4 stars and provide a quality,
comfortable and relaxed nights stay.
## Motels
Often family run, motels range from 3 to 4 stars and provide
access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is
generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where
possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.
## Lodge

Accomodation
Don't be fooled by the word lodge. Enjoy the class, charm and
character of these locally run accommodations and dine
in-house at the pub or restaurant attached.

                                01432 507 280 (within UK)
                                info@small-cruise-ships.com | small-cruise-ships.com
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                               01432 507 280 (within UK)
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