West Coast Wilderness Cycle Tour  

Offering the very best of the West Coast - wild, wonderful and adventurous

 

We bike through unbelievable scenery, from wild coastlines to lush rainforests. We enjoy beautiful sweeping downhill trails, bike along historic waterways, glide past waterfalls and ride on stunning backcountry tracks. We sneak in an exhilarating treetop adventure among the giants of the West Coast rainforest. And last but not least explore the new Kawatiri Cycle Trail!

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Day 1: Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - Hokitika - Evening Cruise

We will meet in Christchurch between 9:30am and 10:00am. On the way to 'The Coast', we drive through Arthur's Pass National Park, with its spectacularly winding gorge roads and amazing mountain vistas. We have lunch at a café at Arthur’s Pass village (not included) and go on a short nature walk in the impressive alpine environment. Our destination is the coastal town and 'Greenstone Capital' Hokitika, our base for three nights.
We celebrate our first evening together with a welcome drink in our accommodation (included).
In the evening we experience the beauty of West Coast's Lowland Wetlands and Lake Mahinapua on an Eco Adventure Boat Cruise (included). We enjoy the tranquil birdsong, stunning scenery, and picturesque Mahinapua waterways, capturing the essence of the region's history and natural wonders.

 

Accommodation: Hokitika 

Meals: D

The next few days are dedicated to exploring the West Coast wilderness on bike. Since we spend three nights in Hokitika, we can choose our tour sections, taking into account the weather/wind conditions and make the best of every day. It also allows you to decide each day whether to join the guided ride or take a rest day in Hokitika. If you choose a day off, you can enjoy the town at your own leisure and rejoin the group back at the accommodation in the afternoon. Following are the daily cycling tour descriptions. 

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Day 2: Cycle Greymouth – Kawhaka Intake

We enjoy a full breakfast at our accommodation before starting into our first cycling day. Departing from the historic Greymouth Railway Station, we set off along the mighty Grey River and past a working port, before journeying out to the wild and wonderful Tasman Sea. We follow the coast south, behind sand dunes and along tidal lagoons, until we cross the Taramakau River. Then the trail takes us on the historic Kumara bush rail trails, through regenerating forest and new farmland toward the historic gold mining town of Kumara. From here we cycle to Kapitea Reservoir, cycle along hand-made dams and fresh mountain-water weirs on our way to our final stop of today’s cycle day at Kawhaka Intake.

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Cycling: ca 4-6 hours / 49 km, easy

Accommodation: Hokitika 

Meals: B, L, D, S

 

Day 3: Cycle Kawhaka Intake – Lake Kaniere - Hokitika

After a full breakfast we take to the bikes again. Today's ride is a little more challenging, but the few short steep sections are also very scenic. There is a new surprise around every corner, as we pass remnants of the gold rush, and follow old logging trams and water races up the Kawaka valley. Soon we descend through ancient Podocarp forest until we reach a sprawling suspension bridge and then cycle through beautiful native bush to pass by Cowboy Paradise (Milltown), a replica Wild West town. An easy and fun descent takes us through native bush and open paddocks to the Arahura river with awesome views of the valley and on to Lake Kaniere, home to towering Kahikatea trees and great birdlife. From here we follow a trail through lush bush that meanders along an old water race and enjoy beautiful views of the Hokitika River as we cycle back to Hokitika.

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Cycling: ca 4-6 hours / 50 km, moderate

Accommodation: Hokitika 

Meals: B, L, D, S

 

Day 4: Cycle Hokitika – Treetop Walk - Hokitika, Pororari River Walk and Drive to Westport

On our last day on the Westcoast Wilderness Cycle Trail we cycle from Hokitika on one of the most beautiful sections of the West Coast Wilderness Trail to another West Coast highlight – the Treetop Walkway. This stretch captures everything that makes the West Coast special: peaceful bush trails, gentle climbs, and lush native forest at its best. 
We take our time to explore the Treetop Walkway (included), where you can see the forest from a bird’s-eye view. 
Because this is one of the most scenic and enjoyable parts of the trail, we don’t just ride it once – we cycle it both ways, returning along the same path. With the light and direction changed, the landscape feels completely different on the way back – giving us another chance to soak in the forest’s magic from a new perspective.
On our drive to Westport, our base for the next two nights, we go on a walk (~ 1-1.5 hours) along the beautiful Pororari River through lush West Coast bush.
In the evening we will go out for dinner in a local pub / restaurant (not included).

 

Cycling: ca 3-4 hours / 30km, easy 

Accommodation: Westport Motel

Meals: B, L, S

  

Day 5: Cycle the Kawatiri Coastal Trail

We embark on another extraordinary West Coast adventure: the Kawatiri Coastal Trail spans between the Eastern mountains and the Western coastline, offering breath-taking views and wonderful variety. This easy, scenic ride takes us beside gently flowing rivers, through lush rainforest and along the wild coastline, with the Paparoa mountains as our backdrop. Covering eight gentle sections, this 42 km journey traverses diverse landscapes, providing a memorable experience.

Depending on wind and weather conditions, we will either cycle from Westport to Charleston or the other way around.
In the evening, we go out for dinner again (not included).

 

Cycling: ca 4-6 hours / 42 km, easy 

Accommodation: Westport Motel 

Meals: B, L, S

 

Day 6: Return to Christchurch via Pancake Rocks and Arthur’s Pass NP (Optional TranzAlpine Express)

Unfortunately, today marks the end of our cycling adventure. But first we stop at the famous Pancake Rocks & Blowholes, rising from the sea at Dolomite Point. We go on an easy 20 to 30-minute loop walk to enjoy the impressive rock formations.

Then there's the option to changing up the return trip by booking the TranzAlpine Express via Arthurs Pass to Christchurch (optional, see more info here) or you continue the journey in our van. We drop the women that have opted for the return trip by train off in Greymouth and head to Hokitika to return our bikes. You will have an opportunity to have lunch in a café (not included). Then we head over the scenic Arthur’s Pass back to Christchurch.

Our arrival time in Christchurch is expected to be around 4pm. If you opt for the TranzAlpine you will arrive at the train station around 7pm (you will need to organise your onward journey from here yourself).

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Meals: B

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B-Breakfast  L-Lunch  D-Dinner  S-Snack

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​Tour Grading

🚴‍♀️ West Coast Wilderness Cycle Tour – Grade 2 (Easy)

Most of this scenic trail is off-road, with a gravel surface and gentle gradients – making it a relaxed and enjoyable ride. There are just a few very short sections on quiet roads with very little traffic. Parts of the trail are wide and well-maintained, often allowing riders to be alongside each other, which makes it perfect for a social and supportive riding experience – while other sections take you along narrower forest paths, ideal for building confidence while having fun cycling through the West Coast bush.

You can find more about how we grade our tours here: → Our Cycle Trail Grading System explained

 

👉 Our recommendation

This tour is an excellent choice for women who are new to Ebiking.
There are a few hairpin bends, but you can simply hop off and walk them if needed – easy and pressure-free. This tour is the perfect way to grow your confidence, and enjoy the stunning beauty of the West Coast with a supportive group.

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