The Hanmer Cycle Trail is an exciting four-day guided cycle experience that takes you from the stunning Waipara Valley wine region of North Canterbury to the South Island's alpine village, Hanmer Springs (well known for its thermal hot pools).

You will initially be taken to the heart of the Waipara Valley wine region where your cycling begins. Over the next four days, you will enjoy spectacular views of the picturesque Waipara River Gorge, Balmoral Forest, Pahau Plains and Hanmer Springs whilst being looked after and entertained by your knowledgeable and friendly guide.

The overall cycling distance is 170kms. Cycles are available for hire.

The philosophy of Tuatara Tours is to combine the wonderful scenery of the South Island with challenging exercise... and have the ability to enjoy a glass of wine at night, with excellent cuisine, in good quality accommodation. We combine recreation with ambience, exercise with relaxation.

Features of the Hanmer Cycle Trail include:

  • Quality accommodation on all three nights

  • All meals for the duration of the trip (alcohol at your own expense)

  • A well trained and experienced guide

  • Comfortable cycling on pleasant and peaceful country roads and tracks

  • Flexible cycling options so that you can make use of the support vehicle whenever you choose to. You can ride at your own leisurely pace with the option to cycle approximately 50km per day

  • Cycle maintenance taken care of

  • Cycle hire available

  • Your bags transported for you - all you will need each day is a small day pack with your camera and a water bottle

  • The tour begins and ends in Christchurch, so all of your transport over the four days is included

Trip Itinerary

Day One - Christchurch to Culverden

You depart from Christchurch and enjoy a scenic and informative drive to the North Canterbury region of Waipara, which is one of the fastest growing wine regions in New Zealand.

Your cycle experience starts with the beautiful landscape of the Waipara River Gorge and you will pedal through the quiet and peaceful North Canterbury rural landscape. When you stop for a lunch your guide will tell you all about the amazing geology and unique natural rock found on Claremont Station.

You finish your day with a long cool drink at the historic Hurunui Hotel, one of the country's oldest licensed establishments, having held its licence continuously since 1st July 1860. From the hotel you are taken to the nearby town of Culverden, which is in the rural heart of the North Canterbury farming community. You will spend the night dining and relaxing.


Day Two - Culverden to Waiau

After breakfast, you start your cycle journey through the Balmoral Forest, which was planted along the banks of the Hurunui River by the State Forest Service between 1920 and 1927. You will be on a quiet, flat road riding towards the Pahau Plains, crossing a unique geological area of ancient river flats.

There is a wide range of scenic views to admire - particularly the beautiful backdrop of the Hurunui high country mountain ranges that stretch out in front of you.

After lunch, you make your way onto the Amuri Plains and under Mt Palm until you arrive at the majestic Waiau River. It is then just a short pedal to your accommodation for the evening, the historic Waiau Hotel. The hotel is set in a beautiful and peaceful valley, and has great ambience and character. You will relax with fabulous local cuisine and perhaps a well deserved beverage or two.


Day Three - Waiau to Hanmer Springs

Today you cycle along a pleasant country road with the Amuri Range on your right and the Waiau River on your left. You will be surrounded by rolling green pastures and stunning views as you pass the magnificent high country properties of the region's pioneering families.

You stop for a picnic lunch before arriving at your destination of Hanmer Springs in the mid-afternoon. You will be able to have a welcome soak in the award-winning Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools before enjoying an evening meal with your group.


Day Four - Hanmer Springs to Christchurch

Your trail continues this morning after breakfast. You have the option to explore several local mountain bike tracks before the group departs from Hanmer in the late morning.

You will then travel to Waipara where you will visit a  local vineyard where you will be able to taste a range of award-winning wines. From here you travel a short distance to a local olive grove to enjoy another award winning product.

Then it is all aboard and back to Christchurch, your final destination of the tour.


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