An intrinsic characteristic of canals is that they are especially built so that the water flows gently downwards. This gradual decline, alongside canals that start from Lake Tekapo, in the wonderful Mackenzie Country of the South Island of New Zealand, makes this cycle tour appropriate for people who are not used to riding cycles on a regular basis. In fact, it is of similar flatness to rail trail cycling.

At the same time (because hydro canals tend to flow from lake to lake) we ride alongside five beautiful southern lakes – namely Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Lake Ruataniwha, Lake Benmore and Lake Ohau.

And if that won’t test your eyesight, then there is the continual backdrop of the majestic snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps…which happen to be longer than the Swiss Alps. Frankly, the scenery is mind blowing (we suggest that you look at the video on our website!).

Guided tours from Tuatara Tours are all about camaraderie. To this end, the ambience continues at night with good quality lodge accommodation and splendid meals. Excellent New Zealand wines and other refreshments are also available to suit your choice.

The distance is approximately 140kms, but you can do more (or less) if you wish – due to the flexibility of being supported by an accompanying vehicle and guide.

Tuatara Tours takes you from Christchurch (which has an international airport) right into the heart of the South Island of New Zealand. You will soak up the magical views and discover the history of the Mackenzie Country in four leisurely paced days of pedalling.

Join us for an unforgettable cycling adventure alongside the picturesque glacial lakes under the watchful eye of the mighty Mount Cook – New Zealand’s highest mountain! Enjoy stretches of flat cycling on the canal roads as you explore the rich and diverse landscape of the Mackenzie Country.

Features of the cycle trail include:

  • Quality lodge accommodation on all three nights.


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


  • Safe quiet canal roads.


  • Flexible biking 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 usual option being to cycle approximately 40kms per day.


  • All your bike maintenance taken care of.


  • Bike hire is available.


  • Your trip is guided and your bags are transported for you - all you will need each day is a small day pack with your camera and some water.


  • The tour begins and ends in Christchurch with all your transport over the four days included.


  • Four days of fun cycling incorporating five beautiful lakes, the mighty Mount Cook and great company!


Trip Itinerary:

Day One - Christchurch to Tekapo

Depart from Christchurch and enjoy a scenic and informative drive through to Lake Tekapo, the centre of the South Island. The astounding panoramic views from the top of Mt John Observatory at Tekapo will take your breath away!

As your cycle experience unfolds you are immersed in the incredibly scenic landscape of turquoise coloured glacial lakes and tussock-clad hills, with the stunning backdrop of snow capped mountains.

Pedal past the world famous Church of the Good Shepherd (which offers awe-inspiring views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps through it’s altar window) and alongside Lake Tekapo, taking in the views of the magnificent lake and mountains, and hectares of Russell Lupins in attractive shades of pinks and purples.

This evening you will relax at a resort hotel that has unbelievable panoramic views across the turquoise waters of the lake. An optional extra is to soak in the hot pools close by, while stargazing into New Zealand’s clearest, darkest and most spectacular night sky.



Day Two - Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook
Lake Pukaki – Pukaki Scenic Trail

After breakfast, you cycle along the emerald blue canals from Lake Tekapo, with a short detour to the Pattersons Ponds.

You continue pedalling along the canals, with a brief visit to the Mount Cook Salmon Farm, travel around the end of Lake Pukaki and (depending on how long you want to cycle) up to the base of Mount Cook itself. You will also pass New Zealand’s largest letter box at Irishman Creek, an area also well known as the farm station where the world’s first jet boat was built and tested.

While travelling up the rambling road towards Mount Cook you can enjoy stops at Peter’s Lookout, Boundary Stream and Glentanner. The Mount Cook National Park carries World Heritage status and contains almost all of New Zealand’s major mountain peaks - stretching approximately 70kms along the Southern Alps.

In the evening you will sample the fine local cuisine (and perhaps a wine or two) with the magnificent backdrop of Mount Cook from the restaurant window. You may even catch a dramatic sunset and see the mountains turn pink! Your accommodation tonight is in a modern lodge, right at the foot of the mountain that Sir Edmund Hillary virtually called ‘home’.



Day Three – Mt Cook to Twizel

Wake up with the view of the snow capped mountains, and then set off leisurely along the canal road to Lake Ruataniwha. Enjoy the local tale of how the lake was created – when a project engineer spent millions of dollars supposedly getting the ‘shoreline redeveloped’…but instead built a world class rowing course.

From here you continue biking on a track nestled amongst the trees alongside the lake, then down around the Wairepo Arm. At this point it’s time to stop for a lunch break before heading down towards Lake Benmore. From your cycle you can appreciate the Mackenzie Country’s flora, which is characterised by open grasslands…consisting mainly of golden tussocks dotted with exotic trees.

Breathe in the fresh alpine air and enjoy a spot of afternoon tea in a tranquil setting at the top of Lake Benmore. For those interested in engineering, the lake bears New Zealand’s largest earth dam. And for those interested in experiencing a very refreshing buzz, there is the opportunity to swim in this crisp, sparkling lake!

The evening is spent in a quality lodge, right in the centre of the Mackenzie Country.



Day Four – Twizel to Lake Ohau - Christchurch

Your adventure continues with a leisurely cycle along the gradually declining road to Lake Ohau, which forms the traditional boundary between the Otago and Canterbury regions.
The easy downhill gradient sweeps around the south side of the lake and you can enjoy the views of the valleys and mountains in the distance, that are speckled with native beech forests and alpine plants.

Your final group lunch is alongside the shoreline of the lake where you celebrate the conclusion of your four day biking experience - before departing by coach back to Christchurch.

NOTE: There are additional biking options available for experienced cyclists. Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you would like more information on these options.


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