Transfer from Christchurch airport to your accommodation, shared shuttle : Our shuttle company Super Shuttle is waiting for you outside of the airport. The world-famous 'Garden City', Christchurch's well-established expansive parks and public gardens owe much to the planning and foresight of the city's founding fathers. The central city area and some eastern suburbs were heavily affected by the earthquake of February 2011 which led to the destruction of many of the original multi-story buildings, especially historic ones. But the rebuild of the CBD is now in full swing, it has brought with a new vibrancy to the ever-changing city as an influx of workers and the completion of new buildings carries on. The silver lining of the earthquake cloud has been the resilience of Christchurch residents and the innovation and creativity that has come out of rather dire circumstances. Christchurch Tramway Restaurant : This is the only Restaurant Tram in New Zealand which can offer such a unique way to view the inner city while enjoying a delicious evening dinner. Tram 411 was built in Melbourne, Australia in 1927 and ran until 1982. The tram was then refurbished and shipped to Christchurch in 1999 and began operating as the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant in 2000. Experience the luxury of a 36-seater air-conditioned, colonial style dining Tram and be treated to the finest service, cuisine and beverages New Zealand has to offer. Incorporate fabulous dining with Christchurch City heritage – truly a mix of the old and the new.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:

• Mid-range accommodation: Sudima Christchurch City

Transfer from your accommodation to the station, shared shuttle : A Super Shuttle will pick you up at your accommodation to drive you to the Station. TranzAlpine Christchurch - Greymouth : Truly one of the world’s great scenic train trips through the dramatic contrast of dry beech forests and tussock land on one side of the Alps and lush green landscapes on the other. From Christchurch, cross the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury plains, follow the Waimakariri river, climbing into alpine scenery on a series of spectacular viaducts. Then, after stopping at Arthur's Pass, emerge from the long Otira Tunnel and descend through sub tropical rain forest past beautiful Lake Brunner and on to Greymouth. West Coast Wiilderness Trail : In the midst of the Southern Alps on the West Coast lie a series of tracks carved by pioneering gold-miners. Today these old tracks, together with extensive water races, logging tramways and historic railway lines, form the West Coast Wilderness Trail. This four-day cycling adventure (139 km) reveals outstanding landscapes of dense rainforest, glacial rivers, lakes and wetlands, with views all the way from the snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps to the wild Tasman Sea. You will meet your shuttle at around midday at Greymouth allowing you to bus over from Christchurch. The shuttle down to Hokitikka will have you arrive around 1.30pm and we may be able to book into your accommodation and change for the cycle ride today. At the depot you will have a short briefing before a second short shuttle down to Ross and the start of the trail and todays ride. The driver will assist with bike fitting and cycle instruction before setting you on the trail. The 13km cycle along the historic railway line brings you to the highway and a short 6km section on the sealed road before arriving at the Treetop walk. Take a break and a coffee before walking the spectacular walkway above the canopy providing views out onto Lake Mahinapua.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-range accommodation: Teichelmanns Heritage Bed & Breakfast

From town, the trail ducks beneath the Hokitikka bridge and emerges on the eastern side to access the cycle trail that weaves through the outlying houses and past the Westland Milk Products factory. The trail soon joins onto the Kaniere Tramway leading riders into the small township. From here a road section continues to lead inland and after 13 kms you will turn into Hurunui Jacks and join the spectacular trail that weaves through the bush following the water race dug to provide water for the early gold mining. After an enjoyable 8kms riders emerge at Lake Kaniere a jewel set in the bush and a great place to enjoy a lunch stop. From here the final 15 kms takes you to Cowboys Paradise, a quirky settlement set within the beech forest that blankets the hillside. The cycling on this section is on a quiet gravel backroad leading to a final 4 km climb on a single zig zag track leading up to the township and a welcome end and a break while you wait for the shuttle to arrive at 4pm. The options to be accommodated are very limited and basics at Cowboys Paradise, that is why we book an accommodation at Hokitikka instead which is 40 minutes driving. The shuttle will return you to your accommodation in Hokitikka

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-range accommodation: Teichelmanns Heritage Bed & Breakfast

Shuttle back to Cowboys Paradise. Over the next 7kms the trail zig zags through the bush climbing the trail highpoint at Kawhaka Pass. Crossing the breathtaking swing bridge provides an exciting picture opportunity and then its upwards to join the bush trails leading to the summit. Spread below is the coast and todays destination at Kumara some 200m and 28kms below. Beautiful tracks along river sides take the riders out to water intakes and bush roads as you steadily descend towards the end of the ride. Firstly, however the trail weaves around water reservoirs built to provide for power schemes of past and present. Following onwards the trail weaves through bush stands and some farmlands before finally emerging on the fringe of Kumara – an historic mining settlement that has been rejuvenated by the success of the Cycle Trail. The beautifully restored Theatre Royal Hotel provides a snap shot of past glory and a busy mining time. Here you will be united with your luggage as you settle in for the night.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-range accommodation: Theatre Royal Hotel

West Coast Wiilderness Trail : Todays ride finishes down in Greymouth and the first part of the trail takes us 10 kms along side roads and then through beautiful bush onto the State Highway. The highlight is undoubtedly the swing bridge which provides stunning views down into the Taramahau River. The ‘clip on’ cycle bridge takes us across the old road & rail bridge and then its along the coastal fringe, weaving around the small townships and baches that dot the coast. As you approach Greymouth the power of the Grey river becomes evident before weaving through the town on the dedicated trail to finish on the river banks next to the CBD. This section is short enough to allow you to enjoy a lunch at Greymouth and after collecting your luggage, to connect with the famous Tranz Alpine Express if you wish. Bus from Greymouth to Nelson : Bus from Greymouth to Nelson.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-range accommodation: Annick House Bed and Breakfast

Bike Rental : This section starts at Nelson i-SITE and heads in the direction of adjacent Richmond town via the railway reserve cycleway. After a gentle up-and-over, it exits the central city and follows a waterside pathway between Nelson’s major highway and light industrial area, and the bird-filled Waimea Inlet. Suffice to say, it’s best to look seaward: this is in fact the largest enclosed estuary in the South Island, home to a wide range of sea birds including the bar-tailed godwit, white heron, royal spoonbill, little egret, Australasian bittern and banded rail. As the trail nears Richmond it splits in two, with the right fork leading towards Mapua on a mix of quiet lanes and a stopbank track. It then crosses the Waimea River via a purpose-built suspension bridge. (At Richmond, the straight-ahead option leads to the town centre and further inland via the Wakefield section.) The trail then crosses a causeway to Rabbit Island/Moturoa, a popular recreation area with picnic spots, fragrant pine forest and sandy beaches. It’s a pleasant cruise across the island to reach the ferry landing from where it’s just a 200m boat hop to Mapua wharf. Infrequent sailings make it essential to check the ferry timetable ahead of time. Mapua is a particularly appealing stop along the Great Taste Trail. It’s waterside location, accommodation, cafes, brewery and shops are good reasons to consider a lengthy linger or overnight stop. 35km, Grade 2/easy, 2–3 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-range accommodation: Accent House Luxury Boutique Bed & Breakfast

Bike Rental : Having left Mapua via quiet streets, the trail rejoins the shore along Ruby Bay but soon leaves it again to head into rolling hill country. Most folks will find it a comfortable granny-gear climb to a highpoint where there are panoramic views across to the western ranges and big blue of Tasman Bay. There’s plenty more time take it all in as trail gradually descends via the aptly named Tasman View Road. Do not miss out on a stop at the quirky Jester Café for a coffee or lunch! After a few turns left and right along more country roads you’ll arrive at Motueka – a lovable little town surrounded by endless fruit orchards and hop gardens. If you’re looking for local flavour, you’ll find it here. Boasting a mouthwatering blend of rural and coastal scenery and opportunity to taste yet more local flavours, this section starts with the salt-licked sights of Motueka’s seafront then crosses the impressive Motueka River. The trail then follows pretty country lanes to reach Riwaka where you should keep your eyes peeled for a pie shop, cafe, brewery and fruit stalls. Be warned that if you ate before setting off from Motueka, you could still be too full for a Ginger Dynamite pie… Riwaka is the junction of the inland trail heading up the Motueka Valley towards Norris Gully. The trail continues through fruity country to meet a lovely stretch of coastal pathway, at first winding over bridges and boardwalk. A gentle climb reveals stupendous views right across Tasman Bay. An underpass provides safe access to Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park. Even riders without much ‘mountain biking’ experience should enjoy the gently rolling and sweeping route through to Kaiteriteri village. Kaiteriteri Beach’s glorious golden sands teem with holidaymakers in summer. The waterfront cafe is a good spot to take it all in. Various Abel Tasman National Park adventures also start from here. 42 km, Grade 2/easy, 3-4 hours

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-range accommodation: Kaiteriteri Reserve Apartments

Bike Rental : ABEL TASMAN is the smallest national park in the country, but it is also a renowned marine reserve with its crystal clear water. Pretty coastal walks and splendid beaches with yellow-orange sand offer a beautiful contrast. HIGHLIGHTS: ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK is known for its golden sandy beaches, carved granite cliffs and its famous trek along the coast. Easy to visit at any time of the year thanks to its temperate climate, it is one of the essentials of New Zealand. Slice of Paradise - cruise and walk in Abel Tasman National Park : Meeting point is at Aqua Taxi desk on the main parking at Kaiteriteri 20 minutes prior to departure. Travel the length of the park on a scenic cruise to Totaranui and back to Onetahuti for a 2hr or 6.1km walk to Bark Bay (where the boat will pick you up at 3.45pm), or you have another option : you go till Totaranui too but back to Bark Bay for a 3.5hr or 12km walk through to Anchorage (pick up at 4pm in this case). On the way to Totaranui, you will watch fur seals at Tonga Island. At 11:15am approx., the boat drops you off at the starting point of the track, which is part of Abel Tasman Coastal Track and is the most scenic part of it. You therefore have time to relax, enjoy a swim along the way on the small coves and beaches, etc… Once you are on board, you can ask the staff to change the hike you want to do (with a starting point at Onetahuti or Bark Bay). It is very important you check the time while you are hiking to be sure you don’t miss the boat : it is a public service, it could not wait for you. Bring your packed lunch as it is not provided. A courtesy transfer return can be organized from any accommodation in the centre of Motueka.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Mid-range accommodation: Kaiteriteri Reserve Apartments

Bike Rental : You will be transfer to Nelson Transfer from your accommodation to Nelson airport : A Super Shuttle will pick you up at your accommodation to drive you at the airport.