Majestic rugged mountains, spectacular glaciers, wild coastlines, emerald blue lakes ‑ it’s all here and within reach.

New Zealand boasts an amazing variety of landscapes and equally amazing biking. This ultimate 8 day adventure offers the perfect opportunity to ride along 3 of the famous cycle trails of the South Island. Our cycle tour leaves the garden city of Christchurch, heads south towards the Southern Alps and Central Otago before arriving in the beautiful lake district town of Queenstown.

We begin with the Alps to Ocean trail near Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. We cycle past the snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps, turquoise glacier‑fed lakes and lush green pasture. We then join the second of the great rides, the Otago Central Rail Trail following the old Central Otago branch railway line from Clyde to Middlemarch. Our route takes us through many historic towns, crossing viaducts, bridges and through railway tunnels dating back to the gold mining era of the 1880’s. We travel to the Scottish settlement of Dunedin on the Taieri Gorge Railway, reputedly one of the world’s greatest train journeys before embarking on our third and final trail, the Clutha Gold and Roxburgh Gorge. Our final day sees us cycling through the fabulous Roxborough Gorge and enjoying a scenic jet boat ride before transferring to Queenstown and the end of this amazing adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart Melbourne to Christchurch
Day 2 - Alps to Ocean to Lake Ohau
Day 3 - Alps to Ocean to Clyde
Day 4 - Otago Central Rail Trail to Lauder
Day 5 - Otago Central Rail Trail to Ranfurly
Day 6 - Otago Central Rail Trail to Dunedin
Day 7 - Roxburgh Gorge Trail to Queenstown, Scenic Jet Boat Ride
Day 8 - Depart Queenstown to Melbourne

Trip Includes

  • Travel with EMF Ambassador
  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 7 dinners
  • 7 nights accomodation on twin share basis, in a mix of 4 star hotels and some historic character lodgings
  • Bike hire including helmet
  • International flights and taxes
  • Professional qualified driver/guidesr
  • Airport pick up in Christchurch and drop off in Queenstown
  • Taieri Gorge Train Journey from Middlemarch to Dunedin
  • Jet boat ride through Roxburgh Gorge
  • Otago Rail Trail passport
  • Wine tasting in boutique Central Otago vineyard
  • Water, fruit and snacks while cycling
  • Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

Not included

  • All beverages, other then breakfast
  • Water bottle, help us save the environment and bring your own drink bottle
  • Optional activities (eg, cycling
  • Personal expenses (eg, laundry and phone calls)
  • Visa (if required)
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance

Further information

Download a detailed itinerary of the Epworth Challenge

Register

Register online with $200 deposit with our travel partner Huma Challenges