7 Day Backcountry Mountain Bike Tour

Day 0 – Christchurch

Enjoy the city at your own leisure or sleep in to get over the long flight. Your Adventurefuel Bike Guides will meet you in the afternoon to help build bikes or introduce you to your bike rentals. This is a meet and greet and a great time to settle any nerves and get excited for the upcoming trip. We will go for a drink to get to know each other once all the bikes are ready.

Cycling distance: 0
Included Meals:  n/a

Accommodation: Hotel (not included)

Day 1- Christchurch

Now we are into it! Welcome to our local trails in the Christchurch’s Port Hills. Flowing singletrack along the crater rim gives incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Alps. Ride some volcanic rock and hand built trails. At the end of the day we take our private bus into the mountains for our first night in the foothills of the Southern Alps.

Riding distance: Up to 40km 500m Climb / 1400m Descent
Included Meals: B, L,D

Accommodation: Private High Country Farm

Day 2 – Mt Hutt

After we say hello to the sheep your guides will make you breakfast and get ready for some shuttles in the Mt Hutt Bike park. But don’t be expecting lift queues and gondolas this is a small local park that packs a big punch. We have over 30km of trail to choose from all with amazing views over the Canterbury plains.
Riding distance: Up to 27km 950m Climb / 980m Descent
Meals:  B,L,D

Accommodation: Scenic Eco Lodge

Day 3- The Craigieburns

Wake up in the hills and it’s a very short drive to start riding. This where we get the true feel for our backcountry mountain bike tour. The Craigieburns is a local favourite. Including two sections of the NZ Enduro, so picture tight, rooty trails in native beech forest. We will tailor the rides to the group and conditions but can guarantee world class riding.
Riding distance: Up to 27km 950m Climb / 980m Descent
Meals:  B,L,D

Accommodation: Scenic Eco Lodge

Day 4 – Old Ghost Road

This is the biggest climbing day of the tour but we take our time and enjoy the forest, filled with native birds and waterfalls.

We ride through the moss covered cloud forest until we reach the alpine ridge and breath-taking views. The singletrack weaves along the ridgeline passing through the legendary ‘Heaven’s Door’ before descending to Ghost Lake Hut. Watch the cloud rolling through the valley and enjoy the serene night in a remote alpine hut.
Riding Distance: Up to 30km 1306m Climb / 427m Descent
Meals:  B,L,D

Accommodation: Remote Alpine Hut

Day 5 – Old Ghost Road

Waking up to more incredible views over coffee and breakfast then riding out straight onto the trail. Winding down to Skyline Ridge before we enjoy an 800m (2600ft) descent, purpose built for mountain bikes.

Snacks at Stern Valley Hut before climbing up to Solemn Saddle and another ripping descent . One last push takes along the gorge with hanging bridges and waterfalls until we finish the day with beers and a well deserved rest.
Riding Distance: Up to 55km 790m Climb / 1960m Descent
Meals: B,L, D

Accommodation: Backcountry Lodge

Day 6 – Secret Trails and Thermal Hot pools

Slowing things down a little today we drive along the beautiful West Coast before exploring another old gold mining town. Here we take in some little known backcountry riding with some more stunning beech forest. Then onto the nights accommodation for saunas, natural hot springs and excellent dining.
Riding Distance: Up to 11km 720m Climb / 720m Descent
Meals: B, L,D

Accommodation: Mountain Spa Hotel

Day 7 – Hanmer Springs

Leaving the Southern Alps we weave back through the foothills to another local favourite. We head into pine forest for our final riding day, having the option to run a few laps on trails we like as well as tick off one of the best trails in the area. We finish up the day with our farewell dinner before returning to Christchurch. New friends and countless new stories.
Riding Distance: Up to (26km 700m Climb / 960m Descent)
Meals: B, L,D

Accommodation: Hotel (not included)