West Coast Gold Overview
On our West Coast Gold trip, you will discover historic gold-mining town, wild native bush, and rugged coastlines, while taking in awe-inspiring vistas of the Southern Alps along the way.
This itinerary is recommended for families and those that would prefer to spend more time enjoying Hokitika and the West Coast community. By spending your second night in Hokitika, you have the opportunity to enjoy the beach, visit other local attractions and choose from the various restaurants and cafes on offer.
When shuttling between Milltown and Hokitika you will also have the opportunity to spend more time interacting with our friendly local shuttle drivers and hear some amazing stories about the area.
We will move your luggage, find the best-suited accommodation and take care of all the hard bits, so check out the itinerary below and make your next cycling holiday the best yet!
West Coast Gold Itinerary
Day 1 - Cycle Ross to Hokitika (33km)
Your trip starts from the town of Hokitika, considered the hub of the Wilderness Trail, and easy to fly to from Christchurch. From Hokitika we will drop your luggage off to your accommodation, and continue on to the historic gold mining village of Ross to start your first ride on the trail. If you have time, you may want to try your hand at some gold panning before you set off on your bike.
From Ross, you will cycle over the Totara River, and along the Ross Ruatapu Railway line, taking in incredible views of the mighty Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.
You will then cycle through wetlands and native bush before giving the bikes a rest at the Treetop Walkway. Here, you can experience the native forest, birdsong and views of Lake Mahinapua by foot from the heights of a tree canopy.
Accommodation tonight is at Scenic Waterways, which is approx. 3km before Hokitika. From your boutique accommodation you will have views of the Southern Alps and the native fauna of the Mahinapua waterway that meanders through the property.
Day 2 - Cycle Milltown to Hokitika (36km)
After breakfast, our shuttle driver will pick you up and take you out to Milltown for the start of todays ride. The advantage of shuttling out to Milltown in the morning is that you can enjoy your day cycling at your own pace and not feel any time pressure to meet a shuttle in the afternoon.
The trail will take you through the rugged native bush tracks and open farmland that parallels the Arahura River. You will soon find yourself at the glistening shoreline of the 195m deep Lake Kaniere, a great spot for a picnic stop.
Heading towards Hokitika, you will follow the Kaniere water race, which was built in 1875 to supply water for sluicing the Kaniere goldfields.
From here you will cycle through lush native forest and along the historic Kaniere Tram Road, taking in some breathtaking views of the Hokitika River before making your way into Hokitika.
Make sure you head down to Sunset Point to catch the last rays of light for the evening!
Day 3 - Cycle Milltown to Kumara (36km)
This morning our shuttle driver will once again pick you up and drive you out to Milltown. Cycling in the opposite direction to yesterday, you will ride the zigzags up from Milltown to and through Cowboy Paradise.
Beyond Cowboy Paradise, you will continue through pristine bushland, and take in the stunning views of the creek below as you cycle across the Macpherson Swing Bridge.
The Southern Alps make another welcome appearance today so take the time to snap some photos. Smooth sweeping boardwalk and bush trail take you along important historic links to the goldfields of Stafford and Goldsborough, and finally into Kumara.
Stay the night in accommodation that pays homage to the era of the height of the Kumara goldmining boom of the 1870’s. New Zealand’s last big gold rush of the 19th century.
Day 4 - Cycle Kumara to Greymouth (28km)
Breakfast is provided this morning. The last ride of the trip rewards you with flawless views of the Taramakau River before making the journey to the Tasman Sea alongside coastal sand dunes and lagoons.
One last ride along the Grey River will take you into Greymouth, just in time for a celebratory lunch at Monteith’s Brewery in Greymouth (optional liquid Gold).
Finish in Greymouth.
The TranzAlpine Train is a great way to end your holiday on the West Coast. The train journey traverses the Southern Alps on the way from Greymouth to Christchurch. Contact the Cycle Journeys reservations team if you would like to include the train tickets in your booking.
