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.
By spending your second night in Hokitika, you have the opportunity to enjoy the beach, visit other local attractions and dine at the many restaurants and cafes on offer.
When shuttling between the trail sections and Hokitika you will also have the opportunity to interact 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. 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 either at Scenic Waterways, which is approx. 5km before Hokitika, or in the Hokitika township itself depending on your choice of package and availability at the time of booking.
Day 2 - Visit Hokitika Gorge & Cycle Dorothy Falls to Hokitika (30km)
From Hokitika, our shuttle takes you out to the beautiful Hokitika Gorge, one of the scenic highlights on the West Coast. The stunning turquoise waters are a photographers dream and the Podocarp bush walk to the swing bridges is not to be missed. Eventually we return to the shuttle and continue through the quiet back roads before the road climbs to find the beautiful Lake Kaniere, nestled in rainforest surroundings.
At Dorothy Falls we’ll unload the bikes and your cycling for the day begins. From Dorothy Falls via Hans Bay, the ride continues until you arrive at the outlet of Lake Kaniere and the start of the beautiful single-track Kaniere waterway trail.
Heading towards Hokitika, you will follow the Kaniere water race, which was built in 1875 to supply water for sluicing the Kanieregoldfields.
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.
Stay the night in Hokitika. Make sure you head down to Sunset Point to catch the last rays of light for the evening!
Day 3 - Cycle Canoe Cove to Kumara (49km)
This morning our shuttle driver will take you on the short drive to Canoe Cove, on the edge of Lake Kaniere. From here you will continue on the cycle trail and gently ride the zigzags up through Milltown.
Today 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 a welcome appearance today so take the time to snap some photos. Enjoy a cup of billy tea and a chat with friendly West Coasters at Trappers Rest, a wilderness camp situated at the old Kawhaka Settlement, before cycling alongside the Kawhaka Canal.
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 gold mining boom of the 1870’s, New Zealand’s last big gold rush of the 19th century.
Day 4 - Cycle Kumara to Greymouth (28km)
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 (optional liquid Gold).
Finish in Greymouth.
The TranzAlpine Train is a great way to end your holiday on the West Coast. Departing Greymouth at 2.05pm, the train journey traverses the Southern Alps from Greymouth to Christchurch. Contact the Cycle Journeys reservations team if you would like to include the train tickets in your booking.
