Funk it Up
Grade 2-3 (beginner)
53km
Kiwi Journeys are excited to release the new ‘Funk It Up’ two-night package. We have taken our Best of the west tour and bundled it with two nights of accommodation at the beautiful Old Bank Villa in Hokitika.
Itinerary
Stay in a turn of the century villa in Hokitika’s CBD, handily located only 50 meters from our base. This place is positively oozing with art and history. Your creative cup will be overflowing staying here!
The villa has been thoughtfully and artistically restored. Modern handmade stained-glass windows, unique furniture and original artworks elevate this historic bank manager’s home in central Hokitika. The building is split into two large, self-contained, two-bedroom apartments with hotel quality linen on king and queen beds.
Surrounded by a stunning verandah, this will be your home away from home.
If you wish to self-cater, both apartments have full kitchens.
Check-in is from 3.00pm.
This is a great evening to take our optional extra - the Scenic Waterways boat cruise. This 90 minute cruise departs at 5pm, and you can bring your dinner from town to enjoy with the sunset.
As the name suggests, “Best of the West”, this one-day tour gives you the best on offer. It is a journey that takes you from the Kawhaka Canal, through native bush, alongside pristine waterways, surrounded by mountains and it is the gift that keeps giving. A full day of enjoyment is on offer.
Be at our base at 73 Revell Street by 9.45am. We will do a bike fit and trail briefing before departing to the Kawhaka Canal. This is a big day out and there are no shops or cafes along the way – please bring your packed lunch.
The drive through farmland out to the Kawhaka Canal takes 30 minutes. From here you get to ride alongside the canal before starting the climb up to the Kawhaka Pass. Keep an ear out up here for the juvenile Kea.
Carry on alongside waterways before descending through spectacular native bush and over a swing bridge which is a “must” photo stop.
More descending through stunning bush in to the Arahura River valley. Here you meander along the road before climbing back up out of the valley and then arriving at Lake Kaniere. You may choose to stop here for a swim.
Lake Kaniere is 8km long and 195m deep, home to towering kahikatea trees and wonderful birdlife.
Once you leave Lake Kaniere you are in for a real treat (and it’s predominately downhill)! Enter another stand of native bush and meander along the historic Kaniere Water Race (hand-dug in 1875), Hokitika’s water supply. This is amazing! Kaniere Tram Road will take you out of the wop-wops and all the way to Hokitika and back to Kiwi Journeys depot. You may like to browse the art and craft shops and most importantly, cafés and restaurants for afternoon tea or a nice cold ale.
Day 3: Old Bank Villa and Hokitika
Enjoy your second night at the Old Bank Villa after your day of riding.
Check out is at 10.00am, giving you time rest your legs, and and then get set for a morning in Hokitika, or journey to your next destination!
This is a great day to take Pounamu Carving - create something to remember the trip by!
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NZD $410 per person (2 pax)
NZD $270 per person (4 pax)
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Bike hire, helmet, repair kit & pump
Kiwi Journeys Water Bottle
Transport: Hokitika to Kawhaka Canal
Two nights’ accommodation at the Old Bank Villa
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12 Months
Subject to availability
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E-Bike upgrade: $60 per person
Scenic Waterways boat cruise: $70 per person
Carve your own pounamu (Jade) necklace – $190 to $240 depending on level of difficulty; 2 – 6 hours
