Wilderness Express
Grade 1-3 (beginner) 132km
From NZD$575 per person
This is for the people where it is all about the biking. You will either need a big battery or strong legs for this option! Big on energy, short on time. Self-guided and independent cycling.
Ride the trail without the complications of car shuttles, luggage transfers and accommodation bookings. Let us do the organising and you do the biking.
This tour is perfect for a long weekend.
Itinerary
You will need to be in Hokitika by 12.00pm.
Begin your adventure by cycling south from Hokitika. Cross the Hokitika River bridge and ride alongside the lush golf course before entering the captivating Kohaihai Forest. This enchanting forest is renowned for its lush, ancient trees, including towering kahikatea and totara, which create a dense and serene canopy. Glide over boardwalks, traverse wetlands, and follow the historic Mahinapua Tramline. Built in 1911 to transport timber from the West Coast’s dense forests to Hokitika, this tramline was crucial to the region's early logging industry. As you ride along its remnants, you’ll experience the area's natural beauty and rich industrial history.
You’ll then encounter a short stretch of sealed road, leading you to the Treetops Walkway.
Optional Extra: Here, take a break from cycling to explore the elevated walkways. Spend at least an hour soaking in the sights and sounds of the native forest, listen to the vibrant birdlife, and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Mahinapua from the treetop canopy. It’s also the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch surrounded by nature.
Afterward, retrace your route through the Kohaihai forest and return to your comfortable accommodation in Hokitika for a restful evening.
Head out of Hokitika, along beside the river and the Kaniere Tram Road before heading off into the native bush. You will then pop back out on to the road for approximately 4kms. You will then reach the turn off at Hurunui Jacks which will lead you into a fabulous track through the forest.
Enter another stand of native bush and meander along the historic Kaniere Water Race (hand-dug in 1875), Hokitika’ s water supply.
You will then arrive at the beautiful Lake Kaniere. Lake Kaniere is 8km long and 195m deep, home to towering kahikatea trees and wonderful birdlife.
Turn off at Milltown Road and follow this road for 10kms as it leads you up the stunning Arahura Valley and over the pristine waters of the Arahura River.
Today you have a short climb up to 300 meters at the Kawhaka Pass before the long descent in to Kumara.
The Southern Alps make another welcome appearance today so take the time to snap some photos.
From here, smooth sweeping boardwalk and bush trail will take you down into Kumara.
Accommodation will be in quality, ensuite rooms at the Theatre Royal, and we will transfer your bags to your accommodation.
Hop on your bikes and head to the coast! 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. The ride along the Grey River will take you into Greymouth. You will have plenty of time to have lunche at the many Greymouth choices. Kiwi Journeys will meet you at the end of the trail at approximately 12.00pm to collect your bikes and give you your bags.
We will then shuttle you back to your car in Hokitika.
-
$575 pp, own bike
$650 pp, including standard bike rental
$830 pp, including electric bike rental
All rates are based on twin share
Rates are valid until May 31, 2025.
-
All West Coast accommodation (2 nights)
All luggage transfers (1 bag per person,15 kgs maximum).
Shuttle Greymouth to Hokitika on Day 3.
All breakfasts (2)
Detailed Kiwi Journeys wallet with maps and information
All bike relocation
West Coast Tree Top Walkway experience.
Car storage at our base (if space is available)
-
12 months of the year. (Subject to availability)
Start dates are flexible - our Reservations staff will work with you to create an itinerary for your preferred dates (dependent on accommodation availability)
-
Scenic Boat Cruise - $70pp (4 people minimum)
