Day 1 – Wednesday 10 March 2027

Arrive Queenstown

We suggest you arrive mid to late morning. We'll meet you at the airport and transfer you to our hotel. Let’s put the bikes together this afternoon and head out for a short spin (about 3pm). There will be support vehicles close by to catch up with those first day mechanicals. Today's ride is only 30km. We'll build things up slowly as the tour goes on. The ride is on the Queenstown Trail to the Old Shotover Bridge and back.

If there's time, we'll pop into a local craft brewery for a beer on the way back into town. Rude not to as we ride right past their brewery which is on the trail.

A bit about the bikes. This trip is suitable for MTB e-bikes, MTBs and also gravel bikes. We have bikes for hire. The terrain we’re covering is 80% gravel roads and cycle trails. 20% paved roads.

Tonight, we'll eat at one of Queenstown’s best restaurants. There will be bubbles. We’ll introduce the team and run through the plan for the next few days.

/ Accommodation – Queenstown Airport Hotel
/ Meals - Welcome dinner

PS, we are happy to arrange accommodation and transfers for those wanting to arrive in Queenstown early. If you are coming from Australia (or beyond) then we certainly recommend this.

Day 2 – Thursday 11 March 2027

Arrowtown and Lake Hayes

We spend the whole day exploring Queenstown’s trail network. They really are the best in the country. Here’s how our day looks....

We ride from our Frankton hotel into Queenstown via the lakeside bike path. It’s only 8km, but it’s time to stop for coffee. We have our favourite café and it’s certainly where the cool kids hang out. (That’s us by the way.)

We then ride to Arrowtown via the brand new Wharehuanui Trail. (Grade 2 which means easy peasy.) Our support vehicles meet us in Arrowtown. We’ll look after the bikes while you go for a wander (and lunch) through town.

This afternoon we head back to Lake Wakatipu via the Queenstown Trail network. It’s a compulsory loop around Lake Hayes which would have to be one of the country’s most photographed lakes. Feel free to go for a swim.

Total distance is around 80km and it’s pretty flat. Except for the hills.

Team Mac – join us for a coffee in Queenstown and then head straight to Arrowtown. There’s a nice walk around the Millbrook Resort. You also catch up with the cyclists at Lake Hayes.

Generally speaking – we like to make life pretty easy for you. All you need to do is sleep, ride, walk, drink and eat. We take care of everything else.

The perfect start to our holiday.

/ Accommodation – Queenstown Airport Hotel
/ Meals – Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner are own arrangements)

Day 3 – Friday 12 March 2027

Day 4 – Saturday 13 March 2027

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand’s treasured natural icons and is internationally recognised as part of the wider UNESCO World Heritage site, Te Wāhipounamu (Place of the Greenstone). It is home to glaciers, alpine ranges and unique flora and fauna that has been in existence since New Zealand was part of the supercontinent Gondwanaland.

When researching this trip there was one ride that surprised us. The Lake2Lake Trail from Te Anau to Manapouri and back is in my opinion the most scenic trail in the South Island. It’s often overlooked.... Not by us.

30km in each direction. We ride through the heart of Fiordland, with lake, riverside and mountain views, native bush, wetlands and generally speaking – stunning scenery. We always head for coffee at the only café in Manapouri. It won’t be the best coffee you’ll have on this trip, but it’s likely that this will be the best scone. They bake them just for us. We ring them in advance. It’s the little things that count.  

We’ve spent a lot of time in Te Anau. There are 5 things that you simply must do. (You will be given a card to tick off.)

• Sandfly Café – have a coffee. Maybe have 2.
• The Fat Duck – buy a Emersons beer.
• Miles Better Pies – have a pie (extra points for steak and mushroom).
• Te Anau Bird Sanctuary – it’s a 10min walk or 2min bike ride. It’s also home to the very rare flightless Takahē. You must see the Takahē in order to tick this one off.
• A swim – yes. Doesn’t need to be a long swim (your hair must get wet).

Local legend says that if you go for a swim in Lake Te Anau then the sandflies will see you as brave and they’ll leave you alone. I suggest you go for a swim at the start of our trip.

Tonight, we dine at the Fat Duck. Our favourite restaurant in Te Anau. We’ve booked 12 months in advance – it’s that good. Boom. We’ll also be joined by 30 or so RH whanau who are here just for the long weekend.

/ Accommodation – Village Inn, Te Anau
/ Meals – Breakfast and Dinner (Lunch is own arrangements)

PS, Team Mac – (and cyclists if you choose) We’ve booked a full day trip for you to Doubtful Sound. Cruise across beautiful Lake Manapouri and over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove where you will board our catamaran for a three-hour cruise taking in the dramatic scenery of Doubtful Sound. Stunning.  

Day 5 – Sunday 14 March 2027

Milford Sound

It's about a 2-hour drive (122km to be precise) to Milford Sound. Let’s not get on the bus. We see this as an ideal opportunity to ride your bike rather than drive. So, after breakfast we ride towards Fiordland National Park.

There are 2 ride distances. Given that tomorrow is a big day, the smart money is on a relaxed, gentle 70km ride to Knobs Flat where a coffee cart and lunch will be waiting (and possibly the odd sandfly). We’ll then drive the last 50km.

Le option # 2.... There’s nothing stopping you riding the whole way. It’s not for the fainthearted as it involves a 10km climb. This won’t scare some of you. Why not maximise your holiday.... The descent from the tunnel down into Piopiotahi would make it all worthwhile.

Team Mac - join us along the way, but we’ve factored in a good walk at Mirror Lake. Geoff, your guide, spends 365 days a year in Fiordland National Park. He’s extremely knowledgeable.

Located within 1.2 million hectares of UNESCO World Heritage - listed national park and at the end of the spectacular Milford Road, Milford Sound Piopiotahi is Fiordland’s jewel in the crown. This will be our start line for tomorrow’s RH Fiordland Classic.

This afternoon (4pm) we board our very own boat. There’s room for 60 RH whanau. There is no better way to soak up the majesty of Milford Sound than to have your own set of wheels. Flexibility is the key. We’ll cruise, park up and cruise some more. Feel free to jump on the kayaks or go for a swim. The Eighth Wonder of the World will be all ours this evening. Let’s crack open some champagne.

We sleep under the watchful eye of Rahotu / Mitre Peak. We were on this boat a couple of years ago and had to put up with pesky dolphins circling our vessel all night. We were also kept awake by the painfully bright stars that make this part of the world famous. I guess we’ll just have to deal with it.

/ Accommodation – Piopiotahi  
/ Meals - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

PS, you keep your Te Anau room while we are away tomorrow night. You only need to take an overnight bag with you.

Day 6 – Monday 15 March 2027

Ride Holidays Fiordland Classic

Well, today is the day. Very exciting. It is without doubt one of the most scenic bike rides in the world. Can't wait to get back there.

We encourage as many of you as possible to ride all the way from Milford Sound to Te Anau - 122km and 1760VM. However, if you prefer not to ride the Milford Mountain then we will run you up to the Homer Tunnel and that will leave you 100km and about 900VM. Plan C is for you to ride from Knobs Flat to Te Anau (65km and relatively flat).

It is a holiday and there is no pressure.... Pick the distance and we’ll make it happen. But remember You only live once. Give it a go!!

Let's talk you through the day. We will be moored reasonably close to where we start riding. It’s literally a case of rolling out of bed, having breakfast, jump on your bike and start riding (uphill).

In previous years the Milford Mountain Classic didn’t start until 1pm. To avoid traffic, we want to get rolling by 7.30am which will mean that we don’t see any of the Te Anau day-trippers. Our goal is for everyone to be through the tunnel by 10am.  

Here's a pretty good description of what you can expect. The 122km ride starts at sea level and for the first 5km it is not much more than a false flat (climbing about 100m) before the road rises sharply. Over the next 14km you climb constantly to about 900m above sea level followed by a 12km decent to the foot of The Divide. The Divide is about a 200VM climb over 2km. The remaining 85-90km is mainly flat or a gentle decent. Ride Holidays will be at the halfway point with a full selection of fuel, epo and anything else you require.

Team Mac – we actually need your help today. It’s a big day on the bike so we are relying on your encouragement. We’re expecting big things. (Are Pom Poms too much to ask?)

This evening, we've booked a local restaurant. Actually, it’s the mighty Moose Tavern and fully part of your Kiwi experience. Abe will jump on the guitar after we’ve had a short prizegiving.

/ Accommodation – Village Inn Te Anau 
/ Meals - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 – Tuesday 16 March 2027

Nevis – High Country Station # 2

The Nevis Valley was first used as a trail route by Maori (Ngai Tahu) people. Early European settlers farmed the valley and in 1862 gold was discovered by miners from the Dunstan goldfield (Central Otago) and the Nokomai goldfield (Southland) in October that year. Efforts to keep the find a secret failed - and so began the Nevis Valley gold rush. Saved by the remoteness of this valley, the remains of numerous stone buildings from the gold mining days offer a fascinating insight into the perseverance and ingenuity of early pioneers. The relics include everything from the cemetery and settlement buildings through to a woolshed and the first ski hut.

Today only the family at Ben Nevis Station occupies the area, so it still feels very isolated. High mountain ranges rise from either side of the valley - to the west the Remarkables and Hector Mountains, and to the east the Old Woman Range. Fed by numerous creeks from the ranges, the Nevis River meanders along the broad valley floor.

We ride from Garston to Cromwell. 90km of pure wild NZ. It’s not an easy ride with almost 1600m of vertical. The high point is Duffers Saddle (Old Women Range) which is 1300m above sea level.

Like on all our rides – we’ll have support vehicles around us at all times. You can pack spare kit, replacement batteries, jackets etc, etc. Safety is our number 1 focus. On every ride we will be keeping a close eye on the weather and won’t be scared to pull the plug. In saying that – March does offer pretty good odds.

Cromwell is our home for the next couple of nights. Originally, we were staying here for just 1 night. We changed that to 2. We felt that we needed a bit of weather insurance for the Nevis.

/ Accommodation – Lake Dunstan Motel
/ Meals included - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 – Wednesday 17 March 2027

Nevis – Back up day…

As mentioned, today is a bit of a bonus day. Flexibility is the key. Here are the possible outcomes.

If the weather was dodgy yesterday, then we’ll do the Nevis today. That would mean – jumping in the vehicles to get to the start and then riding back to the hotel.

Plan B involves an out and back to one of the Central Otago wineries. Internationally celebrated for its exceptional Pinot Noir. Set against a dramatic backdrop of rugged mountains, glacial valleys, and shimmering lakes, the region’s vineyards thrive in a cool continental climate with hot summers and crisp winters. This unique environment, combined with diverse soils and high sunshine hours, produces wines of remarkable intensity, bright fruit character, and elegant structure. Bannockburn is a short bike ride away so hardly a bad way to spend the day.

Plan C – we could actually ride the Dunstan today which would then free up the following day for the Roxburgh Gorge trail.

Plan D – the no ride option could mean a drive to Wanaka for the day. It’s only an hour away.

Team Mac – somewhere along the way, your day will be a winery a walk. Probably the walk first but we will see.

/ Accommodation – Lake Dunstan Motel
/ Meals included – Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner are own arrangements)

Day 9 – Thursday 18 March 2027

Dunstan Trail or Bannockburn Station

There are a few options today. So, let’s run through them.

Lake Dunstan Trail. Let’s go with this – possibly the most popular cycle trail in the country? Maybe, probably!! Let’s hope the café boat is on today. From our hotel to Alex via the Dunstan Trail is exactly 60km but it will take 4 to 5 hours. Technically speaking – this trail is Grade 3.

For those who have already done Dunstan. There’s the Bannockburn High Country Station pass (HCS #3). We ride back towards Nevis but take a left and start to climb up to the clouds. Door to door it’s only 60km but it does offer more challenging riding. Ie, 900VM more challenging.

Anyone’s bottom starting to get sore? Those new to multi day cycle trips need to manage fatigue. Pick your key days and work backwards from that. Very few people can ride every day all day. My other tip is to make sure you keep your Vit C levels high. I have a 1000mg every morning because I know when I’m on tour that I won’t eat a lot of fruit.

Tonight, we stay in Alex. Quite a few of these hotels purely survive because of the trails. A pure example of how cycling in this area has helped many businesses thrive. There are literally hundreds of people that rely on the likes us for their income. Build it and they will come.

Well – we are here!!

/ Accommodation – Alexandra
/ Meals included – Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner are own arrangements)

PS, Team Mac - it would be really easy for us to organise e-bikes for you today. The Lake Dunstan trail is easily achievable. We’ll have guides around you so well worth a try.

Day 10 – Friday 19 March 2027

Danseys Pass.... High Country Station # 4

Door to door we are only talking 100km. Exactly the ton. Danseys is without doubt one of the most scenic remote roads in NZ. Can't wait to get back there. Named after William Heywood Dansey, a North Otago run holder who used the route to move stock, Danseys Pass links Central Otago to the Waitaki District. The unsealed alpine narrow road offers a spectacular vista. Winding through and over the Kakanui mountain range its highest point is 920m (tomorrow’s ride) above sea level.

Our accommodation is the only building that's stood the test of time. Originally named the Pass Hotel (now the Danseys Pass Coach Inn) was built in 1862, with the original stonework constructed by a mason known as "Happy Bill". Bill's remuneration was in beer, and he received one pint for every schist boulder shaped and laid. Legend has it that after a particularly busy day the blithe craftsman fell into an open grave at the cemetery and slept the night away.

Please note that our accommodation is very, very old. Some of you will have shared bathrooms. Others will have one bathroom between 2 rooms. It’s luck of the draw so please be a little open minded when it comes to tonight’s digs.

2 things we can guarantee – your meal tonight will be # 1 for the whole trip. # 2 guarantee – Abram will be on guitar until the small wee hours. (Well, at least until 10pm which is well beyond my bedtime.)

/ Accommodation – Danseys Pass Lodge
/ Meals included – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11 – Saturday 20 March 2027

Danseys Pass and Alps to Ocean

OK, le plan. Which is uncomplicatedly awesome.

Yesterday’s Danseys Road portion was literally the calm before the storm. Today offers the storm!! There are some significant climbs today. Let’s split the day into parts.

Part 1 – We ride from Danseys Pass hotel to the Lavender fields via the Pass which sits at 920m. It’s only 25km this first section but it will take up to 2 hours.

Part 2 – Lavender ice-cream if you feel the need.

Part 3 – We continue riding Danseys all the way through to Duntroon. This is about an extra 30km. Our vehicles will be waiting in Duntroon where there is also coffee.

Part 4 – The last 50km of the Alps to Ocean is the most scenic. You ride water’s edge along Lake Aviemore and Lake Benmore. It really is a spectacular ride. Especially as you finish up at our hotel in Omarama.

120km boom (1400VM). Yes, you can pick and choose sections to ride.

Tonight, we've booked the world famous Omarama hot tubs. Bring your togs!! We'll go late so we can take advantage of the amazing night sky.

/ Accommodation – Heritage Hotel Omarama
/ Meals included - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

PS, lunch is with Kate at Waitaki Braides. She’s lovely but doesn’t suffer fools. Whatever you do.... Don’t tell her that the coffee is taking too long. It could end in violence and we’re not talking about Kate.

Day 12 – Sunday 21 March 2027

Cromwell to Queenstown – Brand new trail!!

6.58am (sunrise) seems reasonably early, however it is our advice that we all pile into the vehicles so we can witness the Omarama Clay cliffs prior to breakfast. You won't regret it.

We jump in the vehicles as the Lindis Pass is simply too busy to ride these days. It’s 110km to Cromwell and the start of our bike ride.

At time of writing – the brand new Kawarau Gorge Trail isn’t actually open. The first cyclists are due through there at the end of 2025. It will take us 30km from Cromwell through to Gibbston Valley and the Gibbston River Trail. It means 100% cycle path from Cromwell to Queenstown.

Gibbston is also known as the 'Valley of Vines’ and also a pretty good spot for us to have lunch. It is Central Otago's premier wine-growing region.

Total distance for today is approx. 70km. 100% of which runs alongside a river so that should give you a fairly good idea on the gradient. The gentle grade means you can soak in every vista. Jagged peaks and crystal clear rivers – surrounded by beautiful vineyards. The perfect end to our time together.

This afternoon, we’ll help pack up the bikes before we sit down together for our last meal. What a wonderful trip it’s been. No doubt a few stories will be told. Let’s raise a glass of Otago Pinot. To great friends and amazing scenery. Cheers.

/ Accommodation – Queenstown Airport Hotel
/ Meals Included – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13 – Monday 22 March 2027