Backcountry Freedom Cycle Tour (4 days)

This shorter, unguided, back country cycling tour is suitable for all cyclists, perfect for family long weekends or limited stay visitors to Christchurch.  You cycle, we carry your bags.  No groups unless you bring your own. Enjoy rural bed and breakfast accommodation.  Includes the world famous TranzAlpine Express scenic train ride.

Route:	Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - Lake Coleridge - Christchurch
Itinerary:	DAY 1: Christchurch - Arthur's Pass - High Country Sheep Station Your journey starts from Christchurch where you board the Tranz Alpine train for a world class rail excursion into the Southern Alps. From the train and onto the bike in the pretty alpine village of Arthur's Pass and cycle through the colourful lupins to the Waimakariri River bed. An independent New Zealand cycle tour that travels through the Arthur's Pass National Park to a High Country Station Lodge for dinner, bed & breakfast .  Cycling 41km. (26 miles)  DAY 2: High Country Sheep Station  - Lake Coleridge The day starts in mountain scenery that has featured in many movies (e.g. The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe). Cycle between the ranges of the Southern Alps, past the local ski-fields and have lunch beside a lake. From here you leave the main road to go backcountry through to another deep blue lake and finish in a small lakeside village. The day finishes in style with some mini golf and perhaps a garden bath under the stars. Dinner, bed and breakfast. Cycling 52km.  (32 miles) DAY 3: Lake Coleridge - Farmstay Heading back out onto the Canterbury Plains the road gently winds around past our new golf resort, Terrace Downs where you can stop for a cappuccino or 9 holes, and out to the farmland of the Selwyn district. Arriving at tonight's farmstay, there is a lot to see and learn about the farm and the animals. Dinner, bed and breakfast. Cycling 60km.  (37 miles) DAY 4: Farmstay - Christchurch The final day is an easy ride back into the Garden City. Christchurch now has many cycle lanes so you can explore the city for the afternoon. Your accommodation is in a centrally located, cyclist friendly B&B, with restaurants and shops within walking distance. Cycling 60km.  (37 miles) OPTION 2 Our vehicle will take you to a town on the outskirts of Christchurch, and from there you can cycle the Port Hills behind Christchurch where the views are spectacular from the mountains to the sea. Alternatively you can be driven to the top of the hills and ride the Summit Road. Cycling 65km  (40 miles)
Meals:	The remote locations of your accommodation mean that all meals are included starting with lunch on Day 1.
Price:   Included:	NZ $1492 per person (twin share/double) NZ $229 single supplement Valid 1-10-09 to 30-05-2010* 5%DISCOUNT FOR 3 OR MORE PEOPLE BOOKING TOGETHER **FOR MORE THAN 10 ONE PERSON GOES FREE  4 nights accommodation and all meals (as specified) TranzAlpine Train Journey Luggage and support vehicle Bike hire and accessories, Christchurch Airport transfer Maps and cellphone for emergency use. NO FRILLS OPTION: No transfers, no bike hire, no choice day 4, 4days, 3 nights, a 'do-it-yourselfer'. 3 nights, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, train fare, luggage carried. Dble NZ$888 per person, Sgle $1059, Discount for groups