H+I Adventures, specialists in cultural mountain biking trips, is now touring New Zealand by bike! New Zealand is one of the world’s most naturally beautiful countries, with snow-clad mountains, towering glaciers, relaxing hot springs and unspoiled coastline. The South Island is a haven for adventure travellers especially and boasts a rich cultural history, making it the perfect destination for H+I to sink its wheels into. The thirteen-day trip debuted January 25th, 2016 and we think it would be a perfect family getaway.
The mountain biking journey begins in the garden city of Christchurch and wraps up in the mountain biking mecca of Queenstown. Intermediate riders will tackle the region’s best single and double tracks, exploring the backcountry with H+I’s expert local guide. Off the bike, travellers immerse themselves in New Zealand’s top cultural destinations like Kaikoura, Hanmer, Ghost Lake, Craigieburn and Wanaka.
“Travellers on our newest mountain biking holiday will storm the South Island and discover the local’s favourite trails and wilderness escapes,” says Euan Wilson, H+I Adventures Director. “We’ve custom designed the trip with our Kiwi guides to feature the country’s best riding spots and some South Island secrets that are not to be missed both on and off the bike.”
From breakfast to bedtime, mountain bikers venture deep into diverse island ecosystems, exploring rainforests, African-esque plains, glaciated valleys and volcanic landscapes. After conquering the day’s trails, travellers reward themselves with a hot springs soak, or cool off in the salty waters of the South Pacific and nearby freshwater lakes. Accommodations include comfortable boutique hotels, farm stations, and peaceful mountain huts that are so remote the luggage is helicoptered in.
Additional trip highlights include:
- Whale and dolphin watching in Kaikoura
- Hot springs visit in Hanmer
- Hiking Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, to view the glaciers
- Riding along the ridge of Mount Pisa, with a 1700m descent
- Local meal of fresh seafood and craft beers in Kaikoura
For more information about H+I’s New Zealand adventure, visit mountainbikeworldwide.com