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great kiwi escape
Across the ditch in search of greatness

Inspired by the Great Vic Bike Ride, Bicycle Network’s search for ‘great escapes’ has led us to some amazing destinations. Most recently, 125 guests and 11 team members went on a majestic journey through Central Australia on the Great Outback Escape.

Now, with red dirt still fresh on our tyres, we’ve set our sights across the ditch in April 2020 for the Great Kiwi Escape – a nine-day premium bike riding experience through the breathtaking South Island of New Zealand.

As far as travel destinations go, everyone knows that New Zealand (like their rugby team) is pretty hard to beat. And as for bike riding destinations… well, it simply doesn’t get much better.

Known as “the Great Rides”, New Zealand is connected by a beautiful network of cycle trails that showcase the very best features of the country – quaint country towns, award-winning local produce, and some of the most breathtaking displays of natural beauty on the planet.

The Great Kiwi Escape explores four carefully selected sections of these trails – Around the Mountains Trail, the Queenstown Trail, the Alps to Ocean Trail, and the Little River Rail Trial.

Starting in Queenstown and ending in Christchurch, the route explores quintessentially-Kiwi lakes, mountains and towns such as Wanaka, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and the iconic Milford Sound.

Go for a digital journey of the route

By bike and bus, we’ll traverse the South Island by day, with plenty of time set aside to relax, refuel and refresh in three to five-star premium accommodation by night. As always, Bicycle Network will provide full on-route and off-route support, including meals, accommodation and bike transport around the island.

It’s the ultimate bike riding escape, with some extra special comforts along the way.

For those who haven’t been on a bike riding holiday before, there is something to be said for exploring a place of natural and cultural beauty on two-wheels, and New Zealand has plenty of both.   

The casual cadence of a bike has you noticing subtle beauties missed from behind the wheel – jumping on and off for a photo or chat as the opportunity arises. The sights and treats are so much sweeter when you feel you’ve earned them.

But it’s not all about the bike. To truly experience the wonders of New Zealand you need to get up close and personal, so the Great Kiwi Escape includes a long list of unique experiences and activities that shouldn’t be missed when visiting the South Island.

A cruise across Lake Wakatipu, a ticket to ride the Skyline Queenstown gondola, journeying deep in the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, a guided cruise through Milford Sound, short hikes through Hooker Valley and Tasman Glacier, entry to Tekapo Springs spa and hot pools, and traditional Maori Hongi and Haka experiences – the Great Kiwi Escape has it all.

Learn more about our upcoming escape to 'the land of the long white cloud'.

Great Kiwi escape

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