Journey Into the Mystic: An Unforgettable New Zealand MTB Adventure

G’day and welcome to New Zealand’s singletrack heaven! After a morning pick-up in Christchurch, we’ll allocate rental bikes and help with any bike maintenance before heading out to the foothills of the Southern Alps.

Our first ride is the Wharfedale Track, a lesser-known gem offering singletrack through beautiful native beech forest, roots, and stream crossings. We can choose to ride this as a greater loop or and up and back. This is a wonderful welcome ride to the beauty of NZ's Native Forests mixed with some technical terrain and lovely flow all in one.

Tonight, your guides will go over the next 5 days of riding and adventure.

Today we’ll get back in the saddle for more epic riding in the rugged terrain of The Craigieburn Forests. This area is a favorite for hikers, skiers, climbers, and riders. It offers a netowkr of connecting singletracks making it a super fun day out!

The ride starts with a gravel road uphill to the bottom of Craigieburn Ski Field, followed by a descent on "The Luge" and great undulating terrain on the Dracophyllum and Hogsback Tracks. You'll enjoy memorable alpine views , crystal clear stream crossings and fairytale like native forests.

These trails offer a mix of flowy singletrack and technical descents, providing a full day of mountain biking excitement.

Waking to the beauty of the Mackenzie Country, we’ll enjoy rides in some of the most scenic vistas in the South Island. The rides offer rockier style trails with wide open skies. Flow through native tussock country with incredible views of Lake Tekapo and its nearby glaciers. We’ll then move onto a secret sheep singletrack which takes place on a private sheep station with some of the best views of Mt Cook and Lake Pukaki. Your guides have spent some super fun hours creating a scenic ride through this pirvate land, weaving through lateral moraines and sheep country at its finest.

Tonight, we stay in a converted shearer’s quarters with views to die for. This day is all about exploring the remote backcountry and soaking in the serenity of New Zealand’s alpine landscapes.

After leaving the breathtaking Mackenzie region, we’ll drive to Central Otago, known for semi-desert landscapes and amazing Pinot Noirs.

We’ll spend the afternoon riding fast, flowing singletrack made by a keen local mountain bike community. Theres a wonderful network of rocky trails here, weaving in and out of moon shaped rocks and aired dry landscapes.

After riding, we’ll enjoy wine tastings at local vineyards, offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Good morning! After a delicous flat white coffee or two, we're off to drive to Queenstown the famous adventure capital, and also home to some great mountain biking. We've chosen to explore some of our favourite rides linking up a mulitude of singletracks around the Coronet Peak area. Starting with a valley floor climb trail, we'll ascend up to Skippers Saddle, before making a very fun tight backcountry descent into Skippers Canyon. Riding back up out of the Canyon, we'll connect up to the summit of Coronet Peak trails and descend the ultra famous flowey Rude Rock trail. Then we connect onto a water race to a super fun adventure ride of Bush Creek, all the way to Arrowtown for a well deserved cold bevie.

The rides around this area offer a full day of exploration and smiles in the saddle. This afternoon, for those still feeling like there's fuel in the tank, there heaps more riding around the shores of Lake Wakatipu, your guide will happily show you around.

This evening is our farewll dinner together, as we relive the last 5 days of epic singletrack through New Zealnd's stunning Southern Alps.

After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and offer drop-offs at Queenstown Airport or your hotel by 10:30 am. This marks the end of an incredible journey through some of New Zealand’s best mountain biking trails and secret gems!

• 5 Nights Accommodation: Comfortable and unique accommodations ranging from boutique lodges to a converted shearer’s quarters.
• 5 Days of Riding: Expertly guided rides through New Zealand’s best MTB trails.
• Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 1 Dinner, and daily snacks.
• Wine Tasting: A special wine tasting experience in Central Otago.
• Transportation: Safe and comfortable transportation in a custom bike trailer and vehicle.
• Trail Fees: All trail fees and concessions are included.
• Guides: Experienced and passionate MTB guides who know the trails inside out.
• Cold Beverage After Each Ride: Celebrate each day’s ride with a cold beer or refreshment.

• Pre-trip & post-trip accommodations (day 0, day 6)
• Extra snacks, coffees, drinks along the way
• Alcoholic beverages
• Guide gratuities

On the Into The Mystic MTB Tour, your accommodations are as diverse and unique as the landscapes you'll be riding through. Each night, you'll rest in comfortable lodgings that reflect the authentic charm of New Zealand’s South Island. From cozy, character-filled lodges nestled in the mountains to quaint boutique stays near crystal-clear lakes, each location has been carefully selected to provide you with a warm and inviting retreat after a day on the trails. Whether it’s a stay in the stunning wine country of Central Otago or a night in a peaceful alpine village, you'll enjoy a perfect blend of comfort, Kiwi hospitality, and spectacular surroundings.

New Zealand’s weather is as varied as its landscapes, particularly in the Southern Alps. During the MTB season from December to April, you can expect:

Summer (December to February):
Warm days with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The weather is generally stable, but it’s not uncommon to experience sudden changes, particularly in alpine regions. Afternoon showers can occur, so packing a light rain jacket is essential.

Autumn (March to April):
Cooler mornings and evenings, with daytime temperatures between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The weather remains mostly clear, but you might encounter the occasional shower or cooler winds as the season transitions. Autumn is also a great time to enjoy the changing colors of the landscape.

Alpine Conditions:
Higher elevations can experience cooler temperatures and more unpredictable weather year-round. Be prepared for chilly winds and potential snow at higher altitudes, even in summer.

It's important to be prepared for all types of weather during your ride. Layering is key, as conditions can change rapidly, especially in mountainous areas. Our guides will keep you informed about the forecast, but having the right gear is essential to staying comfortable and safe.

The Into The Mystic MTB Tour is designed for intermediate riders with a good level of fitness and a passion for adventure. You should be comfortable with sustained climbs, technical descents, and riding for multiple hours each day. This tour covers a variety of terrains, from flowy singletracks to more challenging alpine trails, so building up your endurance and strength before the trip is essential. With some days covering significant distances and varying altitudes, this tour will challenge and reward you with some of the best mountain biking New Zealand has to offer. Whether you’re climbing through rugged terrain or cruising down scenic descents, your physical preparation will ensure you get the most out of this incredible experience.

every rider. From the rolling hills of the Craigieburn Range to the technical singletracks of the Queenstown area, this tour showcases New Zealand’s stunning landscapes. You’ll experience everything from smooth, flowy trails through alpine meadows to rocky, technical descents that test your skills. The iconic Craigieburn Forest and trails around Lake Tekapo provide breathtaking alpine views, while the rugged terrain near Alexandra offers the unique experience of riding through wild thyme and moon rock formations. The trails are as varied as the scenery, ensuring an unforgettable ride through New Zealand’s backcountry wonders.