christchurch & the west coast
Inside the Episode
The South Island beacons, with Vandy and Deetz taking the Bluebridge ferry across the Cook Strait - a stunning journey and so advantageous to be able to take their vehicle and bikes over with them. They start their Trail Towns adventure in Christchurch, a city that is a true bike rider’s paradise. The Port Hills offer a utopia of single track 15 minutes from downtown, the MTB park adds gravity fun and the city itself has almost endless trails weaving throughout, filled with art, culture cafes and restaurants. Naturally, Vandy and Deetz quickly designate Christchurch as a legit trail town. Then, the wild West Coast. After taking the ridiculously beautiful TranzAlpine train, Vandy and Deetz discover Hokitika and ride an unforgettable section of the new Wilderness Trail, finding out why this part of New Zealand is so unique.
Meet the Locals
Anna Bristow, local rider
David Brennan, Waka on Avon
Johnny Schwass, Christchurch local
Liv Sissons, Christchurch local
Anne Newman, Christchurch local
Samson Stewart & Maximus Perry, 5th Street
Anton Matthews, Christchurch local
Katene Campbell, pounamu carver
EAT
EAT
table at monks
A great cafe in the heart of Christchurch with delicious coffee and a wide variety of food offerings.
EAT
5th street
If you go out for one evening meal in Christchurch, let it be 5th Street. All local produce with a menu that changes every three weeks, the food is delicious.
EAT
stella cafe
Enjoy dining alfresco as you take in the action on the main street of Hokitika. Cafe owner Rachael is a superstar and you know you’ll get a great feed here!
stay
STAY
Hokitika boutique fire station
This converted old fire station is a great place to book out, especially for a family.
STAY
rydges latimer christchurch
Central, spacious and with great service. This hotel is situated in the heart of the city, right next to the Avon River Trail.
play
PLAY
waka on avon
You can journey through the heart of Christchurch on the Avon River, while learning how to paddle a waka, the haka and other Māori traditions.
PLAY
bonz n stonz
The West Coast is famous for pounamu and at Bonz ‘N’ Stonz you can carve your own. This was a highlight and our guide Katene was an absolute legend.
PLAY
west coast treetop walk
This is a great way to truly embrace the forest of this region. Walk along the steel platform 20 metres high, right in the tree tops, to enjoy the forest from a unique perspective.
ride
RIDE
PORT HILLS
An absolute must when in Christchurch is riding the Port Hills. Countless kilometres of single track roll all over these grass swept mounds that tower above the city, perfect for e-MTBs. Expect breathtaking 360 degree views, easy access to Christchurch Adventure Park and uncontrollable laughter from the amount of fun you'll have. Grade 2 - 4.
RIDE
west coast wilderness trail
A truly jaw-droppingly beautiful roll through cold climate forests, over old rail bridges, past glorious lakes, along old gold mining water races and passing through some of the coolest little towns in NZ, like Hokitika. Link it up with the TranzAlpine for the total experience. Grade 1 - 2.
RIDE
christchurch adventure park
Doesn't every city have a gondola-girdled flow MTB park with heaps of vertical, grippy dirt, countless trail options with perfectly sculpted berms, jumps and progression and a banging cafe - all just 15 minutes from the CBD? No! Only Christchurch! Grade 2 - 5.
Check out our interactive map to learn more about where we went in this episode of Trail Towns.
Make sure to let us know if you replicate this adventure via social media!
This episode is sponsored by
Explore Other Episodes
Episode Three: Lake Taupō
Episode Five: Timaru and the Alps 2 Ocean
Episode Two: The Hauraki Rail Trail and Rotorua
Episode One: The Beginning
Episode Four: Christchurch & The West Coast
Episode Six: Queenstown & Wānaka