It’s All About The Details

This tour is designed for intermediate to advanced riders. The trails offer a mix of technical sections, flowy single tracks, and challenging climbs. It is not suited for beginner riders. The trails are a mix of technical challenges and longer days in the saddle, with some flow and cross-country-style rides on some days. While the terrain can be demanding, our guides are there to provide support and ensure everyone enjoys the ride.

The heli-biking experience involves strapping bikes securely under the helicopter, which may cause scratches. If you’re concerned about your bike’s condition, consider wrapping it in a foam pad (which we provide) or renting a bike through the Add-Ons tab. The ride itself is exhilarating, offering a thrilling descent in a remote and breathtaking location.

The Old Ghost Road is one of New Zealand’s longest and most rugged singletracks. It requires good technical skills and high fitness levels. Ensure your bike is in excellent condition, and pack layers for changing weather. This trail includes long climbs and technical descents, so be prepared for a challenging ride.

You’ll stay in a variety of accommodations that reflect the unique character of New Zealand’s South Island. These include boutique lodges that offer comfort and charm, as well as a backcountry hut for one night. The backcountry hut provides a rustic yet comfortable experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wilderness. Expect shared sleeping arrangements and communal meals in the backcountry hut and at the sheep station. Other accommodations offer private rooms and modern amenities. We even stay at a private high-country sheep farm that has some of the best views of the Southern Alps and glaciers, and is the highlight of the trip in many cases.

Absolutely! Many of our riders join solo, and our small group sizes ensure a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. You’ll have the opportunity to meet like-minded adventurers and share the experience with new friends. We find that solo travelers often form strong bonds with other group members, making the experience even more enjoyable.

We recommend arriving in Nelson at least a day before the tour starts to ensure you are ready for the ride. This allows time for any last-minute bike adjustments and to recover from your journey. Nelson is a beautiful city with plenty to explore, so arriving early also gives you the chance to enjoy the local sights before the adventure begins.

We recommend packing cycling gear, casual clothing for evenings, a lightweight rain jacket, personal toiletries, and any specialized equipment you might need. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking. It’s important to be prepared for a range of weather conditions, so layering is key. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hydration pack.

New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. If conditions are unsafe for heli-biking or certain rides, we will substitute the experience with an equally exciting alternative. Safety is our top priority, and we’ll ensure your adventure remains unforgettable, regardless of the weather. Our guides are experienced in making adjustments to the itinerary to maximize your experience while keeping safety in mind.

We recommend a full-suspension mountain bike with appropriate gearing for steep climbs and technical descents. Either a trail bike or an enduro bike is suitable, with front suspension of at least 140mm and at least 130mm in the back. 29" wheel size or 27.5" depending on your preference. Your bike should be in excellent condition, with recently serviced brakes, suspension, and drivetrain. If you’re unsure about your bike’s suitability, feel free to contact us for advice or consider renting a high-quality bike through our small rental fleet or our partner bike shops.

Examples of suitable bikes for our NZ MTB Tours are found here:

• https://www.giant-bicycles.com/ca/bikes-reign
• https://www.specialized.com/us/en/shop/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-bikes/stumpjumper

A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking. It’s important to be prepared for a range of weather conditions, so layering is key. We recommend packing cycling gear, casual clothing for evenings, a lightweight rain jacket, personal toiletries, and any specialized equipment you might need. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hydration pack. Riders will need a proper riding daypack (no bum bags, sorry!) as you will be expected to carry a few layers on rides due to the changeable weather and the remote & backcountry alpine rides we do.

Given the intermediate to advanced nature of our tours, it’s important to prepare physically to ensure you can enjoy the riding experience. Focus on building your endurance, strength, and technical riding skills. We recommend regular mountain biking on varied terrain, as well as cross-training activities like running, swimming, or strength training. This preparation will help you handle the longer days in the saddle and the technical trails found on this tour.

• 7 nights of accommodation
• 1 heli-biking experience
• 6 breakfasts
• 6 lunches
• 2 dinners
• Trail fees
• Transportation during the tour
• Services of two experienced MTB guides
• Cooler full of ice-cold brews or beverages after each ride

Additional costs may include pre- and post-trip accommodations, extra snacks or drinks along the way, alcoholic beverages (beyond the included brews), and guide gratuities. We also recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers mountain biking and potential medical emergencies.

We recommend arriving at least a day before the tour starts to ensure you are ready for the ride. This allows time for any last-minute bike adjustments and to recover from your journey before hitting the trails. Nelson is a beautiful part of the world with plenty to explore, so arriving early also gives you the chance to enjoy the local sights before the adventure begins. Some guests like to arrive a few days before and explore the Abel Tasman National Park or nearby highlights of Golden Bay.

You can book the Southern Alps Epic MTB Tour directly through our website. Simply click the “Inquire Now” button to start the booking process. Our team will guide you through the necessary steps, including selecting your preferred dates, providing personal details, and making a secure payment.

This tour is designed for intermediate riders. The trails offer a mix of technical sections, flowy singletracks, and challenging climbs. While the terrain can be demanding, our guides are there to provide support and ensure everyone enjoys the ride.

We recommend a full-suspension mountain bike with appropriate gearing for steep climbs and technical descents. Either a trail bike or an enduro bike is suitable, with front suspension of at least 140mm and at least 130mm in the back. 29" wheel size or 27.5" depending on your preference. Your bike should be in excellent condition, with recently serviced brakes, suspension, and drivetrain. If you’re unsure about your bike’s suitability, feel free to contact us for advice or consider renting a high-quality bike through our small rental fleet or our partner bike shops.

Examples of suitable bikes for our NZ MTB Tours are found here:

• https://www.giant-bicycles.com/ca/bikes-reign
• https://www.specialized.com/us/en/shop/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-bikes/stumpjumper

Yes, solo travelers are more than welcome! Our small group sizes foster a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded riders and share the adventure with new friends.

You’ll stay in a variety of accommodations that reflect the unique character of New Zealand’s South Island. These include boutique lodges that offer comfort and charm, as well as a backcountry hut for one night. The backcountry hut provides a rustic yet comfortable experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wilderness. Expect shared sleeping arrangements and communal meals in the backcountry hut and at the sheep station. Other accommodations offer private rooms and modern amenities. We even stay at a private high-country sheep farm that has some of the best views of the Southern Alps and glaciers, and is the highlight of the trip in many cases.

Given the intermediate to advanced nature of our tours, it’s important to prepare physically to ensure you can enjoy the riding experience. Focus on building your endurance, strength, and technical riding skills. We recommend regular mountain biking on varied terrain, as well as cross-training activities like running, swimming, or strength training. This preparation will help you handle the longer days in the saddle and the technical trails found on this tour.

A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking. It’s important to be prepared for a range of weather conditions, so layering is key. We recommend packing cycling gear, casual clothing for evenings, a lightweight rain jacket, personal toiletries, and any specialized equipment you might need. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hydration pack. Riders will need a proper riding daypack (no bum bags, sorry!) as you will be expected to carry a few layers on rides due to the changeable weather and the remote & backcountry alpine rides we do.

• 5 nights of accommodation
• 4 Breakfasts
• 4 Lunches
• 2 Dinners
• Trail fees
• Transportation during the tour
• Services of experienced MTB guides
• Cooler full of ice-cold brews or beverages after each ride

We recommend arriving in Christchurch at least a day before the tour starts to ensure you are ready to ride on Day 1. The tour ends in Queenstown, and we provide drop-offs at Queenstown Airport or your hotel on the final day. Detailed instructions for getting to the tour start location will be provided upon booking.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is required for all participants. Your insurance should cover mountain biking activities, potential medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and any other unexpected events. We highly recommend securing your insurance as soon as your booking is confirmed.

We offer the option to customize tours for groups or individuals with specific interests or requirements. Whether you’re looking for a private group experience or have specific trails you’d like to ride, we can work with you to create a tailored adventure. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

The maximum group size for the NZ MTB Tour Into The Mystic is 10 participants. This small group size ensures a personalized experience, allowing our guides to provide individual attention and support to each rider.

Our guides are trained in first aid and carry emergency equipment on all rides. We have protocols in place for contacting emergency services, and our guides are familiar with the nearest medical facilities. Your safety is our top priority, and we are well-prepared to handle any situation that may arise.

While we ride in most weather conditions, extreme weather may require us to alter or cancel rides. In such cases, we will provide alternative activities or reschedule rides to ensure your safety. Our guides will keep you informed and ensure that you still have an unforgettable experience.

Given the intermediate to advanced nature of our tours, it’s important to prepare physically to ensure you can enjoy the riding experience. Focus on building your endurance, strength, and technical riding skills. We recommend regular mountain biking on varied terrain, as well as cross-training activities like running, swimming, or strength training. This preparation will help you handle the longer days in the saddle and the technical trails found on this tour.

We recommend a full-suspension mountain bike with appropriate gearing for steep climbs and technical descents. Either a trail bike or an enduro bike is suitable, with front suspension of at least 140mm and at least 130mm in the back. 29" wheel size or 27.5" depending on your preference. Your bike should be in excellent condition, with recently serviced brakes, suspension, and drivetrain. If you’re unsure about your bike’s suitability, feel free to contact us for advice or consider renting a high-quality bike through our small rental fleet or our partner bike shops.

Examples of suitable bikes for our NZ MTB Tours are found here:

• https://www.giant-bicycles.com/ca/bikes-reign
• https://www.specialized.com/us/en/shop/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-bikes/stumpjumper

Yes, we offer high-quality rental bikes through our trusted partners. Rental options are available during the booking process, and our team can help you choose the right bike for your tour.

Each tour includes accommodation, meals, guided rides, transportation during the tour, and any specified activities like heli-biking. Specific inclusions are listed on each tour page.

We recommend packing cycling gear, casual clothing for evenings, a lightweight rain jacket, personal toiletries, and any specialized equipment you might need. A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.

Yes, we require all participants to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers mountain biking and potential medical emergencies.

New Zealand's weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. We adapt our itineraries to ensure safety while still providing an unforgettable experience. This might include changing routes or postponing activities.

The maximum group size varies by tour but generally ranges from 8 to 10 participants. This ensures a personalized experience and allows our guides to provide individual attention.

Yes, we can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences. Please notify us of any special dietary needs during the booking process.

We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak season tours, to secure your spot. Our tours are popular, and spaces can fill up quickly.

Our cancellation policy is detailed in the booking terms and conditions. We recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for cancellations.

While we welcome riders of all ages, participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Some tours may have specific age requirements due to the level of difficulty.

Detailed instructions for getting to the tour start location are provided upon booking. We offer pickup services from nearby airports or hotels as specified in the tour details.

Yes, we offer customized tours for groups or individuals with specific interests or requirements. Contact us to discuss your needs, and we’ll work with you to create a tailored experience.

Any necessary permits or passes are included in the tour package. If additional documentation is required, we will inform you well in advance.