Historical Cycling International invites the out-of-doors enthusiast to join us in the South Pacific on a breathtaking exploration of New Zealand. For 10 spectacular days we'll discover on two wheels, on foot and kayak New Zealand's spectacular and unspoiled South Island. As part of our eco-tour adventure we'll pedal traffic-free through rolling countryside, apple orchids, vineyards and sheep farms; hike majestic forests, wander pristine beaches and kayak crystal fresh waters with breathtaking views of snow-capped Alpine peaks and thundering waterfalls. In Wellington, we'll explore one of the world's most remote Jewish communities. Visitors to the city will be surprised to find two synagogues, a Jewish kindergarten and day school, a kosher food shop, a wide range of active communal activities and a modern community center. Our accommodations will reveal genuine Kiwi hospitality par excellence and dramatic locations nestled in New Zealand's most beautiful and natural settings. .

Days 1: Queenstown
Afternoon rendezvous and welcome orientation at our hotel in Queenstown. A member of the Queenstown Jewish community will join us for a discussion on the contemporary community and local Jewish history. Following an extensive early evening city walk we'll get to know each other in the pleasant surroundings of our favorite local restaurant. Accommodations for the first two evenings are at the Heritage Queenstown where ambience, warmth and charm of a European-style alpine lodge blends perfectly with the sophistication and comfort of spacious, contemporary suite style living.

Day 2: Queenstown
Queenstown the outdoor adventure capital of the world! After breakfast, we'll set out on a 2-3 hour hike into the surrounding mountains. Take the Gondola ride to the Skyline restaurant with spectacular city views. In the afternoon, join us on a white water river rafting adventure. Other options include a lake cruise aboard the historic steamship Earnslaw, jet boating on the Shotover river, Bungee jumping, paragliding, or a visit to the Kiwi house at the base of the Gondola to see New Zealand's national icon.

Day 3: Queenstown-Wanaka
An early morning visit to Arrowtown, an idyllic gold town with its lovely tree-lined streets and fascination shops, is followed by our first bike ride over the Crown Range. Enjoy fabulous views back over the Arrow basin toward Queenstown and Lake Hayes. From the Cardrona Saddle there is a great downhill into the Cardrona Valley. On your left you will pass the historic Cardrona Hotel, a relic from the gold prospecting days of the late 1800's and a worthy stop to imbibe some liquid refreshments. The final ride is along a gentle downward sloping road to Wanaka. Accommodations on the shores of Lake Wanaka boast wonderful views of the picturesque lake and mountains from your private balcony

Day 4: Wanaka-Makarora
When you reflect back in the evening about where you started this morning, you may find it hard to believe that in the short distance we have covered by bike, the landscape could change so much. Today's ride will guide you through the hill country along Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. As you travel the vegetation becomes denser until shortly before Makarora you become submerged in the dense rainforest on the boundary of the Mount Aspiring National Park. Our rustic A-framed lodgings are nestled in a picturesque setting and the 20 minutes nature walk behind the Tourist Park will enthrall you.

Day 5: Makarora- Fox Glacier
A great day pedaling through dense rain forest and past 100 small rivers and waterfalls. We travel to the summit of the Haast Pass (563 m/1700 ft) and from there begins our delightful 37 mile ride along the Haast River to the Sea. We are guests in one of the newest and greatest National Parks in the world. Virtually undisturbed, this jewel of nature is protected as an international "World Heritage Park" by the United Nations. After a stop at the Visitors Center of Haast, we continue on to our destination, the small village of Fox Glacier, at the foot of the glacier with the same name. The walk to the glacier terminal, which is almost at sea level, is an afternoon experience.


Day 6: Fox Glacier-Punakaika
Our leisurely morning ride leaves us with plenty of time for a walk around Lake Matheson. On a clear and windless day the peaks of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman mirror beautifully in the lake. Join us on a 1½-hour walk to the Franz Josef Glacier. The Punakailaki Rocks hotel is a newly designed eco-tourism property situated immediately adjacent to the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes. The Hotel takes full advantage of the commanding setting overlooking the beach with expansive views across the Tasman Sea and South to Mount Cook.

Day 7: Punakaiki-Kaiteriteri
Variety is the theme for today. Starting on the coast you will travel north eastwards along the gorgeous Buller gorge, with its deep, slow flowing waters contrasting against the lush vegetation of the native forest. Don't forget to duck as you go through Hawks crag! Into the van for a drive through the upper gorge to Murchison, a small rural service town situated on the five river plains. The road then skirts New Zealand's newest National Park, the Kahurangi. As you travel northwards note how the trees change from native to exotic Pinus Radiator forests, which mature in about 30 years. The day finishes in the Marahau, situated on the edge of the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park. Our accommodations for the next two days, the Ocean View Chalets are situated in a peaceful setting with commanding sea views.

Day 8: Kaiteriteri
Our day of leisure is yours to enjoy. The start of the famous Abel Tasman walk lies only a few minutes away and offers an easy graded track on which to explore some lovely native forest and sandy beaches. You may also opt to take a water taxi to a secluded beach and walk back to Marahau. For those ready to join us on an all-day Sea Kayaking tour, we'll have some real fun! Return to our hotel in the late afternoon in time to relax before we rendezvous for our evening meal.

Day 9: Kaiteriteri-Wellington
A delightful drive through one of New Zealand's premier fruit and hop growing areas to Nelson starts the day. After a short break in Nelson the van trip continues over the Rai saddle to Pelorous bridge, a fabulous little bush reserve with a great coffee house and pretty river. In Picton, we catch the afternoon ferry for the three-hour travel along the Queen Charlotte Sound, leaving the South Island via Tory channel bound for New Zealand's capital, Wellington.

Day 10: Wellington
A full day visit of Wellington awaits us; visit "Te Papa," the new national museum and ride the famous cable car to the botanical garden. Up here we gain a magnificent view over the entire city. Afternoon visit to the Temple Sinai reveals a vibrant and prosperous community. On the way back to our hotel we will stop to see the "Beehive" and Parliament Building. If you'll be with us for New Years, get ready for a great New Years Party!

Day 11: Wellington-Departure
After a leisurely breakfast, we'll transfer to the airport, say our farewells and see you off on your next adventure