The RAID New Zealand Gravel Expedition pulls back the curtain on the wilds of the South Island interior, venturing from the far north from Blenheim, through the heartland of remote & wild sheep stations, along vast rivers and abandoned railways all the way to the southern tip of Dunedin with a final push into the adventure capital -Queenstown. Unlike our other departures, this one visits little in the way of population, and much in the way of natural splendor.

Twelve days of exploration await, but this trip isn’t for the faint of heart. While the copious amounts of gravel riding is relatively smooth, very little else is. Unpredictable weather. Long days. Excessive elevation gain. Distracting vistas. Choking dust. And kiwi. Days will be hard, but the rewards are plenty. After all, nothing less would suit a RAID trip into the Wop wop's.

Our departures are all-inclusive. All prices  include hotel accommodation on a single-occupancy basis, professionally guided rides, on-road  vehicle support, limited laundry & recovery, most meals (excluding alcohol), and ride nutrition/food (hydration, energy bars, etc.). Baggage transfer, porterage and all gratuities at restaurants are also included.

Airfare is not included and gratuities for our trip leaders and personal expenses. Bicycles are not included on this departures.

Arrival Airport: Marlborough Airport Blenheim (BHE)
Departure Airport: Queenstown International Airport (ZQN)

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

Deposit:$1,000

Available until February 2, 2025

A single occupancy price refers to the cost associated with an individual traveler having exclusive use of a private room during this trip. This rate is higher than the shared accommodation price, reflecting the added expense of enjoying the privacy and comfort of one's own space.

$9,300

Deposit:$1,000

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DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

Deposit:$800

Available until January 1, 2025Sold Out

The double occupancy price refers to the cost per person for shared accommodation, where two individuals will be staying together in the same room during this trip. This rate is typically lower than the single occupancy price since the cost is divided between two occupants.

$8,500

Deposit:$800

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RAID cycling

22 reviews

Brad Sauber | Owner Brad brings 25+ years’ experience creating and running cycling and cultural trips around the globe. From Bolivia to Bhutan, the Himalayas to the Alps, New Zealand to the Rockies, Brad has a passion for helping guests uncover the magic of destinations, their people and culture. In addition to guiding all over the world, Brad was a founding partner at inGamba and the founding Head of Rapha Travel in 2012. When you get to know Brad, you understand cycling just isn’t part of his job, it’s a key aspect of his life. Raised in Washington State, Brad now lives in Mill Valley, California – with his wife, Dawn, and undisclosed number of bikes. Let him know if you’re passing through as he’s always up for a ride down the road or up the mountain. @bsauber

Riding both Japan trips with RAID cycling this year was a blast! Japan is an amazing country to explore by bike with beautiful and very quiet roads in stunning scenery. Rice paddies, pine forest, waterfalls and beautiful temples and shrines are mixed with coastal rides through small fishing villages. On every ride there is time to quickly explore hidden gems. Accommodation is a mixture of nice hotels and Japanese ryokans, adding to the experience. RAID's staff is amazing, providing for freshly cooked meals on the road, daily servicing and cleaning of bikes and road captains that are not only passionate about Japan but also very knowledgeable. And they are fun to be around too!

By Dirk F for 2024 JAPAN: The Southern Islands on Sep 17, 2024

I discovered many years ago that traveling with a bike is the best way to visit a country. One can move fast enough to really see what a place has to offer, but not so quickly as to miss the detail, sights, smells, and sounds. I have taken about twenty cycling trips over the years but the RAID Japan Alps trip is the only one I have repeated. I did the trip seven years ago and had always intended to do it again. It did not disappoint. For the serious, but non-competitive cyclist, Brad Sauber has succeeded in crafting routes and a company culture within RAID that completely satisfies. Each day was sufficiently challenging but the van was always close by to provide support and carry needed clothes and food. In a country of nearly 125 million people, we rarely encountered any traffic. And the accommodations each night were varied and comfortable. We were in Japan while a typhon struck the islands south of us. Although we got plenty wet, the team of Brad, Yoichi, Jumbo, and Yuki was always ready to modify the day’s schedule if the need had arisen. Fortunately, we were able to complete the entire route as planned. I have nothing but good things to say about my experience in Japan. If you are considering a bicycle adventure, RAID Cycling should be on the short list.

By Michael V for 2024 JAPAN ALPS RAID on Sep 05, 2024

Cycling Japan Alps with RAID was an experience that combined breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and a welcoming atmosphere. The staff was nothing short of exceptional - friendly, helpful and very professional. I felt spoiled with their attention to not only taking care of me but also my bike. The landscapes in Japan are incredibly diverse. From lush rice fields and tranquil coastal views to majestic mountains and vibrant cityscapes, each day brought new sights to behold. The cycling routes were well-planned, allowing us to explore the areas with the focus of off the beaten path roads. The traffic was surprisingly light, and drivers were courteous, making for a relaxed cycling experience. The accommodations were another pleasant surprise. I loved staying in the traditional ryokans and taking advantage of the very relaxing onsens. The meals were a feast for the senses, showcasing the best of Japanese cuisine. Moreover, the people of Japan were incredibly friendly and helpful. Despite the language barrier, I found that a smile and a few simple gestures went a long way. RIAD Cycling went above and beyond to provide a truly unforgettable time.

By Katheryn C for 2024 JAPAN ALPS RAID on Sep 05, 2024

This trip far exceeded my expectations. I had never been to Japan and RAID cycling's program looked to be an exciting way to see the country. We went off the beaten path and experienced some roads and destinations that I would never have been able to get to on my own. The staff was top notch, the cycling amazing, we saw lots of monkeys, got to stay at some amazing traditional ryokans, and I even got to swim in the sea of Japan. I've done a lot of traveling, and this trip is one of the best that I have ever been on. I'll return to RAID cycling for another adventure, that's for sure! Linda Jackson