NEW ZEALAND GRAVEL EXPEDITION 12 DAY

NEW ZEALAND

Rc
RAID cycling
  • Email address verified
25 reviews
Feb 18 - Mar 1, 2025
Group size: 6 - 12
NEW ZEALAND GRAVEL EXPEDITION 12 DAY
NEW ZEALAND

RAID cycling
  • Email address verified
25 reviews

$9,300
Deposit: $1,000
Feb 18 - Mar 1, 2025
Group size: 6 - 12

About this trip

NEW ZEALAND: LAND OF THE LONG WHITE CLOUD 


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.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

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.  

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

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

Arrival & Departure airport

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

Arriving into Blenheim, NZ. You have options listed below:
Air New Zealand – travel to Picton from Wellington with a direct flight into Blenheim (Marlborough airport)
Air New Zealand – travel to Picton from Auckland with a direct flight into Blenheim (Marlborough airport)
Interislander:  Cook Strait ferry services between the North and South Islands, New Zealand.

Available Packages

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

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
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

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
$9,300
Deposit: $1,000


Your Organizer


Rc
RAID cycling
25 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

Reviews

I've traveled all over the world with several bike tour companies, none compare with RAID's expertise. The tour of New Zealand's South Island was extraordinary. Brad Sauber chose his routes carefully with an eye for beauty and challenge and he was careful that we were well informed about each day's itinerary. None of the eight of his clients were disappointed with his skill--we were wowed. His staff were equally expert and attentive from seeing to it that we were well'-fed,; that our bikes were in top shape; that our accommodations were comfortable and that we were well-informed about our routes, and the area's culture, history and it's flora, fauna and geology. There is no bike tour company that comes close to matching RAID.
By Alden C for NEW ZEALAND GRAVEL EXPEDITION 12 DAY on Mar 28, 2025
Epic and stunning
By Michael S for NEW ZEALAND GRAVEL EXPEDITION 12 DAY on Mar 24, 2025
WT
The trip was fantastic...the routes and background very thorough, service and support very professional & overall experience over-the-top!
By Webb T for NEW ZEALAND GRAVEL EXPEDITION 12 DAY on Mar 17, 2025
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
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