Welcome to the Tour of New Zealand

The Tour is an epic week of riding on roads not included in any other event. Whether you want to work together with your friends at a relaxed pace or lap it out in the gutter with the goal of being the top team, this race has it all.

Take the Tour Journey

Day 1 – Glenorchy to Queenstown

Saturday 10th April 2021

Distance: 37kms (Time Trial)

 

We have designed the prologue time trial along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to be a visual feast. Your drive from Queenstown in the morning to your start in Glenorchy will take about 45 minutes. This scenic drive allows you to observe the days course and analyse the elevations firsthand. Short steep hills wind lakeside followed by resting downhill moments. At the start line in Glenorchy, you will be signed in and introduced to your fellow Tour competitors. A simply stunning ride awaits you from this gorgeous lakeside, mountain surrounded village. Individuals and teams will start in 30-second interval waves. The finish line for the time trial is in the idyllic Wilsons Bay 7kms west of Queenstown.

Day 2 – Arrowtown to Wanaka

Sunday 11th April 2021

Distance: 51kms

 

After last night’s Peloton Party and at Skyline’s Stratosfare Restaurant 100’s of metres above Queenstown, we will line up in Arrowtown for the start of day 2. Stretching ahead is the highest mountain road in New Zealand, which takes us over the Crown Range and into Wanaka.For a few, this course provides fantastic photo opportunities to give the lungs a break as they zig-zag up the mountain, for others the race to the top is on to claim the king of the mountain prize. Whatever the intentions, this is an iconic day that has featured in every Tour of New Zealand.

 

Day 3 – Lake Hawea to Haast

Monday 12th April 2021

Distance: 125kms

 

Day 3 is a brand new course that takes the tour to the West Coast of the South Island. Our start point will be at Lake Hawea, with only the Haast Pass standing in the way of you and the finish line. This magnificent road weaves us around a handful of mountain peaks that once conquered will never be forgotten. On arriving in Haast, you will find great Kiwi accommodation and a buzzing pub providing genuine West Coast hospitality. The historic photos on the walls of the pub will give you a heightened appreciation for the pioneers that chiselled rocks and forded the rivers that carried you and your slender bike tyres here today. A special Peloton Party in Haast!

 

Day 4 – Knights Point to Fox Glacier

Tuesday 13th April 2021

Distance: 90.5km

 

Driving North from the Haast township (20mins) takes us to today’s start at Knights Point. The downhill off the beginning will give you an easy (be careful) ride for a few kilometres. This stage is tree-lined and relatively flat. Your electronic timing chip will read as you roll into Fox Glacier township and your support team will be in the town for you. Good idea to head off to Franz Joseph (20mins drive) when packed down because there are true West Coast legendary bakers in this town that can put in front of you pies that you won’t forget! A visit to the Glacier a must.

 

TranzAlpine Train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch

 

About 5 hours and loads of tunnels and bridge river crossings and mountains before the flat plains of Canterbury. Time to rest, eat and mentally prepare for the fantastic ride tomorrow through to the coastal town of Kaikoura.  We will have a load of fun. The “on board” microphone and some live music along with a celebrity to meet and the day’s race results announced. We will shout you a drink in the dining car. Be ready to disembark in Christchurch and head off to the Commodore hotel in your transport.

Day 6 – Mouse Point to Kaikoura

Thursday 15th April 2021

Distance: 100km

 

Leaving the Commodore Hotel at 7:00 am we expect the start at Culverden (Mouse Point)  to be at 9:00 am. The route today, so affected by the 2014 earthquake and now restored, gives you a stage that rates with the best. High country farms, one-way bridges, fenceless land and a snaking, dipping and diving little-used road whose main inhabitants are sheep! The coastal town of Kaikoura is perfect for a late lunch before your drive north. A truly spectacular coast with engineering and reconstructed State Highway to admire before you find yourself surrounded by wine country, destination Blenheim.

Day 7 – Blenheim to Picton

Friday 16th April 2021

Distance: 62 km

 

Allan Scott Family Winemakers have been partners with the Tour since day one. We will start the 60 kilometre stage in their courtyard and head through to Havelock before turning north to ride the final 37 kilometres around the bays of the Inner Marlborough Sounds. Bellbirds and Tuis will applaud you as you head into Picton. Overlooking the harbour, lunch at Le Café is a must and after preparation for the 4-hour ferry crossing to Wellington (Interislander tickets included in your entry fee).

Day 8 – Wellington

Saturday 17th April 2021

Distance: Criterium

 

The Criterium races are fun, fast and a real celebration of the Tour. Hosted by a New Zealand  Parliament MP all the flags flying of the competing nations that riders represent, and with a hilarious commentary that you simply can’t miss. The Criterium will run from 8:00 am through to 10:00 am. The prize-giving within Parliament scheduled from 11:00 am through to 12:30.  Here the Podium finishers will be acclaimed and the valuable spot prizes will be won with special focus on the Honda Lead car prize. You will be able to plan your trip home for any time after 1:00 pm.

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