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.

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.

Monday 12th April 2021

Distance: 104kms

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 the 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 the rocks and forded the roads that carried you and your slender bike tyres here today. A special Peloton Party in Haast!

Tuesday 13th April 2021

Distance: 90.5km

Franz Joseph Glacier is up the road, and you are heading for it. We will drive north for 20 minutes to keep our ride under 100 km. The course follows a road lined with forests that have been in New Zealand since time began. Flat sections that rise and fall a bit will bring you through the Fox Glacier township and then onto the finish at Franz Joseph Glacier township. Be sure to take time to visit the famous glacier.

All aborad the Tranz Alpine by 1.30 pm for our 4-hour rail journey through the Southern Alps to Christchurch. As day 6 involves an early start, the Tour will all stay together at a hotel in Christchurch. If you are bringing your own support crew, they will need to hurry out of Greymouth to meet you at the Christchurch railway station ( 4 hour drive) at 6.00 pm.

Thursday 15th April 2021

Distance: 100km

Leaving at 7:00 am from our Christchurch hotel, we will be driving to Mouse Point (13km north of Culverden) for an expected start time of 9:30 am. The inland route through to Kaikoura is a true backcountry experience, and previous riders say the best day on the Tour they have ridden. Just sheep, little traffic, no fences and one-way bridge. This area that was severely damaged by the earthquakes will welcome us all as we quietly pedal to arrive in Kaikoura for a late lunch in one of the many cafes. We then drive through to Blenheim (1 hr 30 min) for our night’s rest.

Friday 15th April 2021

Distance: 62 km

The final seaside day takes you from Allan Scott Wines through to Havelock and then riding the Queen Charlotte Drive beside the inner bays of the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Just 62 km today to ensure we board the InterIslander at 2:00 pm for our final Peloton Party and a cruise through the outer Marlborough Sounds en route to the capital city, Wellington. A few hills with the smell of the honeydew and the picturesque anchored boats giving you the lift you may need. Enjoy lunch and a drink once crossing the finish line at Picton’s Beachcomber wharf. We now wave goodbye to the South Island, the memories, the sweat, the fun and the goals achieved over the last 7 days.

Saturday 17th April 2021

Distance: Criterium

Just as the Tour de France always finishes in Paris, each Tour we finish with the Criterium and prize-giving at the Grand Hall in New Zealand’s Parliament Grounds. The 800-metre criterium circuit starts on the steps of Parliament, lapping in and out of the historic grounds. Awesome sponsor spot prizes (Avanti electric bikes etc) will be awarded randomly to those who have completed the Tour, along with celebrations of achievement and afternoon drinks. The energy and excitement of the Criterium is not to be missed!