<gallery> <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NotAnother-NZ/na13-discover-different-assets/main/webp/5cycling-ffa.webp</image> </gallery> <gap-large/> <paragraph> You don’t need weeks off or race legs to experience the Central South by bike. All you need is a long weekend, a decent set of tyres, and a willingness to take the scenic way round. </paragraph> <title> St James Cycle Trail (Hurunui) </title> <paragraph> Wide valleys, braided rivers, tussock stretching to the horizon. The St James Cycle Trail is something else. Based near Hanmer Springs, this is classic high‑country riding, stretching across 60-68 kilometres. The gradients are relatively kind, and the space is vast. Choose to break up your ride over two or three days, staying along the way. Finish with a soak in the hot pools (that’s non‑negotiable). </paragraph> <title> West Coast Wilderness Trail (West Coast) </title> <paragraph> This one is a true journey through the wilderness. Stretching from Greymouth to Ross, the West Coast Wilderness Trail covers 140 kilometers, stringing together rivers, rainforest, swing bridges, and scenery that feels wildly untouched. It’s mostly gravel, mildly adventurous and incredibly varied. Set aside three to four days to do it properly. You don’t want to rush this one. </paragraph> <title> Port Hills & Summit Road Loops (Christchurch) </title> <paragraph> Don’t be fooled by how close this is to the city, the riding up here feels a world away. The Port Hills is a wonderland of trails and steady climbs, rolling ridgelines and alpine views spanning wide along the horizon. Link Rapaki Track, Summit Road, and a few gravel detours to build a weekend of flexible loop rides, each ranging from 40-70 kilometre trails. </paragraph> <title> Alps to Ocean (Mackenzie to Ōamaru) </title> <paragraph> Offering the ultimate collection of vast landscapes, this Alps to Ocean trail truly delivers. The full trail runs from Aoraki Mt Cook to the Pacific Ocean and is one of the country’s longest at over 300 kilometres, but a long weekend is perfect for tackling one of the nine sections. Most riders focus on the Mackenzie Basin through to Twizel or Ōmarama, or all the way to the coast in Ōamaru. If you are keen to go all in, set aside five to seven days. </paragraph> <title> Kaikōura Coastal Trails & Inland Climbs (Kaikōura) </title> <paragraph> Kaikōura trails are exactly as you’d imagine. Full of coastal views, wildlife spotting and rugged beauty synonymous with the seaside town. The Kaikōura Trail allows you to customise your journey to suit. Roll along the coast with seals for company, or head inland in search of mountain climbs. The Mt Fyffe Track is another popular option if you’re keen on a longer climb, but there are plenty of gentler loops around the peninsula that suit a relaxed two‑day ride. </paragraph> <gap-large/> <list> <item key="Location">South Island (Multi-region)</item> <item key="Itinerary">2–4 Days (Long Weekend)</item> <item key="Distance">Varies</item> <item key="Hours">Daylight Hours</item> <item key="Price">Free (Trail Access)</item> </list>