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Full Itinerary

Once we unite in New Zealand, we begin the MTB Expedition with hands-on coaching days in Christchurch and the Craigeburn Valley to sharpen technique and build momentum early. That foundation sets the stage for the rugged trails as we head south and the steeper, high-speed trails of the Queenstown bike parks - so by the time the big stuff rolls around, you’re already dialled in.

PRE-EXPEDITION - GETTING READY TO RIDE NEW ZEALAND! ↓

Your coaching journey begins right away! Share clips of your riding via the Sportsense Remote Coaching app and receive personalized feedback and tips from Jake.

 

This system is purpose-built to help you sharpen up your skillset, remove any doubts and get rid of bad habits, allowing you to get the most out of your rides in New Zealand!

You'll also have private access to our Online Learning Portal stocked with Mental Skills Trainings, Deep-Dive Webinars, and exclusive resources. As well as our  #GlobalExpeditions Telegram group chat, where you get to meet the crew, ask questions, and receive important updates in real time.

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL, TRANSFER, & BIKE SET-UP ↓
  • Touch down in Christchurch a day early, so any flight or luggage hiccups don’t interfere with the adventure ahead. Settle into Quest Cathedral Junction, build bikes at your own pace (Jake will be on hand to help), and ease into holiday mode.

  • Fly into Christchurch Airport, own Uber/shuttle/taxi to Quest Apartments, Cathedral Junction

  • Accommodation: Quest Cathedral Junction, Christchurch (Twin-Share)

DAY 2 - INTRO TO NZ RIDE AT CHRISTCHURCH ADVENTURE PARK  ↓
  • We kick things off with an Intro to Christchurch Adventure Park - a guided and coached familiarisation ride with Jake and the Adventure South crew. Using chairlift uplifts, we explore the park and the wider Port Hills trail network, blending lift-assisted laps with enduro-style singletrack. After riding, we head west into the mountains for the night.

  • Accommodation: Porters Lodge, Craigieburn Valley - a mountain oasis with a restaurant, terrace bar, and epic views out over the Southern Alps. Shared bunkrooms (4 per room) with shared facilities

DAY 3 - CRAIGIEBURN BACKCOUNTRY TRAILS  ↓
  • Each morning starts with a relaxed “toolbox meeting” over coffee - reflecting on wins and setting intentions for the day ahead.

  • Today is a full immersion into classic Southern Alps riding: big alpine views, long descents, native beech forest, and iconic trails like Hogs Back, Sidle 73, and Coal Pit Spur. Challenging, remote, and deeply rewarding.

  • Other popular trails that are on the cards include the challenging Craigieburn Edge and The Luge tracks.

  • Accommodation: Porters Lodge - Shared bunkrooms (4 per room) with shared facilities

DAY 4 - RIDE MT HUTT BIKE PARK & TRANSFER TO LAKE TEKAPO ↓
  • We break up the drive south with a café stop and a short Mental Strategy Workshop led by Jake - new tools to apply as the terrain ramps up.

  • Mt Hutt delivers a mix of flow, technical XC, and fast downhill trails, all accessed via shuttle.

  • From there, we roll on to the turquoise shores of the scenic Lake Tekapo.

  • Accommodation: The Cairns Alpine Resort, Lake Tekapo (Twin-Share)

DAY 5 - WANAKA & ATV SHUTTLES AT GLENDHU BAY
  • A scenic transfer brings us to Wanaka before an afternoon of private shuttles at Glendhu Bay. We start on the flowy lower trails to loosen the legs and dive into some more coaching, then work our way up to the 'Falcon’s Nest' Summit for long, tech/flow descents with lake views that never get old.

  • Accommodation: Edgewater Resort, Wanaka (Twin-Share)

DAY 6 - REST DAY IN WANAKA  ↓
  • A well-earned day to recharge in one of New Zealand’s best mountain towns. Choose your own adventure: a cruisy self-guided ride in the Sticky Forest network, jet boating up the Matukituki Valley, kayaking on the lake - or simply café hopping and soaking it all in.

  • Accommodation: Edgewater Resort (Twin-Share)

DAY 7 - CARDRONA BIKE PARK ↓
  • Today we get to experience New Zealand’s highest-altitude bike park. A full day of lift-accessed riding at 1860m.

  • Cap it off with the legendary Peak to Pub: a 7km descent dropping over 1,100m straight to the doors of the historic Cardrona Hotel.

  • Accommodation: The Cardrona Hotel (Twin-Share)

DAY 8 - CORONET PEAK BIKE PARK & SHUTTLES  ↓
  • Jake will lead a follow-up Mental Strategy Workshop over breakfast, with the aim of addressing anything specific that came up on our big mountain rides, and allow you to unlock more trails and features when we arrive in Queenstown.

  • A full day exploring Coronet Peak’s downhill and enduro trails with lifts in the morning and shuttles in the afternoon. We finish in style with Corotown, a massive 10km descent dropping 1,184m all the way into Arrowtown.

  • Accommodation: Arrowtown Motel & Apartments (Twin-Share)

DAY 9 - FULL DAY 'GONDOLA UPLIFT PASS' AT BEN LOMOND TRAILS, QUEENSTOWN ↓
  • Today it all starts to come together. Lift-assisted laps on the Ben Lomond Trails see us stacking serious mileage as flow trails blend into steeper, more technical lines - every run backed by unreal views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.

  • Fast, flowing sections roll into steeper, more technical lines, all set against surreal views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.

  • We finish the day by paying homage to a legend at the McGazza memorial table, before dropping into an unforgettable final run down Mc Nearly Gnarly.

  • Accommodation: Blue Peaks Apartments, Queenstown (Twin-Share)

DAY 10 - RIDE 7 MILE AND EXPLORE QUEENSTOWN  ↓
  • Enjoy a slightly later start this morning, before heading out to explore a local favourite - the flowy 7 Mile trails right on the edge of Lake Wakatipu

  • This is a great opportunity to slow down a little, session sections for trail, gain more feedback, and enjoy the views!

  • The afternoon is yours. Chill out or enjoy one of the many other adrenaline-pumping activities in the original Adventure Capital of the World!

  • Accommodation – Blue Peaks Apartments, Queenstown (Twin-Share)

DAY 11- FINAL LAPS & CELEBRATION DINNER  ↓
  • Our final ride day goes out with a bang. Another full day of Gondola uplift laps on the Ben Lomond Trails to revisit favourites, chase unfinished business, and cement everything learned over the trip.

  • We wrap it all up with a farewell dinner and celebration in Queenstown.

  • Accommodation: Blue Peaks Apartments (Twin-Share)

DAY 12- PACK UP, HIGH FIVES, & RETURN TO REAL WORLD  ↓
  • Over breakfast, reflect on the journey so far, sharing highs and lows, many laughs, and receive instructions from Jake on how to make the most of your post-expedition, remote coaching package.

  • We help you pack up your precious cargo (bikes), while pondering the only question left - where to next?

  • Option to transfer to Airport or carry on travelling. 

POST EXPEDITON ↓

The in-person component of this expedition may be over, but the good times roll on!

We send you back to your home trails teaming with wisdom and resources to continue the progression.

 

Access to Jake as your coach via our Remote Coaching Platform continues, allowing you to squeeze the most value out of your time with us, and leave no question unanswered as you integrate the skills learned into your familiar home terrain. 

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