Travel Page
For more information neil@krankdirtwear.com
Heli-bike options for 2007-2008 season
Starting early October 2007 through to May 2008
Exhilarating helicopter ride, epic views, and then there’s the biking – fast, flowing, fantastic. Several heli-bike options to choose from and nothing but fun to be had!
Old Woman Range Heli Bike
As seen on the Getaway Travel Show Channel 9 Australia
and Prime New Zealand.
An amazing 12 minute flight over the remote Nevis Valley to beyond the Remarkables Range, we land at 1700m on the eerie rocky moonscape-like terrain of the Old Woman Range. Undulating, fast flowing trails to some more technical single track take us to the bottom. Beware, there is some uphill riding. Finish at Bannockburn for lunch at the pub or a local winery.
Allow 5-6 hrs. $399 Book here
Cardrona Ride
Stunning eight-minute flight over the mighty Kawarau River valley up to the Pisa Conservation Area, we land at 1600m on a barren knoll with 360 degree views. We ride steep, fast, rocky, ungroomed single track down to Touhys Saddle then onto open flowing farm track to the valley floor. Finish up with an optional stop at the historic Cardrona Pub for a well-deserved cold one before driving back to Queenstown.
Allow 4 hrs. $319pp Book here
Roaring Meg
Stunning eight-minute flight over the mighty Kawarau River valley up to the Pisa Conservation Area, we land at 1600m on a barren knoll with 360 degree views. This precarious pack track perched above the wild Roaring Meg River is one of the most exhilarating and technical heli bike options in New Zealand. You will encounter steep, rocky, ungroomed track before dropping to the valley floor for some great flowing single track. A real adventure ride that will test your skill and fitness – some bike-hiking included.
Allow 4-5 hrs. $319pp Book here
Double Descent - Big Day Out
Not for the faint hearted – two big 1700m descents equal a massive 3500m descent in one day! After an awesome 12-minute flight over the famous, roaring blue waters of the Kawarau River and over the Remarkables Range we land at 1700m on the Old Woman Range. Brace yourself for a 30 km fast and action packed ride down to Bannockburn. After lunch we take the mighty Land Rover up a grunty 4WD farm track to Leaning Rock – an area of extraordinary monolithic rock formations. Prepare to be blown away! This is a challenging, rough single-track ride to the valley floor with fast open trails, sheep track and amazing scenery.
Allow a whole day. $450pp Book here
The Lochy Adventure
Magnificent ten-minute flight over Lake Wakatipu into the remote Lochy Valley. Unbelievable, undulating all-mountain riding through stunning native forest, along the Lochy River, to the valley below. The only way back from this stunning trip is by a 30 min water taxi ride back across the lake to downtown Queenstown.
Allow 5-6 hrs. Min 4 pax. $350pp Book here
Multi-day heli bikes
Ride a different heli-accessed trail each day or combine any number of heli options into a package. Contact us for more details.
Heli charters – multi run day
Why not try a multi-run heli- bike day (as you would a heli-ski day)? Feel the buzz not once, but several times on a series of fast and epic downhills. Options for three or five runs. Contact us for more information.
The Dirty Weekend
Ultimate 3 Day Mountain Bike Adventure Tour of Central Otago
This trip starts and finishes in Queenstown.
The Dirty Weekend incorporates some of the best Fat Tyre Adventure trails creating the ultimate weekend mountain bike adventure – a massive 6000m of down hill, spine tingling single track, exhilarating climbs and spectacular scenery. Perfect for a group of biking buddies and includes a classic Fat Tyre heli-bike.
Day One
Heli bike! Board your helicopter for a stunning flight beyond the Remarkables mountains and over the Nevis Valley to land at 1700m on rocky, moonscape-like terrain. Undulating, fast flowing trails to some more technical single track take us to the bottom. Beware there is some uphill riding. Finish at the Bannockburn pub for a well-earned drink. Drive to Naseby for the night.
Day Two
Single track in Naseby Forest - spend the morning riding some of the best single track in the South Island. This is a forest with a web of trails set around the old gold mining town of Naseby. These days the town boasts it is “2000 feet above worry level”. Drive to Poolburn for an epic ride amongst stunning rock tors in the land of Rohan. This is a two run shuttle ride with three hours of gravity assisted riding. Overnight in historic Clyde.
Day Three
The famous Fat Tyre Adventures Big Day Out - 3500m of down! This will blow your mind – early start with a 4x4 drive to the Obelisk at 1700m - we ride a fast, roller coaster track down through alpine tundra with epic views. Stop for lunch in Alexandra then follow up a great morning with another 4x4 drive to Leaning Rock – stunning barren landscape with huge rock tors, narrow farm tracks, old gold mining water courses and stunning views. Return to Queenstown. Note that accommodation is not provided on this night if you choose to stay in Queenstown, but we’d be happy to arrange it for you.
2007/8 Tour Dates
(all start Sat morning and finish Mon afternoon)
Oct 20-22, 2007 (NZ Labour weekend)
Dec 1-3, 2007
Jan 26-28, 2008 (Australia Day/Auckland Anniversary Day)
Feb 23-25, 2008
May 10-12, 2008
If none of these dates suit, just let us know and we can arrange an alternative trip for you – all we need is four weeks notice. Please note we require a minimum of three riders on each trip.
Price: $1500pp
Price includes: heli-bike, two nights accommodation (twin share), transport, meals (breakfast Sun/Mon, lunch and dinner Sat/Sun), trail snacks, guide, driver and land access fees. The price does not include bike hire (on the assumption that weekend riders will bring their own) but Fat Tyre can hire you a Jamis XLT for $35 per day.
The trails we ride can be tailored to suit. All the trails will suit a 130mm full suspension XC trail bike (rather than a down hill rig). Fat Tyre Adventures reserves the right to change the order of days and/or type of trails according to what the weather is doing on the day.
This trip is put together with the assumption that riders are of average mountain biking fitness and have an above average technical skill for riding mountain bikes off road.
New Zealand Southern Off-road Adventure 15 Days
A power-packed 15 day tour offers striking scenic diversity of the South Island for the outdoor-loving mountain biker who wants adventure, excitement and challenge. Sparkling lakes, pastoral landscapes, private farmland, alpine passes, and breathtaking scenery.
The itinerary takes you across rarely accessible public and private lands. Experience the special charm of the West Coast, cross the Southern Alps again via the majestic Nelson Lakes and cycle the single trails of the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound. Tour package includes:
Airport transfers
10 nights in 3-4 star hotels/motels
4 nights in farmstays
14 breakfasts
13 lunches
4 dinners
Local fees for use of private land
All transfers in a minibus or 4WD support vehicle
Jetboat trip on Rakaia River
Transfer by boat from Picton to Endevour Inlet
Whale Watch tour in Kaikoura
Grade: Moderate
Price: NZD4885.00; Single Supplement Surcharge: NZD990.00
Dates:
[Mon.06.11.06 - Mon.20.11.06]
[Mon.04.12.06 - Mon.18.12.06]
[Mon.08.01.07 - Mon.22.01.07]
[Mon.05.02.07 - Mon.19.02.07]
[Mon.05.03.07 - Mon.19.03.07]
[Mon.02.04.07 - Mon.16.04.07]
Book here
New Zealand Southern Lakes Sensation 9 Days
This Christchurch to Queenstown 9 day biking tour the South Island’s scenic wonderland will deliver an exhilarating mountain biking tour experience of lakes, pastoral landscapes, private farmland, alpine passes and breathtaking mountain views. The itinerary takes you across rarely accessible public and private lands.
Airport transfer on day one until 11am
4 nights in 3-4 star hotels/motels,
4 nights in farmstays,
Meals include: 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 4 dinners
4 Wheel Drive support vehicle
Jetboat trip on Rakaia River
Airport transfer in Queenstown
Grade: Moderate
Price: NZD3490.00; Single Supplement Surcharge: NZD780.00
Dates:
[Mon.06.11.06 - Tue.14.11.06]
[Mon.04.12.06 - Tue.12.12.06]
[Mon.08.01.07 - Tue.16.01.07]
[Mon.05.02.07 - Tue.13.02.07]
[Mon.05.03.07 - Tue.13.03.07]
[Mon.02.04.07 - Tue.10.04.07]
Book here
Vietnam Mountain Biking 9 or 14 Days
This mountain bike tour is designed to capture the very best that Vietnam offers the adventurous traveler challenging biking and a diverse cultural experience. Our journey takes in the charming ancient cities of Hanoi and Saigon, the verdant expanse of the Red River Delta and Cuu Long with their fertile banks farmed by generations of peasants. You cycle amongst massive limestone mountains adorned with ancient forest, jungle and steep rice terraces, cultivated by hill tribes as they have been for thousands of years. Places where a tourist is still a stranger and curiosity.
Relax with a couple of days kayaking on the incredible calm, emerald waters of Halong Bay, a geological phenomenon and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The slow unhurried pace of life will seem light years away from the stresses of the modern world. A rejuvenating and enriching adventure into this beautiful, un-spoilt corner of Asia awaits you.Includes:
Support vehicle and support truck
All meals listed: (B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner)
Accommodation: Hotels and Guesthouses (2-4 star)
Admission fees and permits
Internal flight: Hanoi to Dien Bien
Overnight train: 1st class air-conditioned compartment (4 bunks in 1)
English speaking guide
Inland Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (14 Day option)
Sea kayaking (14 Day option)
Grade: Moderate
Price:
9 Day USD $1187.55; Single Surcharge USD$283.50
14 Day USD $2016.00; Single Surcharge USD$491.40
Dates:
VIEOR31 [02.OCT0615.OCT06]
VIEOR32a[18.OCT06-31.OCT06]
VIEOR33 [07.MAY07-20.MAY07]
VIEOR34 [21.MAY07-03.JUN07]
VIEOR35 [01.OCT07-14.OCT07]
VIEOR36 [15.OCT07-28.OCT07]
Book here
Argentina Mountain Biking 12 Days
Experience a variety of unspoilt natural areas during this 12-day mountain biking tour of Argentina and Chile. As we cross the “Lower Andes” twice, we ride through dense forests, past lakes and volcanoes, and view a range of wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Sample local delicacies and mix with the locals. Relax in hot pools.
This Tour has been graded “moderate” to “challenging” so is ideal for the intermediate biker as much of the time we are riding along gravel roads. There are some uphill challenges and occasional singletrack riding, but the Escort Van is always with us. There is ample chance to enjoy further excitement in the adventure-fuelled tourism centre of Pucón. We rest the bikes as we visit the spectacular Glacier National Park in remote Patagonia to the south.
Grade: Moderate
Price:12 Day USD $1915.20; Single Surcharge USD$378.00 (note pricing currently under review, will send adjustment ASAP).
Dates:
ARGOR27 [08.NOV06-19.NOV06]
ARGOR28 [29.NOV06-10.DEC06]
ARGOR29 [28.FEB07-11.MAR07]
ARGOR30 [14.MAR07-25.MAR07]
ARGOR31 [07.NOV07-18.NOV07]
ARGOR32 [21.NOV07-02.DEC07]
Book here
Bolivia Mountain Biking 12 Days
Our Bolivia Mountain Biking Tour crosses the mighty Andes mountain chain, riding along the shoulders of sky-scraping volcanoes such as Sajama, Pomerape and Parinacota with altitudes over 6500m.a.s.l.m. To reach the city of La Paz we will ride along the Bolivian highland plateau, "Altiplano", home to millenarian cultures, such as the Aymaras and the Chipayas, who still live according to ancient traditions. The Altiplano eventually descends into the valley of La Paz and the city of the same name, the world’s highest capital at 3640m.a.s.l. From La Paz we will ride around Lake Titikaka (the mythical birthplace of the Inca people), visiting the famous Pre-Inka ruins of Tiawanaku. We then offer an opportunity to continue the cycle adventure by dropping to the Amazonian jungle, riding over a 5000m pass and taking the breath-taking precipitous descent to the rainforests of the "Yungas" at an altitude of 800m.a.s.l.
Included:
Accommodation
Back up vehicles
All Meals, except hotel dinners in Arica, Copacabana and La Paz
Support Crew including cooking team
Grade: Extreme
Price: 12 Day USD $2201.85; Single Surcharge USD$441.00
Dates:
BOLOR10 [09.JUL07-21.JUL07]
Book here
Tasmania Road Cycling 10 or 20 Days
On this extraordinary 20 day road cycle tour, refuel on famed Tasmanian flavours and relax at exclusive wilderness lodges and comfortable hotels. During our circuit of the island, immerse yourself in the World Heritage Wilderness areas, coast along peninsulas with pristine white beaches, pass quaint colonial villages and challenge your perspective.
On Tasmania’s west coast you will feel as though you are riding with the dinosaurs through one of the last great temperate wilderness areas on Earth, amidst ancient Gondwanan landscapes. Feel empowered by Tasmania’s frontier country, coasting beneath majestic manferns, up craggy mountains, around glinting glacial tarns and lakes and into the playground of the shy Tasmanian devil.
Join us for the first or last 10 days of the tour or view the complete Island in 20 days with the full tour.
Included:
9 nights (9 day tour) accommodation (including 1 night at the conclusion of the tour)
19 nights (20 day tour) accommodation (including 1 night at the conclusion of the tour)
2-3 star motels (twin/double/triple rooms with private facilities
breakfast daily
airport transfer (only 1 transfer/day for arrival and departure)
Driving guide (1)
12 seater van (1) with luggage trailer
Maps and trip notes
Grade: Moderate
Price:
10 Day USD $1726.34; Single Surcharge USD$440.05
20 Day USD $3005.12; Single Surcharge USD$868.81
Dates:
TASCY26[31.OCT0619.NOV06]
TASCY27[12.DEC0631.DEC06]
TASCY28[09.JAN07-28.JAN07]
TASCY29[27.FEB07-18.MAR07]
TASCY30[27.MAR07-15.APR07]
Book here
Tasmania Mountain Biking 9 or 13 Days
Tasmania is filled with mountain biking trails that exist mostly unmapped and unpublished. Spend 9 or 13 days riding some of the best trails and mountain biking available anywhere. Enjoy biking in an environment that savors the outdoors. Expect diverse landscapes, ever-changing scenery and exhilarating days of riding. Join us for the first 9 days or choose to extend your tour to 13 days by biking the Tasmanian Trail from New Norfolk to Port Huon.
Included:
8 nights (9 day tour) accommodation
12 nights (13 day tour) accommodation
2-3 star motels (twin/double/triple rooms with private facilities
Breakfast
Guide
Support van and driver
Grade: Moderate
Price:
9 Day Tour USD $2023.47; Single Surcharge USD$470.14
13 Day Tour USD $2662.86; Single Surcharge USD$643.15
Dates:
TASOR02 [12.DEC06-24.DEC06]
TASOR03 [27.FEB07-11.MAR07]
TASOR04 [27.MAR07-08.APR07]
Book here
Information on Grades:
Our tours are graded to distinguish the appropriate level fitness and expertise required to participate. Every tour is an individual just like you, by studying the itinerary in detail you will see the duration/distance covered each day, this can help you assess if the tour is within your limits.
Many tours will have support vehicles that allow you to rest at selected drop out points, however this is terrain dependant and varies from tour to tour.
If in doubt drop us an email, tell about what your looking for and we can assist you with tour selection.
1 Easy
Easy tours are specifically designed to allow you to experience a new activity and culture in a relaxed environment. If you’re after a peaceful holiday with a light introductory focus on one or more activities then easy tours are a great option.
Routes chosen will be easy and often ridden entirely at your own pace, suitable for families.
Fitness Required:
A low level of fitness is required, exercising at least once a week prior to the tour.
2 Moderate
Moderate Tours would have an expectation that you have an interest and possibly some experience in the activities.
Routes chosen will require a reasonable level of fitness and experience on different terrains, suitable for increasing your abilities and pushing new limits.
Fitness Required:
An average level of fitness is required, you will need to be doing some form of exercise two-three times a week on the build up to this tour.
3 - Challenging
Challenging tours are designed for the more experienced participant wishing to push themselves and experience new highs of achievement.
Routes will include longer climbs and more technical skills but will fall short of masochistic.
Fitness Required:
A good level of fitness is required, exercising three-four times a week before the tour.
4 Extreme
Extreme tours are for those looking to have some of the hardest days possible. Terrain will be steep and the adrenalin factor will be extreme. The strenuous effort will be well and truly rewarded when you reach the to but there will be some sweat lost and kilojoules burnt getting there.
Options for dropping out will be minimal so you will need to be in for the duration.
Fitness Required:
You will be very fit prior to the trip and even fitter when you get back!
For more information neil@krankdirtwear.com
