Cyclists to follow in footsteps of NZ pioneers

The Pioneer, New Zealand’s first seven day mountain bike stage race, has revealed its course for the inaugural 2016 event.Trails never before opened to the public will feature in the event that snakes its way from Christchurch to Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island. Getting underway on Sunday January 31, the race finishes on 6 February, New Zealand’s national day known as Waitangi Day.

The course follows spectacular scenery and some of the journeys of New Zealand’s early pioneers. Competitors will enjoy traditional Kiwi hospitality at each stopover in the event villages set up daily in breath-taking locations.

“To ensure this race was true to our vision of extraordinary scenery and unique Kiwi hospitality experiences, we needed access through privately owned land which is usually closed to the public,” said Dave Beeche, CEO of event company, Lagardere Oceania Unlimited.

“From private property owners to conservation guardians of this spectacular terrain, all have been really accommodating and are looking forward to working with us to deliver a hugely successful event.”

The course will follow two of New Zealand’s Great Rides, the Alps 2 Ocean Trail and the Queenstown Trail as well as racing through more than 30 privately-owned properties, gaining access to parts of the country few have had the privilege to explore.