One day Waiau backroads ride

Morning
Warm up on the Lyndon Loop

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Brenda's on Lyndon

Start with coffee, a pie or something from the bakery cabinet in the middle of Waiau. The whole itinerary loops back to the village, so there is no need to carry the day's food from Christchurch.

Lyndon Loop

Use the 14-kilometre Lyndon Loop as the first ride. It takes about an hour and mixes sealed and gravel surfaces, with views toward Mt Lyford and a gentle descent bringing you back toward Waiau.

Riverside Walk

Get off the bike for half an hour and walk beside the Mason and Waiau Rivers. It is an intentionally easy reset between rides rather than another challenge to tick off.

Lyndon Loop

Leslie Hills Loop

Riverside Walk in Waiau

War Memorial Walk

Afternoon
Choose the ride that matches your legs

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Option one — Leslie Hills Loop

If you want the longer ride, take on the 27-kilometre Leslie Hills Loop. Allow around 90 minutes for a mix of sealed and gravel backroads with views across the ranges between Waiau and the Hanmer basin.

Option two — Lower Flat Road

For less distance but a sharper start, choose Lower Flat Road. The 12-kilometre ride begins with a challenging ascent up the Leader hill before returning over sealed and gravel surfaces.

Waiau Lodge Hotel

Whichever route you choose, finish back in Waiau. Park the bikes and settle in for a meal or drink at the local tavern rather than turning the afternoon into a race back to the city.

These routes use a mix of public sealed and gravel roads. Ride to the conditions, stay visible to traffic and choose the second loop based on weather, daylight and the least experienced rider in the group.