New Zealand's Premier
Bikepacking Event
The Great Southern Brevet is 1,100km of self-supported bikepacking through New Zealand's most dramatic high country. It demands everything. That's why Mad Hacienda provides your ultimate pre-ride basecamp and post-event recovery hub.
1,100km
Self-supported bikepacking adventure
15,000m
Elevation across the Great Southern Brevet
5-8
Days depending on your pace and fitness
180+
Riders tackling the route every other year
What Makes the Great Southern Brevet So Challenging?
Starting and finishing at Lake Tekapo, the Great Southern Brevet is a world-renowned 1,100km off-road loop with 15,000 meters of elevation gain. The route leads riders through the Mackenzie High Country, Central Otago’s golden ranges, and remote Southland wilderness.
Navigating gravel backroads, 4WD tracks, singletrack, and hike-a-bike sections, cyclists stay completely isolated from traffic. Unforgiving mountain passes and unpredictable South Island weather make it one of New Zealand's toughest bikepacking events.
Completing this wilderness epic is a transformative experience—demanding raw physical fitness, deep mental resilience, and absolute determination from start to finish.
Supporting GSB Riders Before and After the Trail
The Great Southern Brevet demands strategic pre-event preparation and dedicated post-ride recovery. Before launch, test gear and dial in your drivetrain using our secure bike storage and repair workbench. After grinding through high-country climbing, address accumulated fatigue with our spa pool, cedar sauna, and full laundry. Positioned on the Central Otago bikepacking network, our location is ideally suited for pre-Brevet training loops or post-GSB legs-out spinning on gentle local trails.
Get Everything You Need to Prepare, Ride, and Recover
From mechanical prep to physical recovery, Mad Hacienda provides all the infrastructure your Great Southern Brevet campaign demands.
01
Secure, lockable bike storage
Room for your Brevet machine and a crew’s worth of backup rigs. Heated, dry, with full workbench, track pump, and common replacement parts on hand.
02
Full technical workshop
Repair stand, cleaning station, spare chains, brake pads, tube patches. Dial in every mechanical detail before the Great Southern Brevet route.
03
Contactless self check-in
Digital code sent before arrival. No timing constraints, finish the training loop when you’re ready, not when reception hours permit.
04
Private spa pool and sauna
Heat therapy and hydrotherapy engineered for endurance recovery. The best medicine for legs burned by high passes and gravel grinding.
05
High-speed internet
Download route GPX files, check weather forecasts, monitor Brevet tracker updates, or just stay in touch with the crew waiting at home.
06
Nutrition-focused kitchen
Full fridge, cooktop, and dining space for pre-Brevet carb-loading or post-GSB calorie replacement. Fuel your recovery properly.
07
Group accommodation
Whole-house booking sleeps up to ten. Perfect for Brevet crews rolling in together, decompressing, and planning the next adventure.
08
Full laundry infrastructure
Multiple washers, dryers, and drying racks. Riding kit cleaned and fresh within hours of crossing the finish line.
The Route Breakdown
The Great Southern Brevet rotates between three course variations. Each emphasizes remote, off-road riding through
New Zealand's most pristine bikepacking territory.
New Zealand's most pristine bikepacking territory.
Stage 1
High Country
Mackenzie Climb
Roll out of Lake Tekapo into the iconic Mackenzie Basin. Gradual ascent through tussock lands with exposure and altitude acclimation. Early discovery of your pace and bike fit over gravel.
Stage 2
Alpine Passes
Lindis & Crown Range
The true tests. High-altitude passes with technical terrain, steep pitches, and views that demand stops. Weather changes rapidly, layers and hydration critical. The psychological turning point of the Brevet.
Stage 3
Central Otago
Golden Ranges
Drop into the golden schist ranges around Alexandra and Clyde. Remote gravel roads, historic mining trails, and the first real creature comforts at small-town resupply stops. Legs are tired but momentum builds.
Stage 4
Southland Remote
The Wilderness Loop
The loneliest section. Southland backcountry with minimal support infrastructure. Testing navigation, self-sufficiency, and mental toughness. Few riders, few distractions, full immersion in remote bikepacking.
Prepare and Recover
Five bedrooms, each with its own character. Take a single sanctuary or secure exclusive access for your entire group.
The Whole Hacienda
All five bedrooms, courtyard, spa, cinema, and kitchen. Ideal for GSB crews arriving together pre-Brevet for final strategy sessions, or post-Brevet decompression and recovery.
Check availability
The Master Bedroom
Private ensuite, generous bed, quiet morning atmosphere. Perfect for solo Brevet riders needing peaceful pre-event focus or intensive post-GSB recovery sleep.
Themed Rooms
Diego Maradona (twin single beds), Frida Kahlo, Riverview, Garden rooms. Flexible configurations for Brevet crew members or those wanting to join the pre-event community vibe.
Ready to Conquer the Brevet?
Book your pre-event preparation stay or post-GSB recovery retreat at Mad Hacienda. Every detail is designed to help you finish the Great Southern Brevet strong and recover like a champion.
Reserve now for GSB
