Great Taste Trail & Beyond, Bike, Hike & Sail

Welcome to Nelson, the “sunshine capital” of the South Island of New Zealand, where we meet at 8:00am. We drive to Monaco Point for a briefing and bike fit and set out on our first ride along the Great Taste Trail. We set away riding along the waters edge, through the Waimea Estates vineyard and along the Waimea River, through Brightwater to Wakefield village. We meet the Wai-iti Riverbank, and on through the Domain to Belgrove where we can see a historic railway windmill, one of only two left in New Zealand. The trail then winds its way through bush up to the entrance of the historic Spooners Tunnel. Riding through Spooners Tunnel is a highlight. It is a 1.4km long rail tunnel, the longest decommissioned tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere. We continue on to pass through Kohatu and then enjoy views across hop plantations and farmland to Mt Arthur/ Wharepapa, before a gradual descent to Tapawera. We load up the bikes and then drive back to our accommodation in Nelson. In the early evening you are free to explore the town before meeting for our first evening meal together. Cycling Distance: Monaco to Tapawera - 61km

Meals:  L,D

We transfer to Tapawera to start cycling where we finished yesterday. Today's ride takes us on a new outback section of Great Taste Trail, gently climbing 120m over the Baton Saddle to Woodstock. From the high point we descend into the pretty Baton River Valley after crossing a new purpose built cyclists swing bridge. This part of the cycle trail follows a gravel road open to farm vehicles, tankers and logging trucks and is the most challenging part of the trail, but it is not technical. We then continue on the road along the west bank of the Motueka River to Riwaka, passing through vineyards, kiwifruit orchards and hops farms along the way. We end our ride with a visit to the Riwaka River Estate Winery for a late afternoon tasting. We then load up the bikes and drive to Motueka and our home for the next 2 nights. For those who still have some energy, they can cycle 8km from the winery to our accommodation in Motueka. Cycling Distance: Tapawera to Riwaka - 63km

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we drive to Marahau and the start of the famous Abel Tasman track. We will rest our cycle legs by taking a half day hike into Anchorage on the Abel Tasman walkway. The track is well formed and drops into several beautiful sheltered bays and golden sand beaches. At midday we have lunch overlooking Torrent Bay and then board a catamaran for an exciting sail around the heads and back to our vehicle. To round out a wonderful day, we take some time to enjoy Kaiteriteri beach, with the chance for a late afternoon swim or a relaxing stroll along the golden sands. From here it is only a short drive back to Motueka. Walking Distance: 12.5km Sailing: 3 hours

Meals:  B,L

After breakfast we set away from Motueka to rejoin the Great Taste Trail. We start with a climb through vineyards to the top of Tasman View Road, aptly named giving panoramic views across the Tasman Bay and Mt Arthur Range. Following an easy descent we ride through more apple orchards and vineyards, passing galleries and artist studios, then along the Ruby Coast into Mapua where we can have refreshments in one of the waterfront cafes. We take a short ferry journey to Rabbit Island and ride through the pine forest. Back on the mainland, the trail skirts around the shore of the Waimea Inlet, the largest enclosed estuary in the South Island and home to many wading and sea birds. Bird spotting is best when the tide is out. On reaching Richmond, we load up the bikes and head for lunch. In the afternoon we set away for the Marlborough Sounds leaving Nelson and the Great Taste Trail behind. It is a scenic 2 hour drive crossing the ranges, via Pelorous Bridge to reach Anakiwa where our water taxi awaits. We travel on to Lochmara Lodge, a remote oceanfront resort nestled in the Queen Charlotte Sound, accessible only by boat, kayak or foot. Cycling Distance: Motueka to Richmond - 45km

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is your guide's rest day and you are free to explore the beautiful surrounds of Lochmara Lodge. Take out a kayak or paddleboard, swim, walk the bush tracks around the property, relax in one of the many hammocks, visit the Underwater Observatory (own expense) or the art exhibition spaces. When it is dark, make sure to explore the glowworm grotto!

Meals:  B

After breakfast we sadly leave lovely Lochmara behind. We put on our walking shoes and take a water taxi to Mistletoe Bay and set out to hike along the Queen Charlotte track. We climb up to the low Te Mahia Saddle and our path weaves in and out of Manuka Bush with glimpses of the vivid blue sea, secluded bays and bush clad shorelines below. We climb to a headland at the end of Ohahau Bay and are greeted by panoramic views up and down the Sound. We descend through mature beech forest to Umungata (Davies Bay), and soon after arrive at the little village of Anakiwa where the track ends. This afternoon we drive the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive, which hugs the shores of the Queen Charlotte Sound giving splendid sea views. Heading inland to Blenheim, there is an option to hop back on our bikes to ride a short section of the new whale trail from Tuamarina. We finishing our day at the Moa brewery, where it's time to relax in a bean bag and perhaps enjoy an awarding winning craft beer. Our accommodation tonight is a historic art deco hotel where we'll enjoy our final meal together to celebrate our week's active adventure. Hiking Distance: 12km, approx 4 hours walking Optional Cycling Distance: Tuamarina to Moa Brewery - 10km

Meals:  B,L,D

Our final day sees us riding a section of the new Whale Trail that will eventually travel between Picton and Kaikoura, and 2 picturesque passes. Riding south out of Blenheim we follow a designated cycle track to the Redwood Pass Road. We gradually climb through vineyards and rolling farm country, with the barren tussock hills providing a contrasting backdrop. We reach Redwood Pass and have a nice downhill to the Awatere Valley which is lined with vineyards in all directions. We continue up the valley following the river, the large Kaikoura Ranges and Mt Tapuae-o-uenuku dominate the skyline ahead. Crossing our second pass, Taylors Pass takes us through another remote valley to bring us back to Blenheim. At Taylors Dam we load up the bikes and head to a local vineyard to sample a selection of their wines making a fitting end to the cycle tour. We will arrive back into Blenheim in the early evening where we will be delivered to the town centre. Cycling Distance - up to 65km

Meals:  B,L