Winter Great Taste Trail Bike & Abel Tasman Hike

Welcome to Nelson, the “sunshine capital” of the South Island of New Zealand, especially in the winter months. We drive to Monaco Point for a briefing and bike fit and set out on our first ride along the Great Taste Trail. We follow 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, which at 1.4km long, is the longest decommissioned railway tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere. We enjoy a fun descent to Kohatu with views across hop plantations and farmland to Mt Arthur, before arriving in the small settlement of Tapawera. We load up the bikes and then drive to our accommodation in Motueka, where we will spend the next 2 nights. Cycling Distance: Monaco to Tapawera - 61km

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we transfer back 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 visit an interesting museum constructed by resident farmers which makes a great place for coffee while reading about the local history. We then continue down 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 on to Motueka. For those who still have some energy, they can cycle 8km from the winery to our accommodation in Motueka. Dinner at your leisure tonight, with plenty of options to choose from. Cycling Distance: Tapawera to Riwaka - 63km

Meals:  B,L

After a relaxed start this morning we are transferred to Kaiteriteri and the gateway of the iconic Abel Tasman track. We meet our Abel Tasman hiking guide and leave behind any luggage not required for this part of the journey. We take a boat ride along the length of the Abel Tasman coastline to Totaranui, relaxing on the viewing decks and enjoying refreshments from the cafe, we'll visit the famous Split Apple Rock and a seal colony enroute. We embark on our first walk in the Abel Tasman, climbing up to a saddle above Skinner Point before descending to Goat Bay. We walk through mature native forest and along secluded beaches to the breathtaking expanse of Awaroa Inlet. If the tide is right we can walk across the bay, at high tide we will take a short boat transfer and shortly after reach our historic lodge for the night. To round out a wonderful day, take some time to enjoy the peaceful environment, with a late afternoon stroll along the vast golden sand or relax in the surrounds of our exclusive lodge. Walking Distance: Totaranui to Awaroa Inlet 9km (2.5 hours)

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast overlooking the lodge gardens and ocean we set away for Onetahuti Beach, over the Tonga Saddle to reach an expansive semi circle beach offering stunning views of Tonga Island and the marine reserve. We cross a boardwalk and bridge designed by local iwi and at the site of the Tonga quarry learn about the unusual granite features and historic relics. We relax for a picnic lunch at Bark Bay. There are options to take a boat for part of the walk for those who prefer a shorter day, which your guide will explain the evening before. The afternoon walk winds through verdant gullies of mature beech forest, fern grottos and sunny groves of fragrant manuka framing coastal vistas. We cross an impressive 47m suspension bridge over Falls River before a gentle descent down to our beautiful lodge at Torrent Bay. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax in the stunning environment of the Abel Tasman Park, dinner is served in the evening by our lodge hosts. Walking Distance: Awaroa Inlet to Torrent Bay 20km

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we sadly leave Torrent Bay and walk our final section of the Abel Tasman walkway southwards to Marahau via Anchorage with views of several beautiful sheltered bays and beaches. There are options to take a boat for some or all of the way. Traversing the high or low tide route through or around the expansive Torrent Bay lagoon, we arrive at the beach at Anchorage in time for a picnic lunch. Our afternoon walk gives panoramic views over the Tasman Bay to Nelson as we amble on forested trails alongside the azure coloured sea. On arriving into Marahau we are transferred to Kaiteriteri to collect our luggage and then on to Motueka for our final night. Walking Distance: Torrent Bay to Marahau (depending on tides) 13-16km

Meals:  B,L,D

Back on our bikes this morning, 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 coffee 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. We finish riding when we reach the Old Factory Corner, a boutique shopping precinct showcasing some fine local food products and producers from around the Nelson, Tasman region. After lunch there is time to have a wander around the interesting stores, before we load up the bikes and drive into Nelson by mid afternoon. Cycling Distance: Motueka to Richmond - 45km

Meals:  B,L