Nelson: Bike, Hike and Sail

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enquire now 6 Days From NZD $2,395 pp twinshare
Small group
Terms & Conditions apply

Discover the food, wine and great riding along the Great Taste Cycle Trail in the stunning Nelson/Tasman region

Highlights

Explore the Tasman Great Taste Cycle Trail’s stunning coastline and inland rides
Experience the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sounds with a scenic bush walk
Take a bicycle ferry from the beautiful town of Mapua to the Ruby Coast
Test your tastebuds at local wineries, breweries and orchards
Discover the city of Nelson – known for its sunshine, arts, wine and great food
Sail through the Abel Tasman National Park on a Catamaran
Enjoy a half day walk on the famous Abel Tasman track
Make pancakes and billy tea on a perpetually burning fire hidden in native bush

Itinerary

Day 1 Christchurch to Picton
We will collect you early this morning from a central Christchurch location and head to Kaikoura. We will enjoy a walk along the dramatic Kaikoura peninsula, spotting a few seals along the way with a bit of luck. This provides a good opportunity to stretch our legs before a further drive along the coast road to Blenheim. Here we will unload the bikes, try them out and enjoy our first cycle ride amongst the Marlborough vineyards. Marlborough is world renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc wine, and we take the time for some wine tasting at a few of the local vineyards along the way. Then a final van transfer takes us to Picton, our stop for the night. Picton is nestled in the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound surrounded by hills, in the evening there will be time to wander along the waterfront to watch the ferries come and go. Cycle Distance: Blenheim towards Renwick – approx 27km (D)

Day 2 Picton to Nelson
This morning we take a water taxi to the nearby Queen Charlotte track, a spectacular ridge top walk above the Marlborough Sound. We get dropped off at Te Mahia Saddle and spend the morning weaving through lush native bush with glimpses into the many bays and coves below. Arriving at the little village of Anakiwa at the end of the track, we enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach. After lunch we continue to Nelson – the “sunshine capital” of the South Island of New Zealand, where we visit the renowned World of Wearable Arts & Classic Car Museum enroute. Arriving to Nelson and our central city accommodation we have some time to explore the town before regrouping for dinner. Hiking Distance: 12km, approx 3-4 hours walking (B, L, D)

Day 3 Nelson to Motueka
After breakfast we drive to Richmond to rejoin the Great Taste Trail. Before starting on your bike there is the option to take a tour of the Pic’s Peanut butter factory, a local Nelson institution! Today’s coastal ride takes us to Rabbit Island passing vineyards and galleries on the way. We take a short ferry journey to Mapua where we have lunch at one of the excellent waterfront cafes, before continuing our cycle along the Ruby Coast and into Motueka. From here we have the option to cycle another 8km to Riwaka River Estate Winery for a late afternoon tasting. We then load up the bikes and return to Motueka for overnight. For those who still have some energy, we can cycle from the winery back to our accommodation at Motueka. Cycle Distance: Richmond to Mapua – 18km Mapua to Motueka – 22km Motueka to Riwaka Winery – Optional 8km each way (B, L)

Day 4 Abel Tasman Hike, return to Motueka
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 (B, L, D)

Day 5 Motueka to St Arnaud
Our ride today is on a very quiet and pretty road along the west bank of the Moutere River, starting from Riwaka and passing through vineyards, kiwifruit orchards and hops farms along the way. This is an on road section of the Great Taste Trail which takes us through to Woodstock. After loading the bikes to drive a busy section of road to Kohatu for lunch, we continue on the Great Taste Trail through the Norris Gully, to the historic Spooners Tunnel. At 1.4km, it is New Zealand’s longest decommissioned rail tunnel. A lovely downhill gradient takes us down to the Wai-iti Domain where we once again meet the bus and load up the bikes. We transfer by van through to St Arnaud and our hotel for the night, which is located on the edge of the Nelson Lakes National Park, set amidst stunning wilderness scenery. In the afternoon there are plenty of options for some lovely walks along the lakeside or take a swim in Lake Rotoiti. Cycle Distances: Moutere Valley Ride – 38km Norris Gully to Wai-iti Domain – 13km (B, L, D)

Day 6 St Arnaud to Christchurch
This morning we drive alongside the Buller River on the way to Murchison. , a small town at the confluence of four rivers and servicing the surrounding farming region. Here we witness a truly unique phenomenon as part of “the Natural Flames Experience”. We will 4WD through a deer farm and enjoy a hike through native bush to discover “The Flames”, the world’s only fire perpetually burning in a forest. Enjoy ‘billy tea’ and pancakes cooked on the flames. Returning to Murchison to our own vehicle we drive over Lewis Pass and back to Christchurch, reminiscing about the variety of experiences we have encountered over the last few days. (B)

Inclusions

5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
5 nights hotel/motel ensuite accommodation on twin share basis
Professional qualified driver/guide
2 professional guides/drivers on trips with 8 or more people
Private vehicle transport
Crossing on public ferry from Rabbit Island to Mapua
Transfer by catamaran in the Abel Tasman NP
Wine tasting at two wineries
Entry to World of Wearable Arts & Classic Car Museum
The Natural Flames Experience
Water and snacks while cycling
Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation

WEX-NNT

Images courtesy of World Expeditions

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Nelson: Bike, Hike and Sail

Discover the food, wine and great riding along the Great Taste Cycle Trail in the stunning Nelson/Tasman region

Highlights

Itinerary

Inclusions

Related experiences