Coastal Combo - 3 days / 2 night independent tour

This independent cycle and Abel Tasman National Park adventure is a 3 day/2 night tour on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. You will cycle 3 to 5 hours perday on a vehicle free trail with an easy to moderate gradient.Relax and reflect in your double/twin share accommodation after your day exploring the attractions and amazing scenery of the Nelson/Tasman coastline. Some of the attractions include award winning wineries, craft breweries, cafes, local produce and the buzzing atmosphere of Mapua Wharf. 

Adding to your Great Taste Trail Experience, you finish in Kaiteriteri where you explore the famous golden sands - the Gateway to the world famous Abel Tasman National Park. Enjoy the Discovery Day package with Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles. Cruise up to Totaranui, then on the way back choose one of two options to disembark and walk  the Abel Tasman track before boarding the boat again  to top off an unforgettable three days.

Total minimum cycling distance 72km

Your adventure starts at our base in Nelson, where on arrival at our depot you will be fitted with your bikes and briefed on your tour.   From here you will start your cycle ride to Mapua on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. Please be at our depot by 9.30am for a 10:00am departure. You may choose to explore Nelson City before following the blue Great Taste Trail markers and heading south out to the seaside village of Mapua. Along the way, take in the ‘World of Wearable Art’ (WOW) exhibition then enjoy the atmosphere of the Honest Lawyer, a Country style pub.There are also many craft breweries and wineries to sample along the way. Continue on the Trail where you turn off on the coastal route and take in the views from the coastal boardwalks of the Waimea Estuary and fertile farmland,  (home to a range of internationally significant bird species including the white heron). Cross the spectacular Waimea Swing Bridge then on to Rabbit Island. (Take a swim in a freshwater swimming hole or the warm sea waters of Rabbit Island). The trail takes you along the main beach of Rabbit Island where you will come to the Ferry landing. A short trip across the channel on the iconic Mapua Ferry lands you at the Mapua Wharf, where you can enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, shops and the Golden Bear Boutique Brewery.

After breakfast it’s on the bike again. A short ride through Ruby Bay and up to Tasman to New Zealand’s number 1 café ‘Jester House’. Enjoy the lovely gardens & feed the ‘Tame
Eels’. Once leaving Tasman, a steady climb up to Tasman View Road is all worthwhile as you enjoy the spectacular 360 degree views of Tasman Bay and the ranges (This section is
grade 2-3 and has a climb of 200 metres over 4 km’s). You then drop down into the riverside community and on to Motueka. Some recommended lunch or coffee stops are ‘Riverside Café’ at the bottom of Tasman View Road, or ‘Toad Hall’ at the beginning of Motueka. As you make your way around the amazing coastal trail of Motueka, enjoy the variety of bird species and lovely scenery.    

You are now approximately 12km’s from Kaiteriteri. This short bike ride into Kaiteriteri, takes in boardwalks, bridges,farmlands and orchards through Riwaka before entering the ‘Easy Rider’ trail of
the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park.This 4km section through the mountain bike park takes in stunning native forest.  A reasonable level of fitness is required to bike this section and caution must be taken by inexperienced riders as there are tight turns and switchbacks.

Once you enter Kaiteriteri, explore the golden sands and atmosphere which is the gateway to the famous Abel Tasman National Park.

Today you will experience something magical! Departing at 9:00am the famous Discoverer Day is the ultimate boat cruise and walk combination in the Abel Tasman National Park. With two different walk options, the Discoverer Day offers all the best the Abel Tasman has to offer with a Full Scenic Boat Cruise, visits to Split Apple Rock and a Fur Seal colony, golden beaches, forest walking and wildlife encounters all in one superb day out.

Arriving back at Kaiteriteri, transport will be awaiting for the trip back to Nelson.

http://abeltasmanseashuttles.co.nz/abel-tasman-scenic-cruises/discoverer-day/

Inclusions:

• Cycle & equipment which includes bicycle, helmet, repair kit, panniers, odometer and trail documentation

• Luggage transfers (1 bag per person – limit 15kgs per bag)

• World of Wearable Art entry

• Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles – Discoverer Day (or Lunch at Awaroa lunch during summer Season)

• Bottled water

• Airport Transfers

• Transport: Kaiteriteri to Nelson

• Mapua Ferry crossing

• 2 nights' accommodation based on twin/double share with breakfast included  

• Luggage storage for excess luggage available if returning to Nelson after tour
  

Accommodation (all accommodation is en suite/private bathroom based on twin/double share, based on availability)