Great Taste Triple Treat - 3 days / 2 night independent tour
- Duration: 3 Days (approx.)
- Location: Nelson, Nelson
- Product code: TripleTreat
Kiwi Journeys is excited to offer this unique three day/two-night tour, serving up some of the real highlights on the Great Taste Trail. This tour is designed for those wanting to take it easy, with plenty of time to explore what the region has to offer.
Day one provides a fantastic opportunity to discover the beauty of rural New Zealand. You will ride through the longest disused rail tunnel in the southern hemisphere, witness extraordinary
mountain vistas, amazing scenery through farmland, hop gardens and pristine stands of native bush.
On day two you will enjoy a beautiful journey as you make your way to Mapua Wharf. Some great wineries and lunch stops await as you wind your way along the scenic Coastline to the Mapua Ferry before Kiwi Journeys whisk you over to the relaxed atmosphere of the Mapua Wharf for the night. Explore the galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, shops, a wine bar and the
Golden Bear Boutique Brewery right beside the impressive Waimea Estuary.
After enjoying a relaxing night in Mapua the ride to Nelson is full of things to do. Try one of our awesome Craft Breweries for lunch or take a tour of the World of Wearable Art and Classic Car Museum or the new, Pics Peanut Butter World.
This is a magic three days and best of all, its flat!
Day 1
Kohatu to Wakefield
Distance: 24 kms
Your adventure starts at our Nelson City depot at 8:35am, where you will be fitted to your bikes and briefed before you board our trail transport shuttle, and escape to the countryside at 9:00am.
With an approximate shuttle time of 50 minutes to Kohatu, our Kiwi Journeys driver will give you some useful tips about the trail including food and beverage stops. The Flat Rock Café in Kohatu is a perfect start for a coffee and muffin.
From Kohatu it is 7.5 km’s to the tunnel. At 1352 metres long, the Spooner’s Tunnel is the longest tunnel open to cyclists in the southern hemisphere. The old rail corridor into Richmond is unique and the amazing scenery combined with the peace and tranquility of the countryside must be experienced.
Once you descend from the tunnel, the remainder of the ride is flat with the odd (very small) uphill gradient. Following the river, you make your way towards Wakefield witnessing stands of native forest, full of native birdlife including Tui, Bellbird and Fantail.
No need to rush today as you have plenty of time to have lunch in Wakefield and relax for the afternoon!
Day 2
Wakefield to Mapua
Distance: 35 kms
Departing Wakefield, you will cycle beside quiet country roads towards Brightwater where you can have your first coffee stop for the day at HQ Café before cycling over the Waimea River via a swing bridge with stunning views of the New Zealand Alps. Continue cycling through the gorgeous vineyards, orchards and farmland to the ‘Old Factory Corner’ which includes the Grape Escape Café, Conning’s Food Market, a cheese factory, seasonal berries, and a tasting at Richmond Plains/Te-Mania winery right across the road.
Once you join the Coastal Route, enjoy the views from the coastal boardwalks of the Waimea Estuary and fertile farmland (home to a range of internationally significant bird species including the Kotuku or White Heron). Cross the spectacular Waimea Swing Bridge then on to Rabbit Island. Tip: If you are interested in wineries and tastings then we recommend a stop at the oldest and largest winery in Nelson, Seifried Estate.
The trail takes you along the main beach of Rabbit Island where you will come to the Ferry landing. Tip: Stop and explore the white sandy beaches and take a swim in the warm sea
waters of Rabbit Island. A short trip across the channel on the iconic Mapua Ferry lands you at the Mapua Wharf. Here you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, shops and the Golden Bear Boutique Brewery for the evening.
NB: There are multiple opportunities to visit wineries and enjoy quality tastings today!
Day 3
Mapua to Nelson
Distance: 32 kms
Retrace your steps along the Coastal route to Richmond. There are plenty of fun things to experience en route, to the Kiwi Journeys Depot in Nelson City.
Plan a lunch at one of our outstanding Craft Breweries or take a tour of the new ‘Pics Peanut Butter World’, The ‘World of Wearable Art and Classic Car Museum’ is highly recommended.
Our detailed Kiwi Journeys map will show you the different routes, food, beverage and activity options along the trail.
NB: Kiwi Journeys are happy to alter this itinerary to your needs. For example, you may wish to finish your tour at the airport or cycle to Kaiteriteri on day three.
Fitness/Ability:
This ride is rated ‘easy’, a moderate fitness level is required
Inclusions:
- Two nights, bed and breakfast accommodation
· Cycle equipment which includes trail comfort bike, light,
helmet, pannier bags and odometer
· Airport pickup
· Transport to Kohatu
· Return Mapua Ferry crossing
· Bag Transfers (1 x 15kg bag per person)
· Kiwi Journeys drink bottle
Optional Extra’s:
· Enjoy this fantastic tour on our high-end pedal assist e-Bikes! Additional $162 per person
· Post/Pre trail accommodation
