Abel Tasman Coaster - a touch of luxury!
Grade 1-3 (Easy to Intermediate) 71km
Cost: NZD$2309 per person
This Great Taste Trail and Abel Tasman National Park adventure is a four-day, three-night independent tour. Tip - You may wish to arrive in Nelson the day before.
You will cycle between three to five hours per day on a vehicle free trail with an easy to moderate gradient. During your ride you will be able to visit award winning wineries, craft breweries and cafés, you can sample local produce and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of Mapua Wharf.
Adding to your Great Taste Trail experience, day two of your itinerary includes a memorable chartered cruise in the Abel Tasman National Park to the secluded Awaroa Lodge. Now it’s time to relax and enjoy two nights of absolute bliss and relaxation in a comfortable, architecturally designed ‘superior suite’ built over the wetlands. Unwind and enjoy the peace and tranquility for two nights, in this magical location.
Day four is an action-packed day sampling the best of the National Park. Today you have multiple choices of freedom walks or optional extras such as kayaking with Abel Tasman Kayaks.
Itinerary
Your adventure starts at our base in Nelson, where on arrival you will be fitted to your bikes and briefed on your tour. From here you will start your cycle ride to Mapua on the Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. We suggest you be at our depot by 9.00am for a 9:30am departure (this is flexible).
Follow the blue Great Taste Trail markers and head south, towards the seaside village of Mapua. Along the way visit Nelsons popular ‘Classic Car Museum’. We recommend cycling down the old Railway Reserve cycle path on the way to Richmond. This way you can enjoy craft beer (or a Brewery tour) and fabulous food from Stoke
and Eddyline Breweries. Tip: We would also recommend a visit (or tour) to the new Pics Peanut Butter World.
Continuing on the Great Taste Trail you will turn off the coastal path and experience the coastal boardwalks of the Waimea Estuary and fertile farmland there, which is home to a range of internationally significant bird species including the White Heron. Next you will cross the spectacular Waimea Swing Bridge. If you have time on your hands and a palate for exquisite wine, take a left hand turn (instead of a right hand turn to Rabbit Island) where a five minute ride will take you to Seifrieds, the oldest and largest winery in Nelson.
From this point it is ten kilometres to The Mapua Ferry landing. Once you enter Rabbit Island choose to take a swim in the warm sea waters or just enjoy a quiet wander along the white sandy beach.
The trail takes you alongside the main beach of Rabbit Island where you will shortly arrive at 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 boutique Golden Bear Brewery.
Today’s ride is grade one (easy). You will have plenty of time to relax and take everything in, especially the amazing food, beverages and activities on offer.
After breakfast it’s on your bike again for a short ride through Ruby Bay towards Tasman with a coffee option at the Tasman Store.
On leaving Tasman, a steady climb up to Tasman View Road is all worthwhile, as you take time to enjoy the spectacular 360 degree views of Tasman Bay and the ranges beyond (this section is grade 2-3 and has a climb of 200 meters over 4 km’s). Next you will drop down into the Riverside Community and on to Motueka. Some recommended lunch or coffee stops are the ‘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, you can enjoy the variety of bird species and gorgeous scenery.
From the outskirts of Motueka, Kaiteriteri is approximately 12km’s away. The short bike ride into Kaiteriteri takes in boardwalks and bridges through the farmland and orchards of Riwaka (NB: two great cafes in Riwaka together with the Hop Federation Brewery!) before entering the ‘Easy Rider’ trail of the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park. This 4km section through the mountain bike park winds through the stunning native beech 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 you can explore the beautiful golden sands which mark the gateway to the famous Abel Tasman National Park.
Tip: This is a fantastic day to upgrade to an E-Bike!
Today you get to take it easy and enjoy your surroundings. Surrounded by pristine waterways and native forest, the Lodge has been constructed to make the most of its secluded location which is not accessible by road. The main lodge is warm, inviting and full of character with a comfy lounge, library, bar, restaurant and outdoor pizzeria; there are plenty of walking tracks or take a picnic down to the famous Awaroa Beach for the afternoon.
Or you can indulge in one of the kayaking options below with Abel Tasman kayaks.
https://www.abeltasmankayaks.co.nz/guided-kayak-tours/seal-sanctuary-tour/
Day 4 - Awaroa Lodge - Kaiteriteri
Today there are some options to consider! Cruising, walking and the optional extras of kayaking. Kiwi Journeys will work with you to confirm your itinerary.
Day 4 Itinerary: Awaroa Lodge to Kaiteriteri
Day 4 Options
WALKING
Option 1
8.45am or earlier: Optional freedom walk: Depart Awaroa Lodge for Tonga Quarry. Sea Shuttle pick up time 11.15am at Tonga Quarry and arrive at Anchorage Beach at 11.45am
11.45am: Arrive Anchorage Beach. Option to do a self-guided walk to Pitt Head/Te Pukatea Bay Loop Track
3.45pm: If you choose walking options, Sea Shuttle water taxi leaves Anchorage Beach bound for Kaiteriteri
4.30pm: Arrive at Kaiteriteri Beach
5.00pm: Transport back to Nelson or Accommodation
KAYAKING
Option 2
11.15am (TBC)
You will be picked up by the (Abel Tasman Kayak) water taxi from Awaroa beach and transferred to Observation Beach for the kayaking
Price: TBC
Option 3
10.30am (TBC)
Take the lovely walk from Awaroa Lodge to Onetahuti (45 minutes) where the (Abel Tasman Kayak) water taxi will transfer you down to Observation Beach for the kayaking
Price: TBC
Sea kayaking option with Abel Tasman Kayaks
Afternoon trip exploring Adele Island and the Seal Colony.
Start with a scenic water taxi ride to Observation beach before exploring the surrounding coastline by kayak.
Paddle out to Adele & Fisherman Islands and observe the antics of the resident New Zealand Fur Seals Kekeno, watch out for little Blue Penguins too! You have ample time to spend with the playful Kekeno who call the island’s home. This short but sweet tour of the southern end of the Abel Tasman allows ample time to soak up the quintessential Abel Tasman coastline before arriving back in Marahau at 4.30pm.
On this trip covering the Astrolabe coastline you have a professional guide with you for around 4 hours sharing their knowledge and passion of the Abel Tasman. We also cater lunch designed around your health and energy.
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NZD $2309.00pp (minimum 2 pax)
Single supplement, additional $699
Rates are valid until May 31, 2025.
Subject to availability, seasonal surcharges may apply.
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Airport transfers
All cycle equipment which includes trail comfort bike, helmet, repair kit, panniers, odometer and trail documentation
Bottled Water and Map
All luggage transfers (1 bag per person – limit 15kgs per bag)
Mapua Ferry crossing
Private Chartered Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle transfers to Awaroa Lodge
Transport: Kaiteriteri to Nelson/Airport
3 nights’ accommodation based on twin/double share with breakfast included
2 x dinners at Awaroa Lodge
Luggage storage for excess luggage available if returning to Nelson after tour.
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September - April (Subject to availability)
Start dates are flexible - our Reservations staff will work with you to create an itinerary for your preferred dates (dependent on accommodation availability)
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Enjoy this fantastic tour on our high-end pedal assist e-Bikes! Additional $120 per person.
Sea Kayaking: Seal Sanctuary Tour (add $215 per person, non-commissionable)
