Coastal Combo Classic
Grade 1-3 (Easy to Intermediate)
73km
This Abel Tasman National Park adventure is a three day/ two night self guided cycle tour on the Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. 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. At the end of your day after exploring the attractions and experiencing the amazing scenery of the Nelson and Tasman coastlines you can relax and reflect in your double or twin accommodation.
Adding to your Great Taste Trail experience, you will finish your tour in Kaiteriteri where you can explore the famous golden sands found here at the gateway to the world famous Abel Tasman National Park. You have the option to enjoy the Discoverer Day boat cruise package with Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles. Cruising up the stunning coastline to Totaranui you can choose one of two options, either to stay on the cruise and relax or to disembark and walk part of the Abel Tasman track before boarding the boat again to top off an unforgettable three days.
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.
fter breakfast it’s on the bike again for a short ride through Ruby Bay towards the quaint village of Tasman. On 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 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. A recommended lunch or coffee stop is Motueka’s best kept secret, ‘Toad Hall Cafe’ 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 edge of Motueka you will be approximately 12km’s from Kaiteriteri. The short bike ride into Kaiteriteri takes in boardwalks and bridges through the farmland and orchards of Riwaka 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 famous golden sands which mark 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 three different walk options, the Discoverer Day is the best way to experience all the Abel Tasman has to offer including a scenic boat cruise, a visit to Split Apple Rock and a Fur Seal colony, views of beautiful golden beaches, forest walking and wildlife encounters all in one superb day out.
Arriving back at Kaiteriteri, transport will be awaiting you for your trip back to Nelson.
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NZD$1199.00pp twin share
Single supplement $265.00pp if required
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All cycle equipment which includes trail comfort bike, helmet, repair kit, panniers, odometer and trail documentation
Luggage transfers (1 bag per person – limit 15kgs per bag)
Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles – Discoverer Day
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
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12 Months
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Enjoy this tour and take the effort out of the hills on our high-end E Bikes (add $60 per person per day)
