Nelson Explorer Package
Grade 1-3 (easy-intermediate) Up to 84km (depending on choices)
Cost: NZD$789 per person
Kiwi Journeys are excited to release the new ‘Nelson Explorer’ tour! We have built this package around your stay at the incredible “School House”, an amazing accommodation and entertaining base while you explore our region.
Spend two nights in Nelson in the iconic Hardy Street School House, doing two of our most popular day tours and exploring the beautiful city of Nelson at your leisure in the evenings.
Centrally located and set up for adventure, exploration or just walking the central city, the Hardy Street School House is the perfect base for discovering the beautiful Nelson / Tasman region, and its only minutes’ walk to Nelson’s best Cafe’s, Restaurants and Bars.
Hardy Street School House also happens to be one of the oldest buildings in Nelson (1860), with a full renovation completed in 2023 to convert the interior into connemporary, self-catering luxe apartments.
Apartments include secure bike storage, a huge lounge and kitchen area for self-catering and a shared private courtyard, the perfect place for a post-exploration catch-up or relaxing unwind after a fun day.
Itinerary
A fantastic day out! Meet us at our Kiwi Journeys Nelson depot to drop off your bags (shuttle from accommodation or airport can be arranged) and start your journey of exploration. Your bikes and helmets will be ready for you to be on your way after a briefing.
Cycle a leisurely 32 km’s and 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 (don’t forget to pack your togs and a towel!)
A short trip across the channel on the iconic Mapua Ferry lands you at Mapua Wharf. Here you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, shops, and the Golden Bear Boutique Brewery before the return shuttle trip back to Nelson City on our Kiwi Journeys shuttle.
For the evening, you can decide on exploring the city of Nelson and all it has to offer or simply have a relaxing evening in, enjoying the beautiful spacious lounge and kitchen area to plan and reflect on your adventure.
Another day of adventure awaits! Meet up with the Kiwi Journeys team at our Nelson City depot (just down the road from your accommodation) at 8:45am before you board the Kiwi Journeys shuttle and escape to the countryside at 9:00am.
Today you will ride through the longest disused rail tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere, witness extraordinary mountain vistas, amazing scenery through farmland, orchards, hop gardens, vineyards and coastal estuaries and enjoy world class food and beverage.
With an approximate shuttle time of 45 minutes to Spooner’s Tunnel, our Kiwi Journeys driver will give you some useful tips about the trail including food and beverage stops.
At 1352 meters 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.
Highlights include riding through farmland, pristine native forests, following rivers, swing-bridges, past vineyards, and berry farms to name a few. We highly recommend a stop for lunch at the Grape Escape Café followed by a tasting at the Richmond Plains/Te-Mania winery and then a real fruit ice cream made from local raspberries and boysenberries.
On your way back to the Kiwi Journeys depot, there are many things to explore and taste. Some of the many options include stopping at Eddyline Brewery & Pizzeria, visiting Pics Peanut Butter World, McCashins Brewery, and the amazing Classic Car Museum. Detour off the trail to take the waterfront scenic route, exploring Tahunanui Beach, stand-up paddle boarding, many eateries and of course sample a craft beer.
After this journey of exploration, end up back at your accommodation with the option to explore Nelson’s nightlife some more or simply relax.
This is the day when you can explore what Nelson City itself, or the Tasman Region, has to offer at your own leisure.
Simply jump on your bike and explore Nelson port and wharf, Tahunanui beach, the waterpark, the city center with all its shops, restaurants, galleries and museum and cycle along Rocks Road.
Alternatively, work with our experienced Kiwi Journeys staff to book an activity such as an Abel Tasman hike or kayak adventure, a Nelson City history guided walk or paddle board @ Tahunanui. There is lots to do and to explore!
End your adventure by returning your bikes and equipment to our Nelson depot and with a friendly farewell from the Kiwi Journeys staff in the afternoon, you continue your journey. If required a shuttle to accommodation or airport can be arranged.
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NZD $789 per person
Minimum 4 pax (Adults)
Prices based on twin/double share accommodation
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Cycle equipment which includes trail comfort bike, light, helmet, repair kit, panniers, and trail map
2 nights’ accommodation
2 Breakfast Vouchers
Kiwi Journeys water bottle
Transport: Nelson to Spooner’s Tunnel
Transport: Mapua Wharf to Nelson
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Summer: September to April (with the exclusion of Christmas Day)
Winter: May to August (Weekends, School and Public Holidays only)
12 months of the year. (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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Try one of our high-end e-Bikes (electric)!! (NB: extra $60 per person per day)
Work with our experienced Kiwi Journeys staff to add to your adventure and book your activities for Day 3!
