Triple Treat
Grade 1-2 (Easy)
90km
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 family’s or couples 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 options 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. Highlights today include a real fruit ice cream made from local berries and Rabbit Island, perfect for a swim with the kids.
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 Pics Peanut Butter World, a family favourite.
This is a magic three days and best of all, it’s flat!
Itinerary
Your adventure starts at our Nelson City depot at 8:35am, where your family 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 one hour to Tapawera, our Kiwi Journeys driver will give you some useful tips about the trail including food and beverage stops.
Enjoy the local history in Tapawera before the trail takes you beside the Hop Farms To Kohatu. (Tip: Be sure to visit the Hidden Sculpture Garden on the way: $5 entry). The Flat Rock Café in Kohatu is a perfect stop for a hot drink 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 tranquillity 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!
Tip: the Wakefield Bakery is very popular!
Departing Wakefield, you will cycle beside quiet country roads towards Brightwater where you can have your first morning tea 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 amazing real fruit ice creams.
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.
Attention food and beverage lovers: Before you enter Rabbit Island we suggest you visit Nelson’s largest winery which includes, Harvest Kitchen restaurant and a lovely tasting room at Seifried Estates)
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.
Family Favourite: Smokehouse fish n chips, wharf jumping and Hamish’s Ice Cream Shop.
Retrace your steps along the Coastal route to Richmond. There are plenty of fun things to experience on 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’.
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.
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NZD $799 per person
Minimum 2 pax (Adults)
Single Supplement: $220
Price: $2649 per family (2 adults, 2 children)
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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
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12 months of the year (no seasonal restrictions)
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Enjoy this fantastic tour on our high-end pedal assist e-Bikes! Additional $180 per person. (26’ kids e-Bikes also available)
Post/Pre trail accommodation
