Cycling in Tasman and Golden Bay’s most beautiful coastal and inland areas, plus a scenic cruise and 3 days of easy walking in lush native forest. Kayak on pristine bays with golden sandy beaches.
This cycling trail takes a leisurely tour of Tasman and Golden Bay’s most beautiful coastal and inland areas. Riders will pass vineyards, breweries and orchards along the way.
The start of your walking is through lush native forest and golden sandy beaches from Totaranui in the north to Marahau in the south.
It’s pleasant walking, with no point higher than 150 m. We’ll take care of the details, leaving you free to enjoy.
Our guides and hosts will help you make the most of each day. Choose to have time on your own, or share some insights into local culture and natural history.
Walking Tour
Cycling Tour
7-12 Day Tour
8 days / 7 nights
An average level of fitness. Walk 12kms, Bike 25kms. Well formed tracks and roads with average incline.
NZ$3,515
We can build a tour especially for your group, please enquire for dates available.
Price: NZ$3,515
Nelson to Motueka
47km
Comfortable Motel
After your pick up in Nelson we start our cycle journey at Richmond. This section of Tasman’s Great Taste Trail winds alongside the scenic Waimea Inlet which is the largest enclosed estuary in the South Island and home to a wide range of sea birds including the bar-tailed godwit, white heron, royal spoonbill, little egret, Australasian bittern, and banded rail. You ride to the popular recreation area/ beach on Rabbit Island and arrive at the Mapua Ferry, which transfers you to the seaside village of Mapua.
Leaving Mapua the trail runs along the coast, where you’ll be rewarded with amazing views out across Tasman Bay and up to the Mt Arthur Range and Kahurangi National Park. From here the trail descends gradually to Motueka where you stay overnight.
Motueka to Takaka
37km
Leaving Motueka behind, this section of Tasman’s Great Taste Trail takes you through the beautiful fruit and hops growing area of the region and on to the picturesque seaside holiday mecca, and one of New Zealand’s favourite beaches, Kaiteriteri.
In Kaiteriteri we board the vehicle and drive over the infamous Takaka Hill to Little Takaka. From here we ride down the idyllic Takaka Valley to the township of Takaka where our riding finishes for the day.
You will have time this afternoon to walk around Takaka and enjoy browsing through the arts and craft shops and galleries this area is known for.
Tonight, we stay and dine in Takaka.
Takaka to Collingwood
This morning we ride the 6.7kms to the Waikoropupu (Pupu) Springs to see the clearest spring water in the world and enjoy the bush walk around the springs soaking up the unique features of this special place.
From the Waikoropupu (Pupu) Springs we ride along the quiet back roads to the Anatoki River and visit the Anatoki Salmon farm where if you are keen you can catch your own salmon and have it hot smoked for you.
Then it is all aboard the vehicle and drive north along the glorious coastal road to Collingwood, soaking up the fabulous views over the pristine waters of Golden Bay.
On the way we will stop in at the famous Mussel Inn to soak up the atmosphere of this charming brewery and eatery.
On arrival in Collingwood we are on the bikes again and ride to Puponga and on to Wharariki Beach. Tonight we stay and dine in Collingwood.
Collingwood to Takaka
33km
We drive this morning through the quiet rural Aorere Valley to the end of Aorere Valley Road which is the official start of the famous Great Walk – The Heaphy Track.
From here it is onto the bikes to ride back down the valley to the small historic town of Bainham where we visit the Bainham store and discover the history of the area. This general store and post office has been providing essentials to the Bainham community and travellers since 1928.
On leaving Bainham we continue on down the valley riding through farm land until we meet the coastal road where we finish cycling for the day. Tonight, we stay and dine in Takaka.
Riwaka to Woodstock
32km
This morning we drive back over the Takaka Hill to Riwaka where the days riding starts. This is a beautiful quiet back country road and the ride from Riwaka to Woodstock is well worth the effort. The road meanders along tranquil back roads following the west bank of the Motueka River, world famous for its brown trout and fly fishing. The finish of the riding for the day is in Woodstock a very small rural settlement on the banks of the Motueka River.
We drive back to Motueka where you stay for the evening.
Nelson / Motueka to Awaroa via Totaranui
7 km
Meadowbank Homestead
All aboard our Vista Cruise vessel! As we cruise from Kaiteriteri at the southern tip of the Park, north to Totaranui we echo the contours of the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline. Relax on the upper or lower viewing decks and enjoy a hot drink from the cafe. From Totaranui, walk through mature beech and rata forests, and along secluded golden beaches to the breathtaking expanse of the Awaroa inlet. Then, welcome to Meadowbank Homestead At Awaroa, a faithful re-creation of the Wilson family’s original home on the “finest site in the bay”.
Approximate Times: Scenic drive to Kaiteriteri – from Nelson 1 hours, from Motueka 20 mins Vista Cruise Kaiteriteri to Totaranui – 1.5 hours. Walk – 2.5 hours (7 kms, 4.5 miles) including tidal crossing Maximum elevation 60 m (200 ft)
Meals included: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Awaroa to Torrent Bay
17 km
Torrent Bay Lodge
After a relaxing night’s sleep and home-cooked breakfast overlooking the gardens by the sea at Meadowbank, you’ll be ready for your scenic day walk to Torrent Bay. If you’re not feeling energetic, your Guide will arrange for a boat ride so can choose the amount of walking to suit.
Section 1: Awaroa to Onetahuti and Tonga Quarry 6 km (3.5 miles) Max elevation 85 m (280 ft)
Section 2: Tonga Quarry to Bark Bay 4km (2.5 miles) Max elevation 120 m (400 ft)
Section 3: Bark Bay to Torrent Bay 7 kms (4.4 miles) Max elevation 105 m (340 ft)
Leisurely options:
Maximum total Walking time: 7 hours (17 kms, 10.5 miles)
Meals included: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Torrent Bay to Nelson
13 - 16 kms, depending on the tide
Wake up to morning light on the golden sands of Torrent Bay and perhaps a coffee on the deck before breakfast. Then on your final day, walk the easiest section of the coastal track from Torrent Bay to Marahau, with panaromic views across Tasman Bay to Nelson. Along the way you’ll rediscover the pristine bays and beaches named by French Explorer, Dumont D’Urville in 1827.
For less walking time:
Approximate times: Walk 4-5 hours, depending on tides (13 – 16 kms, 8 – 10 miles) Maximum elevation 110 m (360 ft) Scenic drive Marahau/Kaiteriteri to Motueka (20 mins) or Nelson (1 hour)
Meals included: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch
This itinerary is reversed for Wednesday departures
Start/Finish times
The direction of this trip may be reversed on some departures with earlier pick up in Nelson (7.15 – 7.40 am) and Motueka (8.15 am).
The earlier pick-up applies to most Wednesday departures and all departures after NZ daylight savings time finishes at the beginning of April.
If Start/Finish times don’t suit your itinerary, please contact us to make alternative arrangements. All our itineraries can be flexible to accommodate your needs or schedule.
Please confirm the start/finish time with us before you book connecting airline flights.
Important Additional Information:
Walking each day is optional. You are welcome to travel on any of our scheduled ferry services. This flexibility is perfect for couples or groups with different interests and abilities – some preferring to walk, others to take the boat between lodges. As our 3 Day Guided Walk runs at the same time as our 3 Day Guided Kayak & Walk break, some of your group can choose the Kayak & Walk option.
We reserve the right to alter itineraries, timetables and vessel types. All travel subject to weather and tides which may cause delay/cancellation.
Double or twin share. If single room accommodation is requested, an additional fee per person is payable to cover this requirement for the duration of the tour.
You will enjoy great local cuisine; continental breakfasts and hearty packed lunches during the day, and either restaurant meals or wholesome home-cooked fare prepared by your host/hostess in the evenings.If you have any dietary issues or food allergies, we are happy to cater for these, please advise the office of details when you make your booking. All meals are included in your tour cost except your evening meal on night Five. Wine and other beverages are available to be purchased during dinners.
Tuatara Tours transports all your luggage for the duration of the tour. All you carry is a small day pack with your personal gear, drink and lunch. We do the rest
To ensure you get the very best out of your journey with the least of fuss, we provide you with a kit bag full of useful goodies.
This will be given to you at the start of your tour.
Our guides are very experienced, friendly walkers and bikers who love to share their knowledge of New Zealand’s flora and fauna and local history. They all hold current first aid certificates, passenger driving licences and are the very best people to ensure your experience will be one to remember.
To ensure maximum safety for all, our guides are certified first aiders and fully qualified drivers. Tuatara Tours operate under a Safety and Risk Management Plan which is regularly audited and approved by a qualified and independent auditor.