Nelson, Golden Bay and Abel Tasman.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Nelson where you stay for the evening.

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”.

• Pick up Nelson (10.15 – 10.45 am) or Motueka (11.30 am) or if you are self driving please meet at our office by 11.30 am. Wednesday departures and some low season departures have an earlier start. See Start/Finish Times (below) for more details.
• Meet your guide at our Motueka office for a welcome briefing with time for last-minute luggage organisation, before departing to Kaiteriteri by coach.
• 1.00 pm: Vista Cruise departs Kaiteriteri for a fast, safe, comfortable cruise along the National Park coastline. Hot & cold drinks, open and enclosed viewing decks and bathroom facilities on board.
• From Totaranui, walk through mature beech and rata forests, and along secluded golden beaches to the tidal inlet at Awaroa.
• Either walk, if the tide is out, or take a boat ride across the stunning expanses of the largest inlet on the coast.
• Meadowbank Homestead At Awaroa sits right on the edge of the inlet. Here, you’ll be welcomed with pre-dinner drinks, fine food, and comfortable accommodation full of history and kiwi charm.

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

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)

• 9 am (approx.) leave Awaroa to enjoy a morning walking through native forest with magnificent coastal views, then walk along the golden sands of Onetahuti Beach.
• Continue on to explore the historic sites and picturesque golden cove of Tonga Quarry beach.

Section 2:  Tonga Quarry to Bark Bay 4km (2.5 miles) Max elevation 120 m (400 ft)

• From Tonga Quarry, walk over a forested saddle and around the Waterfall Trail to Bark Bay.
• Midday, stop for lunch at Bark Bay, taking time out to relax, explore, swim or sunbathe on the golden sands.

Section 3: Bark Bay to Torrent Bay 7 kms (4.4 miles) Max elevation 105 m (340 ft)

• From Bark Bay, walk the most varied section the coastal track as it winds through shady gullies of mature Beech forest, fern grottos and sunny groves of Manuka framing coastal vistas.
• Cross the swing bridge at Falls River and continue on to Torrent Bay.
• Around 4.30 pm: A welcome awaits at Torrent Bay Lodge, right on the beachfront.  This was the Wilson family’s holiday home, now tastefully extended and renovated to include all modern comforts whist keeping its relaxed, beach holiday atmosphere.

Leisurely options:

• 11.50 am, board the Vista catamaran at Tonga Quarry. Cruise to Bark Bay to join the rest of your group for lunch or continue on to Torrent Bay.
• 3.00 pm, board the Vista catamaran at Medlands Beach (Bark Bay) to cruise to Torrent Bay.

Maximum total Walking time: 7 hours (17 kms, 10.5 miles)

Meals included: Breakfast, Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Dinner

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.

• Depart Torrent Bay Lodge at about 9.00 am
• Around midday, stop for lunch at a sheltered beach with views of the islands in the Astrolabe Roadstead.
• Our driver meets you at Marahau (or Kaiteriteri) to Motueka (4.30 pm) or Nelson (5.30 – 6.00 pm)**.

For less walking time:

• Join the Vista Cruise at Torrent Bay, Anchorage beach or Apple Tree Bay to return to Kaiteriteri.

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.