Nelson Bike Hike and Sail

We will collect you early this morning from a central Christchurch location around 7:30am and head away on our drive north to Kaikoura (2.5 - 3 hours). This scenic journey crosses the Canterbury Plains, winds over the Hunderlee Hills and then follows the beautiful coastline to arrive in time for lunch. We will enjoy a walk along the dramatic Kaikoura peninsula, spotting a few seals along the way with a bit of luck. This provides a good opportunity to stretch our legs before a further drive along the coast road (around 1.5 hours) to Blenheim. Here we will unload the bikes, try them out and enjoy our first cycle ride amongst the Marlborough vineyards. Marlborough is world renowned for its Sauvignon Blanc wine, and we take the time for some wine tasting at a few of the local vineyards along the way. Then a final van transfer takes us to Picton, a peaceful little port town, and our stop for the night. Picton is nestled in the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound surrounded by hills, in the evening there will be time to wander along the waterfront to watch the ferries come and go. Cycle Distance: Blenheim towards Renwick - approx 27km

Meals:  D

This morning we take a water taxi to the nearby Queen Charlotte track, a spectacular ridge top walk above the Marlborough Sound. We get dropped off at Te Mahia Saddle and spend the morning weaving through lush native bush with glimpses into the many bays and coves below. Arriving at the little village of Anakiwa at the end of the track, we enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach. After lunch we continue to Nelson - the “sunshine capital” of the South Island of New Zealand, where we can hop on the bikes for a ride around the pretty town. There will be options for a longer ride towards the Maitai Valley or to visit Nelson's many galleries. Arriving at our central city accommodation we have some time to explore further before regrouping for dinner. Hiking Distance: 12km, approx 3-4 hours walking

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we drive to Richmond to rejoin the Great Taste Trail. Before starting on your bike there is the option to take a tour of the Pic's Peanut butter factory, a local Nelson institution! Today's coastal ride takes us to Rabbit Island passing vineyards and galleries on the way. We take a short ferry journey to Mapua where we have lunch at one of the excellent waterfront cafes, before continuing our cycle along the Ruby Coast and into Motueka. From here we have the option to cycle another 8km to Riwaka River Estate Winery for a late afternoon tasting. We then load up the bikes and return to Motueka for overnight. For those who still have some energy, we can cycle from the winery back to our accommodation at Motueka. Cycle Distance: Richmond to Mapua - 18km Mapua to Motueka - 22km Motueka to Riwaka Winery - Optional 8km each way

Meals:  B,L

This morning we drive to Marahau and the start of the famous Abel Tasman track. We will rest our cycle legs by taking a half day hike into Anchorage on the Abel Tasman walkway. The track is well formed and drops into several beautiful sheltered bays and golden sand beaches. At midday we have lunch overlooking Torrent Bay and then board a catamaran for an exciting sail around the heads and back to our vehicle. To round out a wonderful day, we take some time to enjoy Kaiteriteri beach, with the chance for a late afternoon swim or a relaxing stroll along the golden sands. From here it is only a short drive back to Motueka. Walking Distance: 12.5km Sailing: 3 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Our ride today is on a very quiet and pretty road along the west bank of the Moutere River, starting from Riwaka and passing through vineyards, kiwifruit orchards and hops farms along the way. This is an on road section of the Great Taste Trail which takes us through to Woodstock. After loading the bikes to drive a busy section of road to Kohatu for lunch, we continue on the Great Taste Trail through the Norris Gully, to the historic Spooners Tunnel. At 1.4km, it is New Zealand's longest decommissioned rail tunnel. A lovely downhill gradient takes us down to the Wai-iti Domain where we once again meet the bus and load up the bikes. We transfer by van through to St Arnaud and our hotel for the night, which is located on the edge of the Nelson Lakes National Park, set amidst stunning wilderness scenery. In the afternoon there are plenty of options for some lovely walks along the lakeside or take a swim in Lake Rotoiti. Cycle Distances: Moutere Valley Ride - 38km Norris Gully to Wai-iti Domain - 13km

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we drive alongside the Buller River on the way to Murchison, a small town at the confluence of four rivers and servicing the surrounding farming region. Here we witness a truly unique phenomenon as part of "the Natural Flames Experience". We will 4WD through a deer farm and enjoy a hike through native bush to discover "The Flames", the world's only fire perpetually burning in a forest. Enjoy ‘billy tea’ and pancakes cooked on the flames. Returning to Murchison to our own vehicle we drive over Lewis Pass and back to Christchurch, reminiscing about the variety of experiences we have encountered over the last few days. Arrival time in Christchurch is between 6-7:00pm.

Meals:  B