Four Day Cycle Molesworth Adventure
Day One
The start of your ride takes you through a combination of vineyards and sheep country set amongst the river terraces of the Awatere River and the Black Birch mountain range with the ever-present view of Mt Tapeanuku, the highest mountain outside the Southern Alps. We cycle through some traditional high country scenery typical of N.Z. with Merino sheep and cattle grazing on the hillsides and river flats of the large stations stretching beyond the surrounding foothills. Lunch is on a high country station with a decent break and healthy refuel before cycling to our overnight quarters where a traditional evening meal and a well earned night’s sleep in the shearer’s quarters awaits you.
"Our high country overnight stay was wonderful, great to meet the family out mustering"
Day Two
The next day we head towards the mighty Molesworth Station where you will continue your mountain bike through the majestic scenery of N.Z.’s largest cattle station. The ride follows through river valleys, sidling around foothills past mountains rising shear from the river valleys. Enjoy a replenishing picnic lunch before crossing the mighty Clarence River, after looking through the historic Acheron Guest House. The ride takes you over Jollies Pass down into Hanmer Springs. A relaxing evening meal at a local restaurant after a long soak in the hot thermal pools to ease those aches and pains is a just reward after the day’s long ride.
Day Three
The third day is back on the road which takes us over Jacks Pass and over into the western side of Molesworth, here you will follow the Clarence River flats, we stop off at Lake Tennyson with its surrounding mountain peaks and glacier formed valleys.
Travel in your support vehicle to the top of Island Saddle (New Zealand’s highest point on a public road), 1400 metres, then descend to the head of the Wairau River. Cycle past towering shingle slides, mountain lakes and waterfalls spilling over rocky precipices flowing into the sparkling Wairau River.
Enter into Rainbow Station by riding through the narrow gorge of Hells Gate out into the natural beech forest commonly found in New Zealand. Enjoy a healthy lunch in the wide open spaces under a clear sky. Following the Wairau River for the afternoon we return to the main highway and arrive at the historic Top House for a shower, a beer or wine in New Zealand's smallest bar. Enjoy a traditional meal with venison or wild pork in the dining room where the glowing fire creates a pleasant atmosphere in this historic home, with a peaceful nights rest in this quiet location.
Day Four
After a hearty breakfast enjoy cycling on sealed roads to Lake Rotoiti with time for a bush walk. After having morning tea we ride down the Wairau Valley which will give you a contrast between the rugged high country you have just come from to the flat river valley planted extensively in grapes ,descending towards the township of Blenheim and the end of your tour.
The tour includes : three nights accommodation, all meals and snacks, a backup vehicle to carry all your luggage and support equipment, and a fabulous driver to tell you all about the history, stories, geography, flora and fauna of the areas you are biking through. Access to a remote and fascinating part of New Zealand, first aid equipment, use of a 2 way radio for contact between cyclists and support vehicle driver.
"Geoff did a really good job keeping us informed with history and stories and he provided for us well"
Tour Dates For 2011
Jan 6-9
Jan 22-25
Feb 3-6
Feb 12-15
Feb 18-21
Feb 25-28
March 6-9
March 12-15
March 17-20
March 24-27
March 31- April 3
For groups of ten or more special dates can be arranged
Come with locals and experience the difference
Price : $ 1,280.00 per person
Bike hire : $150.00 per Bike
Single Supplement : $100.00 per person
