Molesworth Cycle Trail
"We just loved the trip - thank you so much attention to detail was terrific" R Turner. "The trip was a great pleasure and fully met our expectations" B Wilkinson Jan 08
Experience cycling the open expanses of New Zealand's largest high country station, enjoy a five day fully supported tour complete with cycle guide and back up vehicle to support and guide you.
These tours have been designed specially for the recreational cyclist with moderate fitness levels. All the planning has been done for you and with the attraction of no gear to carry, you are guaranteed a unique cycle holiday through a remote and beautiful part of New Zealand. Enjoy meeting local farmers, and learning about the local history.
You decide how much biking you want to do each day - between 15-25 km's on easy downhills and long picturesque river flats on graded quiet metal farm tracks.
"We loved the trip and whenever we see photos we can't help smiling"
Deluxe Five Day Cycle Tour
Experience the new Molesworth five-day high country cycling holiday adventure. Tour begins in Blenheim and takes in the magnificent scenery of Awatere Valley, Mt Tapuaenuku, Molesworth Station, St James Station, Hanmer Springs, Rainbow Station, Clarence River flats, Lake Tennyson, Nelson Lakes and the Wairau River
Contact us for exclusive itineraries for groups of six or more and we will do our best to put together a specialized tour for you.
Click here to read about the Four Day Cycle Tour Option and dates
This exclusive cycle tour starts in Blenheim, the picturesque wine capital of New Zealand located on the fertile river valley of the Wairau Plains where the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world is grown. Our groups are small in number only maximum of seven. Larger groups can be catered for. We will meet you at your accommodation in Blenheim. In the comfort of our 4WD coach your tour will be relaxing and enjoyable. We have a covered trailer with cycle racks to safely carry all your gear.
Day One
The start of your ride takes you through a combination of vineyards and sheep country set amongst the river terraces and the Birch mountain range with the ever-present view of Mt Tapuaenuku, 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 Upcot Station where a traditional evening meal with the family and a well earned night’s sleep in the comfortable shearer’s quarters awaits you.
"Staying on the station 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. You will be taken to the top of Jollies Pass where a downhill cycle ride gets you down into Hanmer Springs. A relaxing evening meal at a local restaurant after a long soak in the hot thermal pools is a just reward after the day’s exilarating ride.
Day Three
"We enjoyed the day in Hanmer Springs climbing Mt Isabel and cycling"
The third day is more relaxing where you can choose to enjoy some leisurely biking through the Hanmer forest tracks. This area is very popular with cyclists as there are numerous specially formed tracks for enthusiasts to use, or you can spend the day swimming, walking or relaxing.
Day Four
The fourth day is back on the road which takes you over Jacks Pass and into the western side of Molesworth. Here you will follow the Clarence River flats, where you stop off at Lake Tennyson with its surrounding mountain peaks and glacier formed valleys as a backdrop for morning tea.
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 outcrops 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 in the smallest bar in N.Z. Enjoy a traditional meal with local wine,in the dining room where the glowing fire creates a pleasant, warm atmosphere in this historic home, then later enjoy a quiet restful nights sleep.
Day Five
After a hearty breakfast prepared by our ever faithful host Nigel,enjoy cycling on sealed roads to Lake Rotoiti with time for a bush walk and view the DOC display. 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 where you and your bike can have a rest till your next adventure.
"Having Robert as a guide was an asset with his cycle tips, mechanical knowledge and support for those going more slowly and he took responsibility away from us"
The tour includes an experienced cycle guide, four nights accommodation, most meals and snacks, a backup vehicle to carry all your luggage and support equipment, and and fabulous driver to tell you all about the history, geography, flora and fauna of the areas you are biking through. Access to a remote and fascinating part of New Zealand, first aid equipment, a satellite phone for emergency use. We can arrange accommodation before and after the tour.
"Geoff did a really good job in the support vehicle keeping us informed with history and stories and he provided for us well"
You are welcome to bring your own bike or we can arrange cycle hire for you.
This tour caters for recreational cyclists in the forty plus age group wanting to have a unique, fun and hassle free cycle tour adventure in a beautiful and remote part of New Zealand. Average biking distance covered each day is 40 km or less. Hill climbs are not essential and are avoided but downhills are encouraged.
Numbers: Minimum of four people but we do welcome inquiries from singles or couples and groups.
Fast Tour Facts
- Overnights: Upcot Station,Drifters Inn Hanmer Springs Thermal Resort
- (2 nights) and Top House in the Nelson Lakes district.
- Most meals and snacks provided.
- Bring: Warm clothing, cycle gear, swim gear (for hot pools), camera, own bike optional.
- 5-day price: NZD $1560pp Twin/share incl GST
- Tour begins and finishes in Blenheim
- cycle hire additional $185 pp
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