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 the South Island, 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 your overnight farmstay where a traditional evening meal and a well earned night’s sleep in well appointed shearer’s quarters [all linen supplied, not your normal quarters seeing is believing]
“The trip exceeded our expectations”
Day Two
The next day we head towards the Mighty Molesworth Station where you will continue your mountain bike tour up the Awatere Valley, the ride follows through river valleys, sidling around foothills past mountains rising shear from the river valleys. On reaching Molesworth Station enjoy a replenishing picnic lunch before loading up and driving to our next cycle section beside The Acheron River. After looking through the historic Acheron Guest House. We take you over Jollies Pass down into Hanmer Springs. Enjoy a beautifully prepared evening meal after a long relaxing soak in the hot thermal pools, a just reward after the day’s long ride.
“Tour highly recommended and I may even repeat it again at some stage”
Day Three
The third day is back on the road which takes us over Jacks Pass and into the western side of Molesworth Station, here we follow the famous St James Station and Clarence River flats, we stop off at the picturesque Lake Tennyson for morning tea 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, this section starts at the head of the Wairau River, whilst cycling beside the Wairau River you pass towering shingle slides, mountain lakes and waterfalls spilling over rocky precipices flowing into the sparkling Wairau River.
Rainbow Station tracks go through the natural beech forest commonly found in New Zealand, through Hells Gate before enjoying a healthy lunch in the wide open spaces under a clear sky. Following the Wairau River for the afternoon we arrive at the historic Top House for a shower, a local beer or wine in New Zealand's smallest bar and hear the story of Top House. Enjoy a traditional meal with venison or wild pork in the dining room where the glowing fire creates a warm, friendly atmosphere in this historic home. A peaceful nights rest in this quiet location will ensure an energetic last day of cycling.
"An amazing trip with excellent food and commentary thoroughly enjoyed myself and will remember it for a long time.”
Day Four After breakfast we travel to Lake Rotoiti with time to look around the DOC centre, feed the tame eels with morning tea at a look-out point. Back to our accommodation to start our ride down the Wairau Valley following the river past sheep and cattle country then onto the first vineyards of the Wairau Valley, stopping at the historic Wairau Valley pub for a refreshing drink all on sealed roads. Blenheim is driven to and the end of your unforgettable tour.
Tour Dates for 2011
Dates Seats Available
Jan 6-9 8
Jan 22-25 14
Feb 3-6 14
Feb 12-15 12
Feb 18-21 14
Feb 25-28 7
March 6-9 3
March 12-15 1
March 17-20 Full
March 24-27 Full
March 29-April 1 2
April 4- 7 14
Dates for exclusive group bookings are also available please contact us with your needs.
Group sizes are from 4-14 cyclists
Price: $1,280.00 per person
Bike hire : $150.00 per Bike
Single Supplement : $100.00 per person
A 5% discount applies to groups of 10 or more.
Tour Inclusions:
- three splendid nights accommodation,
- a knowledgeable experienced cycle guide,
- all sumptuous meals and energy fuelled snack packs,
- a backup vehicle and specialist trailer to carry all your luggage,
- a friendly helpful driver to give you a commentary of the areas you are biking through
Tour with locals and experience the difference.
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