Healy & Friends - Nelson Great Taste Trail

We meet in Blenheim at midday and after a bike fit, set off on 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. We return to Blenheim and settle in to our comfortable accommodation before heading out for our first evening meal together. Note: Tonight you will need to pack a small backpack to carry any items for the next night of the tour. When staying overnight in Lochmara Lodge you will only need a change of clothing, swimwear, toiletries and any medication, the majority of your luggage will be secured in the vehicle. Cycle Distance: Blenheim towards Renwick - approx 27km Accommodation: Hotel d'Urville - www.hoteldurville.co.nz

Meals:  Nil

Today we ride the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive from Picton. The road hugs the shores of the Queen Charlotte Sound and gives splendid sea views. On arrival in Anakiwa, we put on our walking shoes and get ready to set out on the Queen Charlotte track. Carrying a small backpack with our overnight gear, we start with an easy walk through mature beech forest to Umungata (Davies Bay), then climb to a headland, giving wonderful views into the Sounds. Weaving in and out of Manuka bush, we climb a ridgeline for more panoramic views of the vivid blue sea, secluded bays and bush clad shorelines. From here we gradually descend into the next bay to reach our comfortable lodge, accessible only by foot, bike or boat. The rest of the afternoon provides a great opportunity to relax in one of the many hammocks, take out a kayak or paddleboard, swim, explore the bush walks around the property, visit the Underwater Observatory (own expense) or the art exhibition spaces. When it is dark, make sure to explore the glowworm grotto! Cycling Distance: 23km, Walking Distance: 15km, 5 hours Accommodation: Lochmara Lodge - www.lochmara.co.nz

Meals:  B,L,D

After a relaxed breakfast, we have chance to enjoy more of the surrounds and activities at our beautiful accommodation. We leave by water taxi at 9:30am and return to Anakiwa. We then drive to Nelson, the “sunshine capital” of the South Island of New Zealand, where after lunch we get back on our bikes and set out on our first ride of the Great Taste Trail. We'll start at Wakefield village and ride alongside the Wai-iti Riverbank, through the Wai-iti Domain to Belgrove where we can see a historic railway windmill, one of only two left in New Zealand. The trail then winds its way through bush up to the entrance of the historic Spooners Tunnel. Riding through Spooners Tunnel is a highlight. It is a 1.4km long rail tunnel, the longest decommissioned tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere. We continue on to pass through Kohatu and then enjoy views across hop plantations and farmland to Mt Arthur/ Wharepapa, before a gradual descent to Tapawera. We load up the bikes and then transfer to our accommodation before dinner at the exquisite Boatshed Restaurant. Cycling Distance: Wakefield to Tapawera - 31km Accommodation: The Sails, Nelson - www.thesailsnelson.co.nz

Meals:  B,L

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 drive to our secluded accommodation in Ruby Bay. For those who still have energy to burn, we can cycle from the winery onto our lodge, where we spent the next 2 nights. Tonight will be a relaxed BBQ dinner which will be cooked by the guides and any willing participants. Cycle Distance: Richmond to Mapua - 18km Mapua to Motueka - 22km Motueka to Riwaka Winery to Korepo - Optional 8km and 26km Accommodation - Korepo Lodge - www.korepolodge.nz

Meals:  B,L,D

After continental breakfast served in our lodge, there will be a choice of activities depending on energy levels. We can drive to Marahau and the start of the famous Abel Tasman track, and there we can choose from walking, sailing, biking, kayaking or canyoning among others. Some activities will need to be booked in advance and your guides can make any bookings for you. The mountain bike park in Kaiteriteri has a range of trails suited to all level of riding ability - www.bikekaiteriteri.co.nz, the views across the Abel Tasman from the park are impressive. For those wanting a rest from the bike there is an option for a half day walk, followed by a 3 hour sail. From Marahua the Abel Tasman track is well formed and drops into several beautiful sheltered bays and golden sand beaches. We would have lunch overlooking Torrent Bay and can board a catamaran for an exciting sail around the heads and back to our start point. To round out a wonderful day, we can take some time to enjoy either Kaiteriteri beach or relax back at Ruby Bay, with the chance for a late afternoon swim or a relaxing stroll along the golden sands. In the evening we head for our final group dinner at the Apple Shed located over the water on Mapua Wharf, with unrivalled views across the Waimea Inlet.

Meals:  B,L

Our final ride today is on a very quiet and pretty road along the west bank of the Motueka 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. We then head inland through the rolling country of Dovedale with views of the Kahurangi Ranges and on to Upper Moutere, known for its many vineyards, cellar doors and galleries. Our final stop is the wonderful Forsters Restaurant at Moutere Hills Vineyard where we have a celebratory lunch and a wine tasting. On a high we then transfer to Nelson where we are delivered to the airport in the late afternoon for our return flight. Cycle Distances: Moutere Valley to Woodstock - 32km Woodstock to Upper Moutere Vineyard - 25km

Meals:  B,L