We start our journey at Richmond between 8:30 and 9am. This section of Tasman’s Great Taste Trail winds alongside the scenic Waimea Inlet which is the largest enclosed estuary in the South Island and home to a wide range of  sea birds including the bar-tailed godwit, white heron, royal spoonbill, little egret, Australasian bittern, and banded rail.

You ride to the popular recreation area/ beach on Rabbit Island and arrive at the Mapua Ferry, which transfers you to the seaside village of Mapua.

Leaving Mapua the trail runs along the coast, where you’ll be rewarded with amazing views out across Tasman Bay and up to the Mt Arthur Range and  Kahurangi National Park.  From here the trail descends gradually to Motueka where you stay overnight.

Leaving Motueka behind, this section of Tasman’s Great Taste Trail takes you through the beautiful fruit and hops growing area of the region and on to the picturesque seaside holiday mecca, and one of New Zealand’s favourite beaches, Kaiteriteri.

In Kaiteriteri we board the vehicle and drive over the infamous Takaka Hill to Little Takaka. From here we ride down the idyllic Takaka Valley to the township of Takaka where our riding finishes for the day.

You will have time this afternoon to walk around Takaka and enjoy browsing through the arts and craft shops and galleries this area is known for.

Tonight we stay and dine in Takaka.

This morning we ride the 6.7kms to the Waikoropupu (Pupu) Springs to see the clearest spring water in the world and enjoy the bush walk around the springs soaking up the unique features of this special place.

From the Waikoropupu (Pupu) Springs we ride along the quiet back roads to the Anatoki River and visit the Anatoki Salmon farm where if you are keen you can catch your own salmon and have it hot smoked for you.

Then it is all aboard the vehicle and drive north along the glorious coastal road to Collingwood, soaking up the fabulous views over the pristine waters of Golden Bay.

On arrival in Collingwood we are on the bikes again and ride to Puponga and on to Wharariki Beach.

Tonight we stay in Collingwood and travel a short distance to dine at the famous Mussel Inn and soak up the atmosphere of this charming brewery and eatery.

We drive this morning through the quiet rural Aorere Valley to the end of Aorere Valley Road which is the official start of the famous Great Walk – The Heaphy Track.

From here it is onto the bikes to ride back down the valley to the small historic town of Bainham where we visit the Bainham store and discover the history of the area.

This general store and post office has been providing essentials to the Bainham community and travellers since 1928.

The store has been in the same family four generations, since it opened in 1928. EB Langford was the initial proprietor, followed by his grand-daughter Lorna who ran the store and post office for 63 years. Lorna retired in May of 2008, handing over the reins to Sukhita Langford, who hopes to do both the community and family proud by continuing the traditions that her great grandfather instilled more than 80 years ago.

On leaving Bainham we cycle on down the valley riding through farm land until we meet the coastal road where we finish cycling for the day. Tonight we stay and dine in Takaka.

This morning we drive back over the Takaka Hill to Riwaka and along a beautiful quiet back country road which meanders along following the west bank of the Motueka River, world famous for its brown trout and fly fishing. 

On arrival at Tapawera your biking starts for the day. You ride on the trail through the hop fields to Kohatu, Norris’s Gully to Spooners Tunnel (1.35km long). From the tunnel you then ride onto Belgrove and then to Wakefield if time allows.

We then drive back to Nelson where your tour finishes between 4 and 5pm approximately.