Explore the best of Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough at the top of the South Island on the ultimate bike, walk and sailing holiday. This region is famed for its stunning natural landscapes, with long golden beaches, untouched forests and rugged mountains, it also boasts being the sunniest part of the country. Cycle along Nelson’s Great Taste Trail, sail a catamaran in the famous Abel Tasman National Park and walk through lush native forest on the Queen Charlotte track. Discover the magic of the Marlborough Sounds as you spend 2 nights at a remote oceanfront lodge, accessed only by boat, kayak or foot. Visit galleries, craft breweries, boutique stores and wineries in a region renowned for its creative artisan culture.
The journey begins in Nelson where you'll join the Great Taste Trail, cycling along flat or gently rolling terrain, through a disused railway tunnel and along coastal tracks towards the sandy beaches of the stunning Abel Tasman National Park where you'll go on a sailing excursion and walk part of the Abel Tasman track.
You'll then visit the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds where you can enjoy a day relaxing at the secluded Lochmara lodge before a hike - on the beautiful Queen Charlotte track - and bike ride leads you into the heart of wine-making country. The final ride takes you through the colourful vineyards of the Awatere Valley and you'll cycle over two passes before a wine tasting at a Blenheim winery, providing a fitting finale to this memorable outdoor adventure.
This tour is graded introductory, you will mainly be cycling on quiet rural roads & easy dedicated cycle paths, and walking on well-formed trails. There is one section over the Baton Saddle to the Baton River Valley that is introductory to moderate as it involves a climb and novice riders can ride in the support vehicle. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 2 hours of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or hiking) twice per week for the three months leading up to your trip. You will need to be able to walk for 3-4 hours at a time on undulating paths. We recommend training on compacted gravel trails and completing a multi-day ride prior to your trip to get used to being in the saddle for long periods of time.