ITINERARYDay 1 Wellington to Martinborough (Cycling: 50 km) Leave Wellington and cycle on the Hutt Valley Trail along the Hutt River. Follow an old railway route through the Remutaka Ranges taking in more historical sights. Climb gently through native bush and regenerating forest to the summit. Then, it's a downhill ride along the historic Fell Locomotive Incline with an exciting half-kilometre journey through Summit Tunnel (1877). Overnight Martinborough, the heart of Wairarapa wine country at a boutique vineyard. Day 2 Martinborough to Masterton (Cycling: 50 km) Ride along the scenic Wairarapa Cycleway through charming rural countryside to Gladstone and Masterton. Afternoon excursion to Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre, an unfenced sanctuary for native wildlife where many endangered birds live and are bred for release across New Zealand, including the kiwi, takahe, kokako, kaka and longfin eel. Day 3 Masterton to Wallingford (Cycling: 77 km) Today follow Route 52 through quintessential rural New Zealand offers quiet roads, country pubs and friendly locals. Finish at beautiful Te Paerahi Beach. Overnight at Wallingford Homestead, built in 1858 and at the heart of a 34,000 acre sheep and cattle station in the 1900’s. Day 4 Wallingford to Havelock North (Cycling: 52 km) Short transfer to the start of this morning’s ride to Te Mata Peak. The 360 degree views from the top are stunning and a great spot for a picnic lunch. Overnight at the small country town of Havelock North. Day 5 Havelock North to Manawatu Join the local trail network for a ride, initially following the Tukituki River out to the coast through idyllic rural and riverside scenery, including plenty of vineyards and orchards. Arrive at the impressive Star Compass, a training tool used by celestial navigators who sailed traditionally throughout the Pacific. After lunch at a Hawke’s Bay winery drive across remote hill country on the Gentle Annie Road to the Manawatu. Stay at River Valley Lodge for the next 2 nights in a wilderness setting. Day 6 Manawatu Day free to enjoy the activities on offer at River Valley Lodge: a scenic 13km rafting trip on the Rangitikei River; a half day horseback adventure; hike to a spectacular waterfall; or explore the surrounds on your bike. Day 7 Manawatu to Wellington (Cycling: 55 km) Journey through rural Manawatu down into the beautiful Pohangina Valley, alongside the Pohangina River (plenty of swimming spots!) and the slightly forbidding Ruahine Ranges. Onwards the area is rich in native bush and we pass the historic Komako Church and the beautiful ancient forest at Totara Reserve. Our cycling adventure comes to an end at Ashurst over a final lunch before driving back to Wellington. GRADE / TERRAINEasy to moderate cycling on bike trails and low traffic back roads. You do need to be capable of cycling distances between 50 – 70 km per day with plenty of time for refreshment stops. Electric bikes available. MEALSAll meals except 1 dinner Trip Notes / Prices / Dates 2022Booking Form |
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Hawke's Bay & Wairarapa Back Roads
7 Days / 6 Nights Guided tour Wellington to Wellington
Start your cycle adventure in Wellington and head over the Remutaka Ranges, dropping down into our first wine region, Martinborough. You'll enjoy easy riding on the Hawke’s Bay trails through vineyards and orchards. Climb iconic Te Mata peak by bike or van. You’ll bike the delightful Manawatu cycleway. A rest day allows a scenic rafting trip on the Rangitikei River or a horseback ride through stunning back country.
Stay at some unique, historic properties along the way, enjoying warm hospitality in some very special places.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Cycle through glorious scenery on the leafy Hutt Valley Trail, forested Remutaka Ranges and wise expanses of neat vineyards in Hawkes Bay
- Experience character, unique and historic accommodation; on a vineyard in Martinborough, a homestead retreat in Hawke’s Bay and a wilderness lodge in Manawatu
- See rare wildlife at Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre
- Tackle Te Mata peak, steeped in Maori history, by bike or vehicle for stunning views
- Wine tasting in two of NZ’s great wine regions
- Options for scenic rafting and horse back ride through stunning back country
Rafting the Rangitikei River at River Valley Lodge
