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Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay Back Roads
Duration
7 days
Site savings
$30
From
$2,908 USD
Ride stunning parts of rural North Island New Zealand you never knew existed on this fully supported Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay Backroads cycling trip. Bike along purpose-built cycleways, quiet rural roads and easy unsealed trails with picturesque postcard views through wine country, farmland and forest. Ride gently up the leafy Hutt Valley and over the forested Remutaka Ranges and visit the historic Martinborough Hotel, in the heart of Pinot Noir wine country. Head to Masterton on a pleasant touring route, enjoying stunning Wairarapa views of vineyards and farmland. Meet rare, New Zealand wildlife at the Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre and enjoy the world-class Hawkes Bay wines in between pedalling on purpose-built bike paths.
- CategoryEasy-going & Leisurely
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration7 days
- Culture LevelFamiliar
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level2 - Moderate
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainAgricultural
- Distance208.2 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance34.8 miles
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Quick Stats
- Duration7 days
- Main DestinationNorth Island
- Distance208.2 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance34.8 miles
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainAgricultural
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Wellington to Martinborough
Your adventure begins with a short tour briefing in central Wellington before a drive around the harbor to the start of the Hutt Valley River Trail. After a bike set-up and safety briefing, it’s an easy morning ride on a wide, largely flat pathway winding along the Hutt River to the foothills of the Remutaka Ranges and the leafy suburb of Maymorn. Along the way, you’ll pass by some of New Zealand’s most important cultural history, including Maori pa and early European settlements.
After lunch, you'll leave suburbia behind and follow an old railway route weaving through the Remutaka Ranges taking in more historical sights before climbing 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). Expansive views of Lake Wairarapa open up as you emerge at Cross Creek. A short drive to Martinborough, the heart of Wairarapa wine country, for our overnight stay at a boutique vineyard, with dinner at the Martinborough Hotel.
- 31.1 miles
- Martinborough Hotel
- Lunch and Dinner
- Day 2Martinborough to Masterton
- Day 3Masterton to Wallingford
The infamous Route 52 awaits you today, originally designated a State Highway status but was downgraded in 1960 when prosperity deserted New Zealand's farming industry which depopulated farming districts. Today this route through quintessential rural New Zealand offers quiet roads, country pubs and friendly locals. Using the van to shuttle you to the most scenic sections you’ll finish the ride at Te Paerahi Beach, the best old-school NZ beach ever! Vast and golden, sheltered by large headlands at both ends and offering walks down to the rocks or up to the river mouth, it’s a great spot to explore.
From there it’s a short drive to the accommodation at Wallingford Homestead, built in 1858 and at the heart of a 34,000 acre sheep and cattle station in the 1900’s. Now a boutique stay, it offers peace and quiet in beautiful surroundings.
- 47.8 miles
- Wallingford Homestead
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 4Wallingford to Havelock North
- Day 5Havelock North to Manawatu
After breakfast at a local café, join the local trail network for the ride, initially following the Tukituki river out to the coast through idyllic rural and riverside scenery, including plenty of vineyards and orchards. A short stretch along the coast brings you to the impressive Star Compass, a training tool used by celestial navigators who sailed traditionally throughout the Pacific. Heading inland again, follow the Tukaekuri River and finish the ride at a boutique Hawkes Bay winery for lunch.
It’s time to leave Hawke’s Bay and drive across remote hill country on the Gentle Annie road to the Manawutu – a lengthy journey but worth the effort to enjoy an authentic Kiwi experience. The hosts for the next 2 nights are the McGaw family, who run River Valley Lodge, a venue of rustic charm providing exceptional country comfort, where the focus is on delivering a quality, fun experience, maintaining good relationships with the local community, and operating with a minimum footprint in the natural environment.
- 31.7 miles
- River Valley Lodge
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 6Manawatu: River Lodge Country - optional activities
Today, you explore a lesser-known part of New Zealand with a scenic 13km "float" on the Rangitikei River. Traveling by raft, you navigate over 30 Grade 2 (easy) rapids, passing through an incredible steep-sided gorge and taking a side hike to a spectacular waterfall (weather permitting). After a riverside picnic lunch, you meet your crew and your bikes. From here, you cycle 27km, winding through remote backcountry roads and crossing the Mokai River canyon at your own pace. The route follows a mix of sealed and unsealed roads, passing working stations and leading back to River Valley Lodge.
There are plenty of spots to stop along the way to take in the beautiful, unspoiled views. For those who prefer to relax at the lodge in the afternoon, there is the option to return by vehicle after lunch. You spend a second night at River Valley Lodge, enjoying dinner made from seasonal produce, primarily sourced from the garden. The chefs create the daily menu from whatever produce is freshly harvested that day.- River Valley Lodge
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 7Rangitikei to Wellington