Marlborough Molesworth Epic - South Island New Zealand
This diverse cycle tour begins with bird song and native forest as you wind your way along back roads towards the Nelson Lakes National Park. We hit the great taste trail for a day of smooth cycling, real fruit ice cream opportunities and potential detours for wine tasting on route! Boats and bikes are an unlikely duo, but when exploring the Marlborough Sounds, they are match made in heaven. Enjoy incredible scenery, quiet roads and relax to the gentle sounds of the ocean all around. The Molesworth Station often needs no introduction, a remote high-country road nestled between the inland Kaikoura mountains and the Nelson Lakes National Park makes for an epic day on the bikes bringing us neatly back to Hanmer Springs and the end of our ride.
This is a fully supported loop trip starting and finishing in Christchurch so you can ride the Marlborough Molesworth Epic knowing that we have got your back!
The Biking Lowdown:
- A total distance of 620km spread over 9 days of biking.
- This cycle tour is for everyone, pedal or electric bikes, daily riding distances have been planned to be achievable but not without challenge! Gravel riding experience will add to the enjoyment of your tour.
- 20-104km riding per day on wonderfully remote and scenic riding route. Approximately 40% sealed roads / 50% quiet gravel roads and farm tracks and 10% cycle trails.
- There are some big climbs, big downs, undulating coastal terrain and of course there is also some flat terrain. We encourage an early start so that you have time to recharge at the end of the day.
Our ‘Sag Wagon’ support is available (most of the time) should you need a break from the saddle.
Itinerary:
DAY 1: Meet in Christchurch, vehicle transfer to Hamner Springs
Meet with your fellow bikers and tour leaders at our meeting location in Christchurch. We will depart Christchurch at 1pm. A 2 hr transfer takes us to Hanmer Springs Alpine Village. Ready for your 5pm pre-departure meeting and first meal together.
DAY 2: Bike the Matakitaki river to Murchison - 73km
We start the day with a vehicle transfer along the main road and over the Lewis Pass. Our first ride is on gravel back roads over beautiful Maruia saddle. Make sure to take a moment at the top to enjoy the native bird’s tuneful warbling. Before dropping down and following the Matakitaki River all the way to Murchison.
DAY 3: Cycle back roads to St Arnaud - 74km
Following another little used 4×4 track, you will climb steadily up and over the Braeburn Range before dropping down to be greeted by views over Lake Rotoroa and the Nelson Lakes National Park. If you’re lucky the very local ‘cafe’ will be ready and waiting with hot buttered scones and a revitalising cuppa, before the last dash to picturesque St Arnaud village.
DAY 4: Explore the Great Taste Trail to Nelson - 98km
We depart St Arnaud on quiet roads lined with small farms and forestry blocks. Then we hook into the Great Taste Cycle Trail for the ride all the way to Nelson City. Don’t forget to bring a torch!! And make the most of ice cream eating and wine tasting opportunities.
DAY 5: Bike & boat to mystery location - 20km
A 40 min vehicle transfer out of Nelson takes us to Pelorus Bridge where we ride from Pelorus to Havelock on quiet country roads. Here we board a boat (with our bikes) and motor through generally calm waters to a mystery location in the Marlborough Sounds…
DAY 6: Discovering the Marlborough Sounds - 46km
Wake up the gentle sounds of ocean lapping at the pebbled shoreline. This morning we’re taking it easy, riding a remote rolling road, through farmland and native bush. Just around the bay is a cafe and our water taxi pick up point. In the afternoon – optional kayaking, a swim or just sit on a jetty and enjoy the view.
Day 7: Twists and turns take us to Picton - 42km
We boat back across the sound to Havelock. On our bikes and it is a lovely ride along the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive, or if you fancy a challenge take The Link Pathway cycle trail as we wind our way to the quaint but bustling town of Picton.
DAY 8: Take the road less travelled to Blenheim - 69km
We head for the hills and stunning coastal views as we make our way from Picton to Blenheim via the scenic route. Mostly gravel and with some decent hills, this is a great test for the legs before we take on the Molesworth. Remember our support vehicle is always close by if you want to take a break.
DAY 9: Cycling the stunning Awatere Valley - 98km
We take the back route out of Blenheim and the landscape starts to change, linking into the stunning Awatere Valley, we’re definitely heading inland now! It’s a big day of pedaling today, as we gradually make our way up the valley, but we think you’ll agree it was worth it when you arrive at Middlehurst Station.
DAY 10: Pedal the mighty Molesworth - 104km
The biggest day of the tour in km’s, but don’t worry, we’ve got ALL day!! We continue climbing up the Awatere Valley for 30 kms topping out at over 1100m. Then it’s downriver and into the stunning and historical Molesworth Station. Our final day ends with a good honest climb and fun descent into Hanmer Springs thermal resort.
DAY 11: Transfer to Christchurch & farewell
After our final relaxed breakfast together, and maybe a sneaky session in the hot pool (?!) we transfer back to Christchurch, aiming for around midday so that you’re not too late for onward travel or some time in Ōtautahi.
Holiday Information
Start Date | 01-Mar-2025 5:00 pm |
End Date | 11-Mar-2025 10:00 am |
Tour Operator | Escape Adventures NZ |
Holiday Type | Leader Included |
Guide Price Per Person GBP£ | £3000 - £4000 |
Difficulty Level | Proficient |
Terrain | Roads, cycle paths, and off-road |
Max Group Size | 12 |
Accommodation | Hotel |
Booking Link | Book Here |
Starting Location | Christchurch or Hanmer Springs |
Category | Bicycle Touring |
Starting Location