Marlborough Molesworth Epic - South Island New Zealand

Marlborough Molesworth Epic - South Island New Zealand

Marlborough Molesworth Epic Cycle Tour, explore the top of New Zealand's South Island by bike

The Marlborough Molesworth Epic is quite possibly the perfect cycle tour, combining some of the best and contrasting riding locations in the top of the South Island. If you’ve ticked off some of New Zealands great rides and you’re keen to explore a little further afield, then this is the tour for you!

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

 

 

 

Whilst we take care to ensure all information about listed holidays is accurate, Cycle Touring Org is not responsible for any errors.  Please talk directly with the holiday company if you have any questions.

All holiday purchases are made directly with the holiday company, Cycle Touring Org is not involved in any part of the booking process and does not take payments.