Before getting in to the details of the “package” …- this Great Taste trail cycle promotion is a 10% Summer special for cycle enthusiasts at Mapua41South, minimum 3 night stay, airport pick up and drop off if required (up to a max of 4 – the limit of my Rav 4 plus myself!) , trailer can take your bikes if you decide to bring your own bike (BYOB). Enter GTT16 as the promotion code on the booking page to take advantage of this offer.
Sumemr and Autumn offer some unique cycling opportunities in the Nelson Tasman region and both along portions of the Great Taste Trail and into the wine country “above” us in the upper Moutere. Soft evening light, virtually no winds, gentle rolling hillds, views to die for…then back home for a beer or wine and a meal at the Wharf! Instead of a linear “round the Great Taste Trail” type tour – the idea I have here is for several different cycle rides starting out and returning to Mapua.
Why Mapua? Mainly because Mapua is at the centre of the Great Taste Trail and offers unparalleled number of restaurants, cafes, boutique breweries and wine bars and local shops on the Wharf and in the Village , all within 2-4 minutes walking distance of Mapu41south- or wherever you end up staying in Mapua. Check out my post on what’s available, here. Plenty of variety, plenty of choice, for coffee, breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Add in modern, comfortable warm accommodation , that’s us at Mapua41south 🙂 , secure indoor lock-up for bikes, a hot shower after a refreshing ride, and a stroll down to the Wharf for great food and ambience , from the Smokehouse fish and chips with a drink at the Golden Bear or the Rimu Wine bar, to a superb full course meals and fine wines at the Appleshed, Jellyfish, or Boatshed….and the ever popular local Sprig ‘n Fern in the Village.
But what about cycling? Why base yourself in Mapua? Think of a hub and spokes approach. Out and back, not necessarily on the same route. . The ride can be short or long…and if you stay 2+ nights with us we’ll offer to pick you up from or drop you off to your longer (2 hours+) rides if you wish – and subject to my availability (but hey, I am retired!) . There are also many short (1-3 hour) rides with spectacular rolling hills type country riding, ocean views, and excellent coffee along the way, not all along the Great Taste Trail itself.
Now…here’s the deal if you are a cycling enhtusiast ….as daylight savings approaches I’m keen to work in with a group to try a double-decker combo of cycling to Kaiteriteri , jump on a sea shuttle boat on the Abel Tasman from Kaiteriteri to Totaranui , then cycle from Totaranui to Pohara – and drive home. Gotta be a good day, and indeed the day before has to be good, because I need to do it in reverse the day before to leave my car (and trailer) at Pohara ! You’re welcome to join me both ways if you like!
Price? Well, just share the costs of petrol with me on a per person basis, and we all pay our own way on the sea shuttle! Since I’m a 70 year old oldie , I don’t ride fast, but I am steady commuter style. I cycled last summer from in and out of Totaranui from Pohara with my son – it wasn’t as bad as I thought! I think 2 and a half hours or so all up? Kaiteri to Mapua is about 2 hours – faster if we ride along the motorway to Motueka along the estuary on the state highway , from Tasman General store. Of course with an e-bike the tougher hills (coming out of Totoranui, and a few short grunts as we cycle in to Pohara) should be doable by most cyclists.
If you are interested visit our bookings/availability page and select the promotional deal that looks something like so…
Cheers, John
What’s important here? Really? Well, the beginning of the ski season for one! But in Mapua and Nelson Tasman winter time and Queen’s Birthday weekend is a fantastic time – for relaxation, visiting family and friends, or cycling/exploring the wineries and coastal tracks, Abel Tasman park, Mt Arthur, and of course the delights of the Mapua Wharf and the new Shed 4.
