As seen in the NZ Herald
What others say:
“Steve and I absolutely loved the Palliser-Tora trip and have raved about it to cycling friends and family – lots of interest …Your local knowledge of the area, its history and geology makes the trip very special …” ~ Jill Ewing (and Steve Yeoman)
“I just wanted to say a huge thanks to you and the team for such a fabulous trip. Special thanks to Johnny who was brilliant in every way … Matiu, Kay and Lloyd were great too”.~ Pammie Kerhkof
“Way more than we expected!” ~ Grimmy
Day 1 – Arrive and Discover Martinborough
Arrive at Green Jersey Explorer Tours by 10 am. We will fit you with a bike (if you have not brought your own). You will be given a basic health and safety briefing and have the opportunity to ask any questions. You are then given riding instructions for the day, before heading-off to explore our picturesque village, making your way leisurely towards a wine tasting at one of our family-run vineyards. This will be followed by a fabulous platter lunch at 3 Little Words.
You will then be formally welcomed to the Wairarapa region by local Iwi during a Powhiri at Kohunui Marae. This is a unique experience where you, our guests, are formally acknowledged and accepted as manuhiri (visitors) to the area. This is an important event, as we cross several pieces of Maori Land containing sites of national significance and the powhiri offers us a chance to learn about the area from the local Iwi (Mana Whenua).
We stay at Lacewood, on the elegant and historic Tuhitarata Estate, dining at its 1860’s Homestead.
Lunch, Dinner.
Day 2 – Remutaka Cycle Trail
After breakfast we are transported by shuttle to Maymorn Station (Upper Hutt), to ride the Remutaka Rail Trail, to Greytown. This trail follows a section of the original railway line connecting the Wairarapa to Wellington. This section was replaced by a tunnel in 1955.
The Remutaka Rail Trail is the most popular section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail and offers an easy, diverse ride across a mountain pass. During the ride you will learn about the early history of this region, perhaps taking a dip in the clean Pakuratahi River, as well as zooming through 5 tunnels and whizzing downhill across the Siberia Curve Suspension Bridge. A picnic lunch is provided .
Once you reach Featherston, we have organised a special visit to the Fell Locomotive Museum. Exhibits include the only remaining steam-powered Fell railway locomotive in the world, providing an amazing insight into the technology and also the fascinating history of the terrain you have just crossed.
Then, we move on to Greytown via New Zealand’s longest Suspension Bridge, which spans the Tauwharenikau River, and leads to the Greytown Rail Trail. Avail yourself of the showers at the Greytown Campground prior to dining at Brac & Bow, The Royal Hotel, Featherston.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 – Palliser Bay
We start the day by cycling to the funky Landgirl Cafe, at Pirinoa, enjoying their yummy cheese scones and coffee, before starting a short but steep ride across Palliser Ridge Station’s private track. We visit their Woolshed enroute and stop at the Kaikoura Lookout to savour its breathtaking views of Palliser Bay. We ride out on the Cape Palliser Road, turn left (East) and head to the Putangirua Pinnacles.
Enjoy a self-guided walk to view the Putangirua Pinnacles while your lunch is being prepared. After lunch, we continue our journey on the Cape Palliser Road, to Ngawi. At Waimeha, prepare yourself for some amazing kai and a fun-filled night, hosted by the legendary JP.
This day is fully supported by a non-riding guide.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 – Ngawi to Tora
Ngawi to Tora via the Cape Palliser Road and coastal track
This is an epic day’s ride. From Kupe’s Sail (Nga Ra o Kupe) to Cape Palliser (Matakitaki a Kupe), NZ Fur Seal Colony to Whiterock Station and Bay, Te Kau Kau Point to our final destination – Tora. This is a rugged and exhilarating day’s riding. We cross several pieces of private land to enjoy an exclusive cycling (and a bit of walking) adventure. Special permission to access this land is unique to this trip. On arrival at Tora we are greeted with welcoming beverages and snacks. You end the day with a self-catered BBQ, featuring top quality meats and salads, supplied by our fabulous Martinborough partners. We spend the next two nights at the historic Tora Cookhouse.
This day, you will be accompanied by two guides, who have exceptional historical and geological knowledge of the coast. They are also there to ensure you safely and comfortably complete the journey. Be prepared for an adventurous, but achievable day.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 5 – Discover Tora
This is your day to discover the magnificent Tora Coastline (cycling distances vary).
Enjoy a day at Tora with a selection of optional activities:
Cycle the coast as far as the historic Te Awaiti Station; do some fishing/snorkling/swimming; find the mysterious K/T boundary at Manurewa Point; walk up to the lookout, or just relax and read a book!
Optional :A Night sky experience with Under the Stars: Chris will expertly guide you through the galaxy. The Wairarapa has just become certified under the International Dark Sky Reserve movement, joining just 20 other locations worldwide.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 6 – Tora to Martinborough
Ride on quiet gravel followed by tar sealed roads, then climb the Whakapuni Hill, passing by the Genesis Energy Hau Nui Wind Farm – recognised as one of the best wind farm sites in the world. Enjoy the downhill ride, taking the interestingly named ‘Shooting Butts Road’ and you are ‘home’. You will arrive in Martinborough by 12 Noon. We treat you to lunch at Kitchener’s Cafe, a local favourite,
Breakfast, Lunch.
Please contact us before booking through our online form.