A mixture of natural and purpose built tracks offer us everything from grunty grunts, rolling, flowy descents, technical creek crossings and rocks and roots. We spend our days riding through the spectacular scenery and fantastic tracks which Nelson and Golden Bay are famous for, finishing each day in our pick of the region’s guesthouses and lodges with the ever-present hot showers, cold beers, local wines and food at times quirky restaurants! Tour Details: - 4 days mountain biking: 80% single track | 15% 4x4 tracks | 5% dirt roads. - Suitable for intermediate mountain bikers, with a technical level of grade 3+ riding. - A good level of fitness required. - From 20km to 40km per day. Total distance approximately 140km. - Vehicle supported. Our trusty support vehicle carries all your luggage, lunch, snacks and transfers us between rides. - Group size minimum 2; plus M15202 leaders. - Breakfasts, lunches and riding snacks and included. - Accommodation is twin share - 3 nights in a local guesthouses. - Meals: breakfasts and lunches from lunch on day-1 to lunch on day-4, and one evening meal. Other evening meals are at your own cost at local cafes and restaurants so that you can experience some of Golden Bay’s local cuisine of your own choosing. Tour Itinerary: Day 1: We’ll pick-up you up from your accommodation in Nelson at 9am, or if you are flying in early we will pick you up at Nelson airport. A 1.5 hr transfer (with coffee stop on the way) brings us to Canaan Downs - ‘the land of milk and honey’. We kick off the day’s biking with a zippy roller coaster ride and warm up through a stand of ancient beach forest watching out for the local powelliphanta (carnivorous snail)! After a break for lunch we head down the historic and newly resurrected Rameka Tracks. Rocks, roots and creek crossings keep you on your toes as you sweep through lush native bush; smooth flowing switchbacks sweep through old pine forest and if your smile is not already wide enough - the fun and fast ‘Klicks’ bring you all the way down to the Takaka Valley floor. Approx 25km biking | grade 3+ | 900m descent. Day 2: We head to the wild West Coast near the base of Farewell Spit. Its up and at 'em - our first ride of the day is up a steep 4x4 track and out onto some lovely single-track with spectacular views stretching in all directions. After lunch we head to the Aorere Goldfields for a loop ride and a taste of a bygone era and NZ's first gold-mining boom. The ride starts with a boot up the backside from the Devil, just what you need to get up the at times grunty climb to the summit. From here take in stunning views over Golden Bay and the mountains beyond. The real fun begins as we drop down dirt roads onto windy and at times exposed water-race, before manicured single rack gets us back home via the Ballroom Caves. Enjoy a well-earned beer at the Mussel Inn on our return trip to Takaka. Approx 35-40kms biking | grade 3+ . Day 3: After a morning visit to Takaka’s village market and a famous Paul’s coffee we head up to the top of Takaka Hill and to ride the full Canaan Loop - a pedally ride through rolling high country farmland. Grunty climbs and swooping descents dip in and out of stands of native bush. Some techy bits and creative track building keep you awake and stunning vistas make sure that you stop and look around. In the afternoon its time to have some fun on the groomed and flowing tracks in the Kaiteriteri MTB park and then finish the day with a plunge into the crystal clear waters of Kaiteriteri Bay. Approx 35kms biking | grade 2-3+. Day 4: We head back to Nelson and into the hills behind the city for our last ride of the trip. The 40km Coppermine follows a disused tram line which climbs gently but persistently up through pine forests, native bush and out onto the rugged Coppermine Saddle. From then on it’s less pedaling and more gravity and the track is fast and fun and scenic (if you take the time to look!) as it drops back down into the city. And then yes it’s time to give our bikes a well earn rest and sit down for a final celebratory beer together. We’ll drop you back at your accommodation in Nelson or the airport. Approx 40kms biking | grade 2-3. Note: Please remember that this is a guide only and due to unforeseen circumstances it may be necessary to make changes to the itinerary. Notes: Price: NZ$ 1795, bike hire $250, single supplement $250, minimum 2. 
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