The Great Wairarapa Gravel Adventure
The Great Wairarapa Gravel Adventure
$3450 Per Person
About:
EASTER WEEKEND - 2nd to 5th April 2026
Enjoy our fully inclusive 4-day, 4-night adventure ride through the rugged coastline of the Wairarapa. Intermediate to advanced riders who are confident on gravel roads and single trail are invited to come along for the journey.
Stunning views of ocean and/or mountains along with quiet roads the whole time! All logistics, safety & mechanical support done for you. Join like-minded and friendly co-riders for a getaway to remember
- Support vehicle
- Transfer on scheduled arrival day from Palmerston North Airport to Masterton Transport on scheduled departure day back to Palmerston North Airport Secure storage of bike box and other equipment while on the tour Public liability insurance
- Free coffee once a day from 'The Coffee Ride Café' (located inside the Cycling Tom Bike Shop)
- Four Nights accommodation at a 4-star hotel right next to the Cycling Tom Bike Shop
- Five days of activities and riding 4x Breakfasts, 4xDinners, 5x Lunches + snacks and some on-bike nutrition
- Full tour service
- 1x Tour leader plus a lead van and driver
- On-the-bike nutrition and water
- On-route mechanical support & nightly bike maintenance
- Cycling Tom casual wear (T-Shirt, shorts and hat)
- Castelli duffle bag to store personal items to leave in the van for day trips
- Bike rental (BYO gravel bike only. Gravel e-bikes accepted, please contact us to ensure the bike will suit)
- Flights and charges for getting to and from pickup and drop off points (make your own way to Masterton or Palmerston North Airport)
- Single room (available at extra cost if required)
- Travel & Bike Insurance Personal clothing and equipment Personal Expenditure (bar bills, souvenirs, hotel facilities etc.)
- Add on activities not included in itinerary
- Transfers other than included in daily transfers to and from accommodation or arrival and departure days
Booking & Payment: A 25% deposit is required once we have confirmed your spot. See 'How to secure my spot' for further information
Safety Requirements: All participants must wear helmets and follow the guide's instructions at all times. Riders must be in good physical condition.
Weather Policy: Tours operate rain or shine. In case of severe weather, we may reschedule or offer a refund.
Liability: Participants must sign a waiver before the tour. The company is not liable for personal injuries or lost belongings.
Further Information:
ARRIVALS & SHUTTLES
The minute you touch down you will be on holiday mode! We scoop you and your luggage up in our luxury van from Palmerston North Airport on the Day 1. Otherwise for those who are not too far away, feel free to meet us in Masterton!
WHERE WILL YOU STAY?
We base ourselves in Masterton. Your rides start and finish in a different spot every day, where you will be transferred in our van to and from the Copthorne Hotel, Solway Park, right across from the Cycling Tom Bike Shop. This means no packing up each day and moving rooms and you can well and truly unwind into “holiday mode”. You will also have breakfast and dinner here in their restaurant ‘The Grill ’The Copthorne is a 4-star hotel with tennis courts, pool, jacuzzi, games room, laundry, restaurant and bar, plus more!
CLIMATE GEAR & PACKING
In our beloved Wairarapa you can experience 4 seasons in one day! Which for you is not helpful for choosing to wear the appropriate clothing. Luckily for you, our support vehicle will be following and stopped in certain points everyday so you can keep back-ups & swap clothes at these locations. Do the old head to toe!... Helmet, skull cap, glasses, under shirt and so on... Once your spot is confirmed you will be provided with an information pack with #1 tips for packing
WHAT WILL YOU EAT?
You will be dining in luxury on this holiday. Breakfast will be at your hotel every morning, The Copthorne Park Solway. Each day you will receive one free coffee from the Coffee Ride Café located inside the bike shop. Everyday we will stop off at country style local cafes and restaurants. See each day breakdown for details! After a big day of riding head back to the hotel for dinner with the other riders. Please ensure you have a hydration pack or top tube water supply for these big days, especially day 2 & 3. If your lucky Bruce will have a warm cup of tea along at stops along the way!
HOW TO SECURE MY SPOT?
Like what you hear? Simply fill out the ‘enquiry form’ at the top of this page. We will get it touch with you from there via email. Our team will organise a video call via zoom to chat through the ride and ensure you will be set to go! A $1000 per person deposit will need to be paid along with a signed agreement once you confirm your spot. The remaining balance will be required 7 days prior to the start date. There is a minimum of 4 people to be able to run and a maximum of 8 spots available and this will be confirmed 20 days prior to start date
FINAL DAY
On Monday 6th of April, there will be no planned ride as this is departure day. However, you are more than welcome to head out for a spinas you have a late check out of The Copthorne to give you extra time!
Enquire Now
We’ll call or email you to confirm all your details and complete booking within 48 hours
Tour Plan
Upon your arrival at Palmerston North Airport, transportation will be provided to the Cycling Tom Bike Shop, which is approximately a one-hour and thirty-minute drive. Alternatively, if you are driving, you will meet us at Cycling Tom Bike Shop on a pre arranged time.
To ensure a seamless experience, we will have everything prepared for you. Following your arrival at the shop, you will proceed next door to check in to the Copthorne Hotel. While you are settling in, our skilled bike mechanic, Ari, will assemble your bike ready for the days ahead.
We will have a 'leg loosener' ride, which will contain of approx. 1 hour ride around the local trails, as we know lots of you are travelling great distances...Get those legs moving!
A group dinner will be hosted at 'The Grill', the restaurant within the Copthorne Hotel. This will serve as an excellent opportunity to meet with your fellow riders before the trip kicks off
MARTINBOROUGH TO NGAWI
75km
Breakfast will be available at your hotel. Following breakfast, our van will be ready to transport you to Martinborough, the starting point for your ride today. Martinborough is a charming town located in South Wairarapa, renowned for its compact grid of over 40 vineyards. Today is a skilful and technical day with rocky and narrow terrain. You will ride into White Rock, the rough East Coast. before following the coast all the way to Ngawi to finish. We will then transport you back to Masterton for dinner at 'The Grill' located in your hotel
LAKE WAIRARAPA & WELLINGTON COAST
70km, 110km or 160km
'THE QUEENS STAGE'
Breakfast will be available at the hotel. Following breakfast, we will collect you with bicycles and equipment prepared for the day's activities. Transportation will be provided to Lake Wairarapa, the starting point of your ride. Your route will follow the stunning coastline , leading you to a designated lunch stop at the 70km mark. This section of the track offers approximately 30km of continuous sea views and historical points of interest. After reaching 70km, you can enjoy your meal with a picturesque view of Wellington bay and the city. Continuing your ride, you will re-join the trail, which connects to the renowned Remutaka Rail Trail, celebrated as one of New Zealand's 23 great rides. A second designated stop for refreshments will be at 110km. At this point, you may choose to conclude your day's cycling. Alternatively, for those who wish to continue, the trail leads back to Masterton!
MASTERTON TO RIVERSDALE
75km
Wake up and enjoy once again with a little sleep in and breakfast at your hotel. This ride will take you along some of Wairarapa's most beautiful, private gravel roads. Starting right at your door step, heading towards the East Coast for around 75km. Riding towards Riversdale Beach, one of the longest beaches in the Wairarapa and known for it's all year round surf, a hidden gem if you ask the locals. Lunch will be held at Homewood Storeroom, a family owned and operated restaurant with fresh farm produce. While you are enjoying your meal, we do all the heavy lifting for you! It's play time! Take a stroll on the beach & explore Riversdale. Bikes will be packed and van ready to head back towards Masterton.
The Cycling Tom Brand all started with Tom as a passionate Youtuber who loved making videos about his daily adventures riding his bike. His channel continued to grow and reached over 20,000 followers with videos skyrocketing to half a million views. Saving every penny from these videos, Tom purchased a small local bike shop and re-branded it to Cycling Tom Bike Shop.
Two years later the team outgrew the space and opened up in a brand new building right next to Harvey Norman, along with the café inside the store. The bike shop and café are proud to be 100% local family owned and operated
Late 2024 Tom and his Grandfather saw a gap in the market - premium e-bike hire and bike tours in the Wairarapa. Now, we invite you to join us on an incredible adventure and explore the beauty of the Wairarapa
Tom – On Bike Guide
Age: 25
Lives In: Masterton, Wairarapa
The owner/ operator of the Cycling Tom brand keeps busy with the bike shop, bike hires and tours services while also having his online presence on YouTube. As a passionate cyclist and former member of Cycling New Zealand development squad he has enjoyed the privilege of riding and racing in various countries, including USA.
Meet Bruce — Your Number One Supporter
Bruce is the man behind the scenes (and often out on the road), making sure every rider stays fuelled and on track. You’ll see him at multiple stops each day with food, drinks, and plenty of encouragement. With a passion for turning great ideas into reality, Bruce handles the logistics that keep every tour and hire running smoothly. A seasoned cyclist himself, he’s explored New Zealand and beyond on two wheels — always ready with a story, a smile, and a snack
These legends keep you fuelled all day, every day with their freshly made food and top-notch coffee. Located inside Cycling Tom Bike Shop in Masterton, The Coffee Ride Café serves the best brews in town — perfectly paired with delicious bites for hungry riders.
Enquire Now
We’ll call or email you to confirm all your details and complete booking within 48 hours
Route Details
Enquire Now
We’ll call or email you to confirm all your details and complete booking within 48 hours
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Enquire Now
We’ll call or email you to confirm all your details and complete booking within 48 hours
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