This is one of the loveliest cycle rides in the country. It begins by travelling through bush and valley views and
ends in a coast road that offers gorgeous sea views and seal colonies. It is one of the few places in the world
where you can see stunning summer seascapes and snow peaked mountains all in one vista.
If you head to Blenheim, you will travel down the main road south, (unless you take the Port Underwood road which
is empty of traffic but winds up and down and in and out of a number of small, picturesque bays for fifty odd
kilometres, pretty, but no shops and a single backpackers at Oyster Bay), Blenheim is only thirty odd kilometres
from Picton by main road, but I recommend continuing on to Renwick, about 10 km west of Blenheim. It's a great spot
in the middle of the scenic wine growing area and has access to a wonderful eatery called The Mudhouse Café.
There is an English style pub handy which brews its own beers... nice. Don't attempt to cycle up the Wairau valley
to St Arnaud (90 km, no shops) to the west
coast unless you have a strong south easterly behind you. Generally the wind blows down the valley from the North
West and it is very slightly uphill. A good option only for those who love a challenge.
The trip to Kaikōura can be completed in a day from Blenheim, but this is often a bit of a stretch for those who
like meandering. Take a moment to have a break at The Store in Kekerengu (approx. 24 km from Ward). The Store has
great food and very good coffee and a clear and stunning view over the Pacific. Ask locally and you may be allowed
to camp among the pine trees to the north and the township close to the sea. The beach is notable for its long
foreshore of flat, circular sea stones in grey, black and white.
Be wary of seals! They are easy to photograph and frequently appear to be posing for you. But in late
December and January they come ashore to breed and the Hooker Sea Lion is particularly unpleasant if approached
lightly.
Although this ride follows a relatively busy highway, the seaward side of the road generally has good visibility
and an adequate margin. But riding the opposite direction from Kaikōura to Blenheim is a different story altogether.
Sharp rises from the road create many blind corners and this, in combination with the traffic density, can make for
an unpleasant experience. Avoid!
