FAQs
What's included in the cost of each trail?
What's not included in my trail cost?
What's included in my luxury cycling and walking package?
What if I arrive by car?
How fit do I need to be?
Why is it a good idea for me to provide my own helmet?
Is any other 'special' clothing necessary?
Can I bring my own bike?
How will I know where to go?
Can I request a guide for my tour?
What will happen to my luggage while I'm cycling?
What will I need with me during the day?
Do I need a day pack?
What options are there for lunches and dinners?
When is the best time of year for cycling in the Hawke's Bay?
What do I need to know about New Zealand's road rules?
What if I want to buy large quantities of wine along the way?
What if I get a puncture or other mechanical breakdown?
What if I've had enough cycling part way through the day?
Can I extend my holiday to include rest days off the bike?
Can I organise my own accommodation during my cycling tour?
What’s included in the cost of each cycling trail?
- Transfers between Napier airport and our reception centre
- Accommodation as specified in your trail confirmation
- Continental Breakfast daily
- Daily, detailed riding instructions
- Hire of a top of the range Scott touring cycle
- Use of a safety helmet if required however we do recommend you bring your own
- Locks, odometers, tool kits and panniers for bikes
- Daily baggage transfer between accommodations – limit per person of one bag up to 16kg
- High visibility safety vest to wear while cycling and then take home
- Mechanical back up service
- Wine pick up and storage service (minimum quantiity applies)
- Booking service for optional activities, sightseeing or restaurants
What's not included in my cycling trail cost?
Lunches, dinners, additional sightseeing activities and items of a personal nature.
Baggage storage for extra bags available at our reception centre, a small fee will apply
What's included in my luxury cycling and walking package?
- Airport transfers if required, or
- Secure vehicle parking at Takaro Trails reception centre
- 3 Nights luxury accommodation
- 3 Continental breakfasts
- 4 Lunches
- 3 Dinners
- Bike and helmet hire
- Souvenir 'hi-vis' cycling vest
- Experienced guide for walking activities
- Support vehicle for cycling activities
- Riding instructions and route maps for cycling activities
- All transport
What if I arrive by car?
See our contacts page for directions to our reception centre where limited secure parking is available on a 'first in, first served' basis. A small fee will apply. Confirmation of availability can be given on request. If our car park is full we are happy to arrange alternate parking and advise any applicable costs.
How fit do I need to be?
Our trails are not challenging however to get maximum enjoyment from your Tākaro Trails experience you should have a moderate level of fitness. Cycling times range from three to six hours, with longer options available for those who would like more time on the bike.
In preparation, aim to cycle three to four days per week in the six weeks prior to your holiday. If you have not cycled recently, gradually increase your distance and time on the bike until you are comfortable riding for more than two hours at a time.
Why is it a good idea for me to provide my own helmet?
Safety is a primary concern at Tākaro Trails. A correctly fitting helmet is essential and in New Zealand a helmet is legally required to ensure your safety in the event of a mishap when riding on or off road. Ideally we would like you to provide your own New Zealand-compliant personal helmet which you are familiar and comfortable with. However, we do have helmets available for your use should you require one.
Is any other 'special' clothing necessary?
In the interest of added safety, all Tākaro Trails customers will receive a stylish, high visibility safety vest for use during the trail. You can then take this home as a souvenir.
We recommend the use of cycling shorts which will help to avoid chaffing and provide extra padding on your seat. Many people also find padded cycling gloves useful for providing added comfort on longer duration rides. Cycling shorts and gloves are available for purchase from our reception centre.
Can I bring my own bike?
A small discount will be offered if you choose to bring your own bike, however mechanical back-up will not be provided. Tākaro Trails provides modern, well maintained bikes designed specifically for touring on a variety of surfaces, so unless you are confident that your bike is completely suitable, we do recommend that you use our bikes.
How will I know where to go?
Your arrival pack will include detailed daily instructions for your cycling trail as well as local maps. Riding instructions can be attached to the handle bars of your bike and will provide thorough information pointing out places of interest, worthwhile sightseeing activities, landmarks, distances and eating options.
Can I request a guide for my tour?
Guided options are coming soon - watch this space! We'll keep you updated on this and other new developments via our regular newsletters.
What will happen to my luggage while I'm cycling?
Each day your bags will be collected from your accommodation after 10am then moved to your next nights stay. We guarantee to have your bags at your next destination by 2pm.
What will I need with me during the day?
Sun block, camera, cell phone for emergencies, rain jacket, swimming togs (if you want to take a dip in one of the rivers en route), peaked hat, cycle gloves, plenty of water and your wallet should be all you need. We do however recommend that you carry a basic First Aid Kit with you and these are available for purchase at our reception centre.
Do I need a day pack?
Bike panniers are available at no cost for those who would like them fitted to their bike. Panniers are generally large enough for a couple's daily requirements but some people may prefer to use their own day pack. Please advise us at the time of booking if you would like to use panniers.
What options are there for lunches and dinners?
There are many options for meals along the way so we don't include lunches or dinners in our packages. The various cafes and wineries offer everything from picnic platters to full restaurants suiting every budget.
There is also ample opportunity to pick up a picnic from a local bakery or supermarket to eat along the way. On the five day trail we highly recommend that on days two and three that your take this option due to the remoteness of the areas you are cycling through.
Hawke's Bay is home to many outstanding and popular restaurants. If you have a location in mind please let us know before you arrive and we will secure your reservation to avoid disappointment. A full list of 'dining out' recommendations will be provided at the start of your trail. See the Options page for a list of the signature restaurants we definitely recommend pre-booking for.
When is the best time of year for cycling in the Hawke's Bay?
The Hawke's Bay region is blessed with long hot summers, mild winters and low rainfall making it an ideal destination for cycling all year round. Average temperatures are:
- Summer 23.8 degrees
- Autumn 19.9 degrees
- Winter 14.5 degrees
- Spring 19.0 degrees
What do I need to know about New Zealand's road rules?
All cyclists must follow the New Zealand road rules and guidelines as this will increase your safety when you are cycling on the road. Detailed information is available from the New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority. Check out: http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/roadcode/about-other-road-users/information-for-cyclists.html
What if I want to buy large quantities of wine along the way?
Simply advise winery staff that you are on a Tākaro Trails tour. They will contact us to collect your wine purchases for you to pick up from our reception centre on completion of your tour. A minimum purchase of six bottles per winery is required from your party to qualify for this free service.
What if I get a puncture or other mechanical breakdown?
Takaro Trails offers a free mechanical back up service and we will provide you with a local phone number to call if you break down. In the unlikely event you experience a major breakdown we will provide you with a new bike. Depending on where you are, some wait time is to be expected. In the event of a puncture, full puncture repair kits are provided and tuition on how to fix a puncture is given at the start of your trail. Repairing the puncture yourself is often your quickest and easiest option however we are happy to help if that is your preference. Please note that punctures are not a common occurrence on the surfaces found along our recommended routes, however 'just in case' you may wish to watch this video link which shows just how easy it is to change a tube. http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/how-to-change-a-bicycle-tire-261303/
What if I've had enough cycling part way through the day?
Tākaro Trails provides a pick up service for you and your bike if you find you've spent too long in a winery and don't fancy the ride home! We'll deliver you safely to your next accommodation stop ready for your next days riding. A cost will apply for this service.
Can I extend my holiday to include rest days off the bike?
In order to enjoy all that this diverse region has to offer, we thoroughly recommend you extend your stay in Hawke's Bay. This can be done at the start or finish of your cycle trail, or include some 'two night' stops along the way to provide free days to rest or take part in other activities.
Can I organise my own accommodation during my cycling tour?
No, all trails have accommodation included in their cost.
