Testimonials
"Loved the extensive trailways that have been developed, look forward to these being extended. Holiday a great concept, thanks for the opportunity."
Jim McCarthy and Shirley Hardcastle, Auckland - January 2012 - 5 Day Diverse Hawke's Bay
"Best in the business. Fun. Beautiful scerney. Great trails. Your dog is awesome and you guys are too! Classic service. Great cycling people. Family fun. Healthy way to slow down a holiday."
Thompson Family, Upper Hutt (Children ages 15, 12, 9) - January 2012 - 3 Day Leisurely Pathways
"10 out 10, it was the total package. The only decision I had to make was which tour was best for our needs. Jenny took care of the resrt and attended to every detail. We have already distributed your brochures at our work places, the local bike shop and amonst our tramping friends."
Helen Warren and David Shapcott, Auckland - January 2012 - 3 Day Leisurely Pathways
"We found Jenny's communication and willingness to help us with extra nights accommodation, restaurants etc to be excellent. Really enjoyed the whole experience."
Julia and Katherine Houghton, Auckland - December 2011 - 3 Day Hawke's Bay Highlights
"This is the first time we have booked a family cycling holiday, we have two teenage girls and did think it was a bit of a gamble! We opted for the 3 day tour and thoroughly enjoyed it! Jenny arranged the whole holiday for us so it was pretty stress free, we just had to turn up and ride the bikes! Everything you need is provided, the bikes are well maintained and comfortable. We averaged 50km per day which was not difficult, the terrain was mostly flat and we had plenty of stops. It is a good idea to take a picnic lunch as you cover a lot of country roads and cycle trails with few opportunities to stop for provisions. We had a fantastic family holiday and would recommend it - we would definitely do it again!"
McDonald Family, Auckland - January 2012 - 3 Day Hawke's Bay Highlights
"Jenny and Kerri-anne provided A1 service. The 3 day trail is well thought out and an easy ride for people of moderate fitness. Excellent value."
Dennis and Denise Loiselle, Auckland - December 2011 - 3 Day Hawke's Bay Highlights
"Thanks Jenny for a great 3 day biking experience around Hawke's Bay. We had a lot of laughs, met some wonderful people and had a great time!"
Grant and Sharon Baldwin, Auckland - November 2011 - 3 Day Hawke's Bay Highlights
"It was great, the instructions were very clear and having a speedometer greatly assisted. Never felt lost!"
Kyle and Christine Donnelly, Auckland - November 2011 - 3 Day Hawke's Bay Highlights
"Fantastic experience. Number of our friends keen to do this now. Bike ride instructions clear and easy to follow. Hope to be back!"
Keith and Shona Munro, Dunedin - October 2011 - 5 Day Diverse Hawke's Bay
"Jenny and her team at Takaro Trails certainly go out of their way to ensure you have a great cycling experience. I highly recommend using this company."
Christine, Hamilton - October 2011 - 3 Day Hawke's Bay Highlights
"An exhilarating 3 day trip with Takaro Trails. Loved the cycleways, the people we met, the range of attractions and being able to cycle the wineries - well done! A great way to explore Hawke's Bay. Just do it!"
Judy Campbell, Hamilton - October 2011 - 3 Day Hawke's Bay Highlights
"The friendliness and efficiency of Takaro Trails, their excellent bikes and the safe, scenic cycle trails make this a fantastically enjoyable experience. We also loved the chance to stop and have lunch at wineries."
Paul O"Regan and Mary Varnham, Wellington - September 2011 - 2 Day Leisurely Pathways
"It was a wonderful experience on all levels. Good physical challenge, wonderful scenery, comfortable accommodation, great bikes and all managed with a warm, friendly, professional service. We will return to do the 5 day trail. Thank you."
Morrison Family, Christchurch - July 2011 - 3 Day Hawke's Bay Highlights
"It was a wonderful experience. Biking along many, many orchards and mostly no traffic, or little."
Theo and Gerda Blok, Tauranga - May 2011 - 3 Day Hawke's Bay Highlights
"The personal service I received from Jenny right from the first contact was excellent. Right size bikes, reminder the week before riding with extra details etc. One thing that stood out was that we were welcomed, Jenny having done the ground work along the trail. The pub at Patangata knew who we were immediately......we felt welcome. A special mention must go to the Cherry Grove Motel in Havelock North who 'dried us out' - most appreciated. Tour is very well thought out, lots of options and choices, especially when considering the 'muscles' for the next day! Many thanks.
Maxine Walker, Auckland - April 2011 - 5 Day Diverse Hawke's Bay
"Great fun and I will recommend it to all my friends. Awesome!"
Lauren (Aged 10 years) - April 2011 - 3 Day Family Trail
"I was worried about not being able to keep up but was pleasantly surprised and have thoroughly enjoyed it."
Diane - England - April 2011 - 3 Day Family Trail
"This was a very enjoyable holiday with easy cycling and plenty of things to see. If you enjoy visiting a variety of vineyards this is the trip for you."
Ken & Lois Clark, Waiheke Island - April 2011 - 3 Day Hawke's Bay Highlights
"Higher than our expectations with great service and friendly people the whole trail. Beautiful area to cycle with lots to see."
Ray & Joan Penny, Auckland - April 2011 - 3 Day Hawke's Bay Highlights
“Takaro Trails was outstanding and I would recommend them highly to any adventure minded person wanting to enjoy Hawke’s Bay. Fantastic pre-planning, modern and efficient premises and transport. Excellent gear, amazing staff and thoughtful little extras.”
Margot Bowes, Auckland – April 2011 - 3 Day Hawke’s Bay Highlights
“Biking around Hawke’s Bay was such a lovely way to see the beautiful countryside.”
Jilly Greene, Auckland – April 2011 - 3 Day Hawke’s Bay Highlights
“Completely wonderful Hawke’s Bay experience. Everyone should do it at least once in their lifetime!”
Nicki Kingsley, Auckland - March 2011 – 3 Day Hawke’s Bay Highlights
“A very well organised ride with easy-to-follow instructions. We had lots of fun and wouldlove to do it again when the new cycle paths are completed.”
Phil and Sue Jeffrey, Australia - March 2011 – 3 Day Hawke’s Bay Highlights
“There is no better way to see the countryside than by bike with a bunch of neat ladies who just want a little time out!”
Jacque Ashley, Cambridge - March 2011 – 3 Day Hawke’s Bay Highlights
“Fantastic time – keen to come back for another adventure.”
Theresa Riley, Hamilton - March 2011 – 3 Day Hawke’s Bay Highlights
"Thanks Jenny and your team for a fantastic adventure. A great way to see Hawke's Bay!"
Sue and Mike Gregory, Wellington – March 2011 – 3 Day Hawke’s Bay Highlights
“One of the great areas of NZ to ride in.
Hawkes Bay has great cafes, restaurants, vineyards, orchards and beautiful rolling countryside to ride through.
Takaro Trails provided great one on one service with nice touches like maps, snack bag and drink bottle.
Jenny and her team could not have done more for us.
Put this on your bucket list.”Alan and Jan, Susan and Grant, Sue and Phil, Auckland – March 2011 - 3 Day Hawke’s Bay Highlights plus extra day
“Excellent, well organised tour. A really lovely way to see Hawke’s Bay and having luggage picked up and good accommodation made it very achievable and great fun.”
Sarah Redmond, Auckland – March 2011 – 3 Day Hawke’s Bay Highlights
“I thoroughly enjoyed the Takaro Trails experience. Jenny was helpful and friendly and couldn’t do enough to assist us. The equipment was of a very high standard. The trail itself was most enjoyable (even though it rained most days!)”
Georgina Burt, Auckland – March 2011 – 3 Day Hawke’s Bay Highlights
"An amazing cycle ride through beautiful scenery. As a group of 'golden oldies' we enjoyed the comaraderie and service provided by Takaro Trails."
Jan and Vic McNally, Auckland - February 2011 – 3 Day Hawke’s Bay Highlights
"Very friendly and helpful staff who paid attention to detail and individual problems. Can solve almost any problem! Prefer dedicated bike trails to road riding."
Geoffrey and Norma Ashton, Australia - February 2011 – 3 Day Hawke’s Bay Highlights
“This was our first bike trail and we found the whole experience great – biking, eating and drinking at local restaurants and vineyards and the general friendliness of all we met and, of course, Jenny and her team. We would recommend Takaro Trails.”
Kevin and Katherine Copland, Auckland – February 2011 – 3 Day Hawke’s Bay Highlights
“We wish you well Jenny, it is obvious the business is a big part of you and this was very reassuring.”
Mark and Margaret Neills, Auckland – February 2011 - 5 Day Diverse Hawke’s Bay
“A fantastic trip. Great cycling territory, top equipment and backed up with super efficient service by a happy, friendly team.”
Alan Barwick and Allison Roe, Auckland – February 2011 - 5 Day Diverse Hawke’s Bay
“A great area to ride in. Interesting countryside. Easy daily rides. Takaro Trails provided fabulous service. Extremely helpful, very friendly. Couldn’t have done more for us.”
Pat and June Costello, Auckland – February 2011 – 3 Day Hawke’s Bay Highlights
“A great experience, fantastic service and the only way to see “the Bay” and its’ wineries….sore bums excepted!!”
Dave and Linda Forgie, Auckland – February 2011 – 3 Day Hawke’s Bay Highlights
“Good adventure and cycle ride, well worth doing!”
Lorraine Vogt, Auckland – February 2011 - 5 Day Diverse Hawke’s Bay
"We took part in a 3 day ride which was tailored to our requirements. It was very enjoyable and as my wife was a rider of limited ability she only rode in the mornings. Making seperate pick up arrangements for her was no problem and assistance was given to find other activities for her. We thoroughly recommend this tour company who was very professional in all they did and the gear was excellent."
Mike O'Sullivan, Wellington - February 2011 - 3 Day Hawke's Bay Highlights
"Thanks for everything, Jenny. We had a great time. We enjoy cycle touring but our Hawke's Bay ride was a highlight. We appreciated Takaro Trails' attention to every detail."
David & Anne Clarkson, Christchurch - December 2010 - 5 Day Diverse Hawke's Bay
"Loved my bike - want one! I loved my trip - 5 day cycle tour, first day flat, 2nd day exhilirating, rest lovely. Nice swims in rivers a couple of times as we had extremely hot weather. Would do it again."
Diana Wheatley, Christchurch - December 2010 - 5 Day Diverse Hawke's Bay
"An excellent tour on superb equipment. We can definitely recommend it to all age groups."
Donald & Susan McKenzie, Christchurch - December 2010 - 5 Day Diverse Hawke's Bay
"Takaro Trails - WOW - we are impressed! From the initial contact, to the goodbye, see you again soon, Takaro Trails has impressed us. Every imaginable thing has been covered. Apart from the comfortable touring bikes, excellent accommodation, bag pickup and transfer etc. High vis safety vest, the little surprise extra's such as receiving a bag of scroggin and a wine skin, slearly indicates that Takaro is committed to ensuring a wonderful experience in a beautiful part of New Zealand. Well done! We will be back again soon."
Chris McEvoy, Whangarei - October 2010 - 3 Day Hawkes Bay Highlights
"We have ridden 4 trails in the South Island with different companies. Takaro Trails is the best even though the others were guided, the freedom with Takaro made it so much more enjoyable and time was not factored into the days. Many thanks again Jenny and Kerrianne."
Lizzie Lloyd, Tauranga - November 2010 - 5 Day Diverse Hawke's Bay
"Great tour, great organisation, great country, great challenges (if you wish) and great company and people to deal with - topped with some of the finest food and wine in the world. It just doesn't get any better anywhere in the world - and we have done a few!"
Marty & Sue Johanson, Auckland - November 2010 - Hawkes Bay Highlights plus Tuki Tuki kayaking
"Fantastic experience in the gorgeous Hawke's Bay! Takaro Trails will be on all my friends list of 'must do's' after I report back to them! Well organised and great fun. Thanks"
Christine Dick, Auckland - November 2010 - Hawkes Bay Highlights plus Tuki Tuki kayaking
"Very well organised, good follow-up when needed. Very enjoyable five days with friends. Very friendly locals. Excellent scenery. Wonderful food, wines and tastings. Yum!"
Wendy Stock, Auckland - November 2010 - 5 Day Diverse Hawkes Bay
"Jenny and Kerrianne went out of their way to ensure the best possible trip, with attention to details that made the difference between a good experience and an excellent one. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Nga mihi nui"
Irene Rudolph, Wellington - November 2010 - 5 Day Diverse Hawkes Bay
"I just wanted to thank you for a most enjoyable 5 days. A thoroughly good ride, on a par with the rail trail (although completely different) well organised and good mostly off road routes. I would highly recomment it."
Isabel Macdonald, Wellington - November 2010 - 5 Day Diverse Hawkes Bay
"Thank you for your friendliness and organisation of a fantastic three days. We were a large group and you went out of your way to pick up purchases of wine and have all our luggage at the next destination."
Denise Kearns, Whangarei - October 2010 - 3 Day Hawkes Bay Highlights
"Great friendly service. Lovely way to explore the wineries. Fab day!"
Gemma and Toby, Manchester, U.K. - October 2010 - Leisurely Gimblett Gravels
"Awesome way to visit the wineries, loved it!!"
Kev and Tracey, Perth W.A. - October 2010 - Leisurely Gimblett Gravels
"Just wanted to say thanks for Saturday.
It all worked out really well- we had a great time!"Libby Bayly, Napier - August 2010 - Leisurely Gimblett Gravels
"A fabulous way to explore your own country"
Rebecca Butts, Wanaka, NZ - May 2010 - 3 Day Hawkes Bay Highlights
"Don't dream about biking the Hawke's Bay, just do it with the best...Takaro Trails!"
Dianne Barron, Auckland, NZ - May 2010 - 3 Day Hawkes Bay Highlights
"It was really great Jenny, we enjoyed it all. The bikes and all the equipment were of the highest standard (the boys did complain a little about their saddles), the organization superb and everything worked just so smoothly. Transfer of luggage, picking up our purchases and all the little touches, as in the trail mix and wine bags were very much appreciated. The directions for each day worked extremely well and there was no need for some animated discussion amongst us as to which way to go!!! We loved the Rotary pathways the best I have to say, and it will be great where there are more of them around. But all in all, a great experience - thank you. We would have no hesitation in recommending to others and I really hope that you will be very successful with your venture - you fully deserve it."
Gail Hofmann, Auckland, NZ - April 2010 - 3 Day Hawkes Bay Highlights
"The Diverse Hawke's Bay tour was an invigorating experience introducing us to the delights of the back country. It was well structured and very well supported by Jenny and her team. We recommend it to all."
Richard & Noreen Jewell, Wellington, NZ - April 2010 - 5 Day Diverse Hawkes Bay
"I wanted to thank you SO much for your kind gesture of letting us your bikes while in Napier. We had a blast! Now, you may be to blame for having an Ecuadorian totally in love with your beautiful corner of the World. All worked well with the bikes, no mechanical problems whatsoever, got lost when at the bridge (turned left instead of right), but we just followed your map and found our way back to Ormlie Lodge. I've never experienced another place as great as yours, and the reason is probably because the quality of its people. Please know you have some new friends in South America!"
Francisco Dousdebes - Quito - Ecuador - March 2010 - Coastline and Taradale
'What better way to enjoy the Hawke's Bay sun and wineries than by bike! We started the day with champagne breakfast and then our first winery tasting at 10am. The whole day was perfectly organised and made entertaining visitors from out of Hawke's Bay a breeze! It was a load of fun and I can't wait to do it again soon!"
Cat Wealleans - Local Hawke's Bay Girl - March 2010 - Leisurely Gimblett Gravels
"I like bikes,
and red wine is so devine,
on a summers day in the bay,
hey hey hey"Jefcoate Dickie - Wellington Red Wine Lover - March 2010 - Leisurely Gimblett Gravels
"Excellent organization, right down to the last detail, - I personally liked the name tags- nice touch! Also nothing was too big of an ask. 5 stars, would go back."
Hayley Pardoe - Auckland Advertising Extraordinaire - March 2010 - Leisurely Gimblett Gravels
"Thanks for a great day - service, equipment and route instructions were all fantastic and we'll make sure we flag you up on tripadvisor.com when we get back to England in early April."
"Very enjoyable day, will be back soon."
John & Alison Kirkham, Bedfordshire, UK - March 2010 - Leisurely Gimblett Gravels
"The world looks better on a bike!"
Ben & Jackie Smith, Queensland, Aus - March 2010 - Leisurely Gimblett Gravels
"Just wanted to say thanks so much for looking after us in the manner that you did, we really appreciated your friendly hospitality. The TAKARO TRAILS hire gear was brilliant as were the awesome and sweet single track trail network.
Already planning a return trip to get back there and do it again.
Once again, thankyou, Takaro Trails was truly a great experience that my son and I will always cherish."
Shayne and Nic Howe, Sth Australia - February 2010 - Mountain Biking
"The one phrase that typified the support from Jenny was "No problem" Whenever we needed wine pick-up or mechanical back-up that was always her response. The five day tour is aptly named "Diverse" as this is what the countryside and level of cycling challenge is. Every day was so different, no-one could ever get bored with the riding on this tour. I came home feeling strong and proud of myself."
Sue Bewley, Rotorua, NZ - January 2010 - 5 Day Diverse Hawkes Bay
"The multi-level support from Jenny and her team was brilliant. I have no hesitation in recommending this cycle trip and Takaro Trails to anybody - and have already done so. "Diverse " really sums the whole trip up and that was a wonderful feature of the 5 days. Thanks Jenny. Very best wishes for your exciting business."
Sharon Ross, Rotorua, NZ - January 2010 - 5 Day Diverse Hawkes Bay
"I felt exhilirated and accomplished when I finished the 5 day biking tour. As the least fit and most vulnerable of the group (that's my assessmnet) I never at any time felt unsafe or a liabilty. By day 3 I was in the zone and thoroughly enjoying the experience. Thanks to Jenny for her constant back up and support. I would do it again in a flash!"
Mary Carroll, Rotorua, NZ - January 2010 - 5 Day Diverse Hawkes Bay
"Hi Jenny A 'bunch of roses' to you!
Just a note to say how much Patrick and I enjoyed out 5 day Takaro Trails cycle holiday/tour of Hawkes Bay over New Year. We were keen to have a unique experience - and you ensured this was exactly what occurred! From the superb bikes, helmets, scroggin and panniers to the pre-booked accommodation and clear, exact instructions...(phew, thank goodness!) we managed to navigate our way through the breathtaking countryside with each day being quite different... I have to say my personal favourite was Day 4 when we visited numerous vineyards :-)
Not only did we feel well looked after, we decided the experience and service provided by Takaro Trails was of a quality and level that others should benchmark against. So - thank you again for assisting us enter a new year in a highly memorable way! We wish you all the best with your venture... and many tourism awards!!!"
Jane & Patrick Kennelly, Orewa, NZ - December 2009 - 5 Day Diverse Hawkes Bay
"Hi Jenny, Once again we wanted to thank you for arranging and outfitting our three day biking tour of Hawkes Bay. Right from our first contact, your willingness to modify our three day package to meet our personal and fitness needs to the completeness of directions and quality of equipment have left us with a truly enjoyable and memorable experience. We will heartily recommend your services to our friends and acquaintances."
Ken & Sharon Sky, Toronto, Canada - December 2009 - 3 Day Hawkes Bay Highlights
"Thank you for a lovely afternoon's entertainment on the bikes. I will certainly promote Takaro Trails to others and the experience."
Martin Birrell, Hawkes Bay Regional Business Co-ordinator New Zealand Food Safety Authority Corporate Activity for 30 participants - December 2009
"What a wonderful fun adventure riding in Hawke's Bay with Takaro Trails turned out to be. When I booked in for a three day cycle tour I was not even a cyclist! With one practice session over 20Km, I knew I could still stay on a bike and change gears and hoped that my general fitness would carry me through. After 3 days of cycling through the orchards and countryside and by the sea I had covered 128Km in beautiful sunny weather, visited a cheese factory, a chocolate factory(for an energy boost), and world class wineries and had a picnic lunch on the banks of the Tukituki river. Jenny Ryan who owns Takaro Trails makes it all so easy with great bikes and accommodation, detailed route instructions, a friendly airport pick up and a luggage and wine purchases transfer service. Nothing is too much trouble. I highly recommend Takaro Trails. "
Adrianne Cranshaw, Auckland - November 2009 - Hawkes Bay Highlights Tour
"Thanks to Jenny and the team at Takaro Trails, we had a fantastic time exploring the single tracks in Hawkes Bay MTB park, and there is stacks of it too. Good quality bikes and a great pick up and drop off service polished an excellent outing. Highly recommended."
Rob Merkel, Victoria, Australia - November 2009 - Mountain biking package
"Thanks for a great trip. We all thoroughly enjoyed our 3 days with Takaro Trails. It was great to do this as a family and we appreciated your flexibility in letting us do the first ten kms the day before to get Lucy used to it. We were really surprised by how well Lucy did! '
Sally Brasell, Auckland - October 2009 - Hawkes Bay Highlights Tour
'Excellent organisation and great fun.'
Pete Hay, Auckland - October 2009 - Hawkes Bay Highlights Tour
A message from Sam Bewley
Sam Bewley was a member of the NZ Team Pursuit Olympic Bronze medal team in Beijing 2008 and the Silver Medal winning team at the Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010.
"Tākaro Trails to me seems like the best possible way for anyone and everyone to see and experience the beautiful wine country of Hawke's Bay! What makes it even better is that it caters for everyone's abilities and I believe it is an aspect of cycling that will encourage more and more people to ride their bikes, it will really highlight the enjoyable side cycling has to offer. What a great way to see Hawke's Bay, the wine, the sun and the beauty of this great place. I can't wait to take my own tour with Tākaro Trails!"
Sam Bewley (far left)
