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Sports cars at Ruby Bay, Mapua

Getaway to Golden Bay 'Swap & Go' Road Trip

It’s just a hill – get over it!

Driving Nelson to Golden Bay via Takaka Hill follows some of the most scenic and exhilarating driving roads anywhere. Golden Bay is the northernmost point of the Abel Tasman National Park, with unspoilt beaches, intriguing detours and a wonderful relaxed ambiance. Coastline and curves, valleys and vineyards, wharfs and waterfalls, you’ve got it all to enjoy in some of the most charismatic cars made.

Getaway to Golden Bay Day Trip - Start & finish in NELSON

285 km, approx 5 hours driving, 8 hours duration

1 Day Tour: Nelson > Mapua > Motueka > Kaiteriteri > Takaka Hill > Takaka > Wainui Falls/Te Waikoropupu Springs > Upper Moutere > Nelson

Any Saturday or Sunday, November to April

or choose dates to suit you!

Highlights

  • Superb mix of safe, amazing driving roads
  • Glorious scenery, coastal & hills
    • Drive the longest hill in New Zealand, rated a Top 10 drive
    • Drive through dappled woodland, lush valleys
    • Visit peaceful beaches, waterfalls, vineyards
    • See Te Waikoropupu Springs, some of the clearest water in the Southern Hemisphere
  • Breaks in characterful quality cafes
  • At least 1 hours free time in Golden Bay
  • Share the experience with friends old….& new!

With a superb & rarified choice of travelling in style...

Swap between these Cars!
4+ hours drive in at least 3 of these!

 Premium luxury Europeans with an excellent reputation for serious driving enjoyment. Classic & modern, autos & manuals, each drivers 1st choice car makes the trip (subject to availability). 

Getaway to Golden Bay Route Map

Destinations en route....

A bevy of sports cars await at Ruby Bay, Mapua

Great roads through Upper Moutere

Picturesque vineyards at Upper Moutere

Self Drive New Zealand Kaiteriteri Beach

Enjoy the curves at Kaiteriteri!

The northern most point of Abel Tasman National Park

Pohara Beach at Golden Bay

The wondrous Wainui Falls, an easy 30 minute walk from the car park

Horse Riding at Golden Bay

Te Waikoropupu Springs

Relax at Ruby Bay

Finish your tour with the famous fish n chips at Mapua Wharf

The start of the walk to Wainui Falls

Wharaiki Beach

Gentle rolling hills of Golden Bay

Enjoy tranquil seaside Nelson with its great beaches and eateries

Self Drive New Zealand Kaiteriteri Beach

Discretely escorted - it's all about you...

By your side if you need us.

We accompany you the whole route and ask that you travel in convoy.  We’ll make quite a sight! Route maps are provided with clear instructions on where the swap over breaks will be…but we normally pair those at a characterful cafe or scenic stopover for maximum enjoyment!

Ready to tour?

All cars come with unlimited km, comprehensive insurance & roadside assistance. We also provide a personalised familarisation session and documentation for your car. 

The car you see here is the car you’ll get. A 20% deposit using secure payment facilities reserves your place, so why not….

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