A Martinborough-based tour company made history last year by leading the first-ever cycle tour on Rēkohu, Chatham Island. This year Green Jersey Explorer Tours, in partnership with Lesley Whyte Travel, filled three tours to Rēkohu with unforgettable journeys across the remote island, located 700 kilometres southeast of Cape Palliser. “We now have a waiting list for next year’s tours”, said Green Jersey company director Joe Howells.
Joe described the Rēkohu Chatham experience as exceeding all expectations. “The near-deserted country roads, breathtaking scenery, settled weather and extremely rich history made for some incredible bike rides,” he said. “Our local guide, Marcel, also shared fascinating insights into the island’s geology, birdlife, and unique stories.”
“The near-deserted country roads, breathtaking scenery, settled weather and extremely rich history made for some incredible bike rides.”
Based at Hotel Chatham in Waitangi, hospitality on Rēkohu was a standout. The Croon family hosted a special lunch and tour of their amazing Admiral Gardens and a lunch was also hosted by Bridget Preece at their award-winning home, with spectacular views over Waitangi Bay. Master Chef and “bee whisperer” Kaai Silbery took the bikers on a tour of her very special “Go Wild apiary garden” and oversaw catering arrangements at Te Kopi Lodge.
The island’s relaxed approach added to the charm, with local police humorously offering to “have a chat” with any speeding motorists that bothered the cyclists. Even a farmer moving 2,500 sheep made way for the cyclists last year. One participant summed up the breathtaking scenery simply: “Everywhere I look, it’s a picture postcard perfect.”
Joe said that “the Rēkohu tours nicely compliment Green Jersey’s local tours in the South Wairarapa. These combine the Remutaka Cycle Trail with Palliser Bay and the Tora coastline in a popular six-day bike tour. We also run tours throughout the North Island and have in the past run a number of bike tours in France”.
Green Jersey Explorer Tours Ltd is owned by Joe and Pam Howells and managed by their son James. Whilst better known for their “wine bikes” which cruise the Martinborough vineyards, the company is building a reputation for high quality multiday wilderness bike tours.
The Green Jersey company was established in 2013 by Pam and Joe in partnership with Stuart Edwards and Lucia Zanmoti. The Howells family bought Stuart and Lucia’s shares when Stuart retired with health issues three years ago.
