The Forrest GrapeRide is the South Island’s biggest and most popular recreational cycling event. The classic course traverses a 101km circuit through some of the most stunning scenery New Zealand has to offer and has been described as a ride through nature’s photo album.

From the Forrest Estate Winery stone wall in the capital of the New Zealand wine industry, Renwick, it’s a flat route to Blenheim. Riders then head north and gently climb into Picton with an exhilarating descent into the centre of the town. Climbing out of Picton, the route follows the picturesque Queen Charlotte Drive around the head of Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds. The stunning scenery of Ngakuta and Momorangi Bays passes as the ride winds and twists to The Grove.

A flat ride to Linkwater leads onto Mahakipawa Hill and more breath taking scenery, followed by a descent to the outskirts of the mussel capital, Havelock. A left turn onto SH 6 and it’s homeward bound across gently rolling terrain, hopefully with the prevailing breeze at your back and home to Renwick. Off the bike and you’re in the grapes with our celebrity guests, treading grapes for processing into an exclusive Forrest Wines vintage for next year’s event.

Back by popular demand is the 202km Magnum category which sees you riding twice round the 101km course.

For those that really like to punish themselves there is the 505km Ultimate option!

If you prefer a shorter ride there is the 42km Taster course and this also starts and finishes at Forrest Estate likes its big brother.

Don’t miss Forrest GrapeRide #9. This event sells out every year and entries are limited to a field of 2,500 riders.