Ride the Whale

26/04/2026

What is Ride the Whale? (and other FAQ's)

In its simplest form, Ride the Whale is a private hire, 4x4 taxi with a towbar rack and giant bike trailer. Email us, arrange a booking and we'll take you (or pick you up) wherever you want to go. In other forms, it can be a 10 seater minibus shuttle, or even a 30 seater coach.

What makes you different from a regular taxi?

We're bikers, trampers and runners at heart. Outdoor people. We know how important it is to look after your bikes and gear. We know what you're up against. We go to places where other transport providers wouldn't be so keen. When you've got us, we're yours for the duration. We understand that it's about the journey and not just the destination. Photo stops, local trail knowledge, last-minute charging of powerbanks during the drive - it's all part of the service. We'd rather work out a solution than just say no, because it's too easy to say no.

What's with the Whale? Do you only service The Whale Trail?

The Whale Trail is an amazing asset to the Marlborough region, but it's going to take time to come together. As the trail grows, we see this as our future main business, but let's honest - there's TONS of great riding in the region, with near impossible transport links. We want to get you into some of that too.

Do you pick up from the Ferry/Airport?

For sure we do. We also do door to door, from campgrounds to AirBnb's.

For a whole load more FAQ's about the service we offer, including pricing - take a look at the website.

https://ridethewhale.co.nz/Shuttle/

25/04/2026

To celebrate the opening of this new section of trail, we're offering shuttles from Blenheim to Koromiko from $30 per person from ANZAC Monday 27th April until the end of May.

This is based on 4 people sharing a ride. Minimum operating cost $120. If you haven't got 4 people, post up on our page to see if others would join in your booking.

Also happy to take walkers and runners.

🚴🏾🚴🏾🚴🏾

11/04/2026

ooh we got in the newspaper...

Andy Johnson, with his ute and 24-bike carrier, is ready to make life easier for cyclists exploring Marlborough. Photo: Frank Nelson.

02/04/2026

Any bike riders out there considering the Flahute May Day Madness Brevet?

The Blenheim event is on 25th/26th April.

93km taster and 273km full course.

MayDay Madness Blenheim – Taster & Brevet A MicroAdventure – a dirty weekender, an overnighter, another opportunity to use your kit instead of letting it get dusty This ride is aimed at introducing people to the “type2 fun” of self-supported multi-day navigation that are Brevets. It’s a no...

23/02/2026

A few snaps from the weekend trip to Ward. The new trail through Flaxbourne to Awatere is really good riding.

14/02/2026

Visiting the shipwreck of the T.S.S. Waverley via the Kotuku Track is a very special adventure. This 30km route can be ridden in around 3 hours from Blenheim via The Whale Trail southbound. Take a packed lunch and stretch it out.

Photos credit: ProblemChild

29/01/2026

An easy opportunity to visit Para wetland from a different angle.

This beautifully built rest spot is a short out-and-back ride from the drop off point, perfect for a quick brew before you work your way back towards Blenheim. This easy, relatively flat route can be completed in a couple of hours or streched out to a full-day family adventure with a stop off at Grovetown lagoon.

Private-hire Bike shuttle to/from Tuamarino, Picton, Havelock,
Prices starting from $86.00 based on 2 passengers.

Capacity for larger groups. Enquire at [email protected]
More info ridethewhale.co.nz

26/01/2026

Private-hire Bike shuttle to Seddon, Marfells beach & Ward.

Prices starting from $160.00 based on 2 passengers.
Capacity for larger groups. Enquire at [email protected]
More info ridethewhale.co.nz

28/10/2025

13/10/2025

As the weather is starting to warm up, there are a few more people out on the trails... Here's a few (semi) local shots.

Grovetown lagoon Marlborough,

Coppermine Trail Nelson,

Whale Trail Marlborough,

Wairau Bar Marlborough.

Wherever you're coming from, wherever you want to go, we can help get you straight to the action.

Ridethewhale.co.nz