FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is the best time of year to cycle the Great Taste Trail?
  • Peak cycling season is through Spring and summer, but Nelson enjoys a relatively mild and pleasant climate year-round. Autumn is typically cooler than summer, with lots of sunshine and without sea breezes. Winter still treats us to lots of fresh yet sunny weather. We get rain and cold snaps in all four seasons so pack accordingly
• How do I get to Nelson?
  • Nelson airport is close to Nelson CBD and our base. Many people drive here and we provide off-street parking upon request. Bus / coach options are available from other companies. We provide passenger shuttles from Nelson CBD / airport as part of our multi-day tour packages. You can also book a shuttle from Nelson (or further away) for our single day tours (subject to distance and availability).
• Can we deliver bikes to our accommodation?
  • Yes, we can deliver bikes to you and also shuttle you to / from many locations around the wider Nelson / Tasman area. Charges are based upon the distances covered.
• What happens if we have a mechanical issue on our tour?
  • Our bikes are checked and serviced after every ride, but in the case of a mechanical issue we will attend to your bike as soon as our schedule allows. We recommend that at least one person in your group is competent at fixing or changing an inner tube.
• Will I have phone reception around the Great Taste Trail?
  • Most of the 200km circuit has strong mobile phone coverage. There are some areas in remote locations (the Baton Bridge extension in particular), where different mobile networks have limited or no reception
• Do I need to be very fit to go cycle touring?
  • It is important to tell us about the fitness of the members of your group so we can guide you to the most suitable tour options. We recommend that you prepare as best you can, riding on off-road trails as well as sealed surfaces. We suggest E-bikes for those without a lot of recent cycling fitness and for people who are not used to cycling on consecutive days
• Should I hire an E-bike?
  • Our e-bikes are very popular so booking ahead is recommended to prevent you from missing out. Our E-bikes have pedal assist systems, which means you need to pedal frequently. The motor quietly makes the job easier for you and there are different power modes to assist more for hills, wind and fatigue
• How far can my E-bike go? The distance is relative to your weight (including bags, water etc.), trail gradient, wind, rain, the way you pedal and the power mode you select. Efficient cyclists who are light, ride in eco mode and stick to flatter trails can go over 100km on one charge
• Are E-bikes safe?
  • All of our E-bikes are limited to 32kph. The disc brakes, knobbly tyres and suspension forks are more than suitable for the terain of the Great Taste Trail. All cycle riding has inherent risks, ensure you take care at all times on your tour.
• Is there a weight limit for my luggage?
  • Whilst we don’t enforce a strict luggage weight limit like some companies choose to, we politely request that you do not bring excessive luggage with you on your tour.
• Are there toilets and water stations around the Great Taste Trail?
  • The toilets are clearly marked on the Great Taste Trail map. Water stations are limited so we recommend carrying sufficient water for each day, being mindful of the extra fluids required whilst cycling in warm weather.
• Is the Trail easy to follow?
  • Most cyclists find the dark blue signs and markers very easy to follow. We recommend that you download the Great Rides app before you begin your tour. Available for free here
• Can I bring my own pedals?
  • We are able to switch our flat pedals to your SPD’s or other suitable pedals for $25 per bike. You will need to advise us at least 24 hours before your tour with us
• What happens if we have a medical emergency?
  • Always ring 111 first and notify us as soon as it is convenient. We recommend carrying your own personal first aid kit. For minor medical issues, we may be able to assist when resources allow, but please be aware that we are often out supporting other groups and won’t always be able to respond to you immediately.
• What happens if the weather gets really bad?
  • Nelson is not always sunny, so be prepared for four seasons in one day. In the case of extreme weather events or damage to the trail, we will be notified by the Trail Manager and then liaise with you to make suitable arrangements
• Multi Day Tours: The following conditions apply if you cancel:
  • More than 30 days prior to departure you get a 90% refund of the total amount less the non-refundable deposit (and any accommodation costs that cannot be retrieved).
  • Between 30 days and 14 days prior to departure you get a 50% refund of the total amount less the non-refundable deposit and any accommodation costs incurred
  • Less than 14 days prior to departure no refund will be offered
  • If your trip has started no refund will be offered
  • If you need to cancel due to extreme personal issues, we will assist by substituting a group member or try to retrieve any costs we can
  • For any itinerary that includes a Wilsons Abel Tasman trip, their terms and conditions will apply to this component of your itinerary
  • For trips that include a Wilsons Abel Tasman component, please refer to their terms and conditions
  • If you are sick and cannot travel, we ask that you please contact us as quickly as possible so that we can advise our accommodation providers. Depending on their terms and conditions, you may be liable for accommodation costs. We will hold the balance of the funds as a credit for when you are able to reschedule.
  • If you decide to cancel once you have paid your deposit, you will lose this deposit. We would encourage rescheduling over cancellation.
  • Rescheduling: Any changes to the itinerary after the deposit is paid will incur a $100 admin fee
• Single Day Tours / Bike Hire: The following conditions apply if you cancel:
  • • • Once payment is made your booking is confirmed
      • Cancellation before midday the day prior to your booking will incur a $50 fee per person
      • If you decide to finish your bike ride or single day tour and require an unscheduled return shuttle, there will be a minimum charge of $50 (price dependent upon mileage and traffic)
      • Cancellation after midday the day before your booking will result in no refund given
      • To check the weather forecast in Nelson go the Met Service.
      • In the unlikely situation where the cycle trails are closed, we will work with you to find a solution
• Travel Insurance
  • Travel insurance is not included in any of the products offered by The Gentle Cycling Company. We strongly recommend that you invest in travel insurance to cover expenses, including medical cover and changes to travel in cases of unforeseen circumstances.
    • Bikes and components; if bikes are returned with damaged components e.g. a broken derailleur, brake lever, shifter, buckled wheel you will need to cover the cost of replacement or repair (at our discretion). Loss (theft) of a bicycle will incur a charge for the cost of replacement.
    • Helmets; should you experience a fall with a helmet impact or cause damage to the helmet in any way, we will need to replace the helmet at your cost.
    • Puncture repair kits; missing puncture repair kits or their components
    • Electric bike damage; note that there are underpasses on the Great Taste Trail which flood at certain high tides.
    • All bikes must not be taken through salt water or in tidal areas such as estuaries and beaches
• Inherent Risk & Safety
  • The Client accepts that cycling and associated activities have inherent risks and can be dangerous. The Client understands that these risks include (but are not limited to): illness, navigational difficulties, rough riding conditions, poor weather and collisions, all of which may occur in isolated areas

By participating in the activities provided by the Operator the Client is expressly assuming the risks personally and to the maximum extent permitted by law, releases the Operator and its officers and employees from any liability, claims losses (including consequential loss and damage), damages or expenses caused by any event including but not limited to:

• • Personal injury or death
  • Property loss or damage
  • Acts which may be construed as negligent or accidental
  • Any other loss, damage, suffering, emotional or nervous disorder

• Waiver
  • In participating in the activity, I, the customer, accept all responsibility and liability for ensuring my own safety and health and have satisfied myself that I am fit medically to undertake the use and hire
  • I agree that my successors, executors, administrators and next-of-kin are bound by the Terms and Conditions
  • I agree not to commence any litigation or proceedings in any country in relation to the risks and perils I put myself at and to indemnify the Operator against any such claim
  • I confirm that I am physically fit and suffer from no medical conditions which may be aggravated by the activity
  • I consent to receive medical treatment in the case of injury, or illness during the activity and to indemnity the Operator against any claims in respect of that treatment
  • I agree to listen to any instructions and take responsibility for any children in my care
• Transport Delays: The Operator accepts no responsibility for any loss or additional expenses arising from changes, delays or cancellations of the services and activities of the Operator. The Operator is not liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident delay and irregularity which may be occasioned, either by reason of weather, or any defect in any vehicle or through the acts or defaults of any company or persons engaged in conveying passengers or in carrying out organisation or implementation of tours
• Rates: The Operator contracts a number of 3rd party providers and they may decide to change their rates at any time. In the case that a 3rd party provider changes their rates then we will pass that charge onto you