Family friendly - Beaches, vineyards, boardwalks and galleries, this tour enjoys the highest concentration of places to eat, drink and soak up the many wonders of the Great Taste Trail
Family friendly, this tour is divided into manageable chunks so there’s plenty of time for you to stop and enjoy the delights each day
On this tour you will follow the Coastal Route of the Great Taste Trail, from the Waimea plains to the golden beach at Kaiteriteri; the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park
Boardwalks, bridges, fruit farms and coastal views will keep you entertained as your ride to Moturoa / Rabbit Island. You’ll take a ferry built for bikes to get to Mapua, with fine art, food and refreshments set right on the picturesque wharf
Whilst you’re here in the heartland of NZ hops, make time to taste the beers at the craft breweries along the trail. Nelson, Mapua and Motueka all have craft breweries to tantalise the taste buds
There are some rolling hills on this route but nothing too steep and the panoramic views are awe-inspiring on a sunny day
Quick Details:
DURATION: 3 or 4 days (extra night in Mapua / Kaiteriteri recommended)
DISTANCE COVERED: 70km total (approx. 25km per day)
PRICE: From $1,100pp dependent upon accommodation rates, season, duration and group size
SUITABLE FOR: Families and friends who want a modest amount of cycling each day. You’ll have plenty of time to stop and enjoy the great tastes along the way
INCLUDES: Mostly flat coastal cycling on well-formed trail with a few hills to provide stunning views of Nelson’s coast, orchards and mountains
*Discount applies when booking 4 or more adults
**Ideal for people who want to enjoy the coast, wineries, art and tasty places
The Itinerary
Tahunanui → Mapua → Motueka → Kaiteriteri (69km)
Today offers an easy, flat ride—an ideal, gentle start to your cycling adventure. As you leave Nelson, popular spots like The Honest Lawyer Pub or the café at Pic’s Peanut Butter World make great stops for a snack or drink
Once you hit the Great Taste Trail Coastal Route, you’ll enjoy a smooth ride around the scenic Waimea Estuary, heading toward Rabbit Island Beach. If you’re in the mood for more options, consider a detour to Old Factory Corner for a taste of delicious local food
Along the way, you’ll pass by Seifried Estate Winery, with its renowned Harvest Kitchen restaurant—perfect for a leisurely stop. Take a moment to relax, enjoy a swim, or have a picnic on the beach before catching the ferry from Rabbit Island to Mapua Wharf. The wharf has a laid-back, summery vibe, with kids swimming, lively cafés, restaurants, wine bar and another brewery to explore
Mapua is full of charming spots, from its quirky galleries to delightful restaurants and pubs. There’s live music throughout summer, so whether you’re in the mood for art, craft, or tasty food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy
ADD AN OPTION: Extra night in Mapua
We highly recommend spending two nights in Mapua to fully soak in this vibrant, arty village. Take your time exploring the local galleries, shops, wine bars, breweries, and cafés. You can also follow the locals to the estuary for a swim at high tide, or join the kids diving off the wharf for a bit of fun. With its relaxed atmosphere, Mapua offers plenty to keep you entertained on a leisurely rest day.
With two nights in Mapua, you’ll also have the perfect opportunity to embark on a scenic ride inland to the charming village of Upper Moutere. Known for its stunning boutique wineries, rich history, and New Zealand’s oldest pub, the Moutere is a haven for those with an appreciation for art, wine, or craft beer
This day trip is a must for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the region’s history and culture
Today’s ride takes you from Mapua to Motueka, with some challenging hills along the way, offering fantastic views of the surrounding region. Leaving Mapua, the Great Taste Trail hugs the coastline, passing through the tranquil settlement of Ruby Bay before tackling a moderate 1km climb on a sealed trail that leads to an elevated route above the coast, nestled among apple orchards. Enjoy a scenic and gentle downhill into Tasman village, where you’ll find a village store, a charming café, and a stylish pottery. If you have time, consider a detour to the beachfront on the Kina Peninsula
The route then turns uphill for a longer 3km climb to Moutere Ridge. The next 4.5km gravel section winds along the ridge, with some climbing and descending (elevation around 110m). It’s not a long section, so take it easy and savor the stunning views. Don’t miss a stop at the café located at the Riverside Community—the oldest alternative community in New Zealand
As you approach Motueka, the trail passes by Toad Hall Café and Townshend Brewery, a perfect spot to unwind with food and a cold beer under the shade of the big oak trees. The final stretch into Motueka is flat, following the estuary waterfront, with picturesque gardens and grassy beach reserves along the way. Be sure to check out the Saltwater Baths and the old wharf before you reach the township
This section is short and mostly flat—until the end. It’s in “honesty box” country, so keep an eye out for fresh, in-season fruit like apples, kiwi, cherries, grapes, feijoa, citrus, and peaches
Leaving Motueka, the trail heads towards Riwaka, a charming village known for its fantastic café, hops and local craft brewery, so be sure to stop and explore. After Riwaka, the trail cuts through a vibrant kiwifruit orchard before reconnecting with the coast
Next, it dips and rises beside the road for a while before entering the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park. This 3.1km section is smooth and well formed, following the “Easy Rider Trail” through the park. The smooth surface isn’t technical, but the tight corners may make some riders prefer to take it slow or walk through them
As the trail winds through the bush and pine trees, you’ll soon catch your first glimpse of the destination—Kaiteriteri Beach with its stunning golden shores. This beach is the gateway for boats heading into Abel Tasman National Park
All of our Coastal Classic packages include door-to-door return transport from Kaiteriteri, bringing you and your bikes back to Nelson
ADD AN OPTION: Extra night in Kaiteriteri
Why not extend your trip with a relaxing stay in Kaiteriteri? The area offers a variety of high-quality accommodation, including an Eco Resort featuring a vegetarian restaurant, spa, massage services, and a pool. It’s the perfect way to unwind after your adventure
ADD AN OPTION: Abel Tasman National Park Day
Add an Option: Abel Tasman National Park Day
Staying in Kaiteriteri makes it easy to use the next day to explore Abel Tasman National Park. The beachfront is just a short walk from your accommodation, where you can begin your day trip
Wilsons Abel Tasman offers a range of single-day trips. For the greatest flexibility, their Open Day Pass is a great option or choose from a variety of full-day kayak trips.
When we book your Park Day as part of your cycling trip, we’ll ensure your itinerary flows seamlessly
More Information
Personalised trip route notes with tasty places to visit (sent on receipt of full payment)
Door-to-door transport from Nelson / airport to our base on the first day
Personalised pre-ride briefing
Our exclusive Good Things Maps – topographic style maps
24 speed comfort trail bike, helmet, lock & toolkit (e-bike upgrade available at $50 per bike per day)
Accommodation for 2 nights (typically)
Mapua Ferry tickets
Daily luggage transfers (by 3pm)
Bad weather and emergency support
Passenger and bike transfer, Kaiteriteri to Nelson on the final day
Door-to-door transport from our base to Nelson / airport on the final day
Prices are $NZD and include GST of 15%
Please view our terms & conditions at https://www.gentlecycling.co.nz/terms-and-conditions
Our self-guided package price includes accommodation and we have been out and about along the trail to find the best accommodation in each village. It includes motels, B&B’s en-suite cabins in holiday parks, and simple country pubs. These are all close to the trail, and close to cafes for meals.
The starting price for our these packages uses simple en suite accommodation in holiday parks or simple country pubs.
We can also price your package using upgraded accommodation, staying in B&B’s or motels. The total additional price for this upgrade is likely to be between $50pp and $100pp.
The Gentle Cycling Good Things Maps are included in our packages. These are waterproof, topographic-style maps. They illustrate our exclusive recommendations for detours off the trail to visit all our favourite places. For the adults, we provide tips for the best local food, wine, craft beer, art, history and landscape. And for the kids, we’ve thought of fun things along the trail that will add something special every day. So everyone can enjoy the journey.
Our itineraries are designed to make it easy for you to add a day trip in the Abel Tasman National Park. Boats travelling into the park depart from the beachfront at Kaiteriteri. By staying a night in Kaiteriteri, you will be within easy walking distance of the beachfront. And if your cycling trip finished in Kaiteriteri, we will arrange your transport from Kaiteriteri back to Nelson, or to the airport, after your Park Day. Book your Wilsons Abel Tasman trip with us and you pay the same price as when you book it yourselves and we will ensure your whole itinerary fits together seamlessly.
Due to health and safety concerns, the maximum bag weight for our luggage transfers is 15kg. We can provide secure storage for extra luggage at our base.
We have plenty of free, off-street parking for your vehicles at our base.
Interactive Map
Explore the Coastal Classic ride with the interactive map below. Use the + to zoom right in and explore the landscape on the trail. Click on the orange symbols and the blue route line for more information.
What our adventurers say
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Check out our full day and half day, guided or unguided packages on the Great Taste Trail. You can choose from our tours: Spooners Tunnel, Marvelous Moutere, Rabbit Island Picnic, Great Taste Wine, one of our Great Taste Beer tours or the Great Taste Goose Chase. We can also design a bespoke adventure for you – get in touch!