Keen to tick off the whole Great Taste Trail circuit? The diverse landscapes and sense of achievement are well worth it.
Are you looking to ride the whole 200km Great Taste Trail loop and experience the wide diversity of landscapes and experiences available in Nelson / Tasman? This bike tour is the full package, ensuring you get to visit all the best cafes, restaurants, cellar doors and craft breweries along the way. Cycle through lush rural heritage landscapes; experience views of across hop gardens to the mountains; ride a gentle river valley beside one of the best trout fishing rivers in NZ; relax at an eco-resort at the magical Kaiteriteri beach; cruise into the Abel Tasman and experience the National Park; take a ferry built for bikes – all this in and more in 4 or more action packed days.
Quick Details:
DURATION: 5 days / 4 nights
DISTANCE COVERED: 200km+
PRICE: From $1,495pp
INCLUDES: 5 day bike hire, 4 nights’ accommodation double / twin share including one night in an architecturally designed lodge and eco-resort with pools and spa (subject to availability)
The Itinerary
Nelson→ Mapua→ Kaiteriteri → Woodstock → Wakefield (184 km)
It’s an easy, flat ride today and a nice soft introduction on the first day of your cycling trip. McCashins Tap Room or the café at Pic’s Peanut Butter World are popular venues for a snack before you head off. Once out on the Great Taste Trail Coastal Route it’s a flat ride around the Waimea Estuary before heading towards Rabbit Island beach. You will pass close to Seifried Estate Winery with onsite restaurant Harvest Kitchen en route. Stop for a break, have a swim, or bring a picnic to have on the beach, before catching the ferry from Rabbit Island to the Mapua Wharf. It is casual and summery on the wharf, with kids swimming, busy cafes, another brewery and hot smoked fish and chips to be eaten straight out of the paper. There are lots of neat things in Mapua, including a great gallery (with the best range of craft jewelry in the region) and the old wharf is a great place to relax at the end of the ride.
ADD AN OPTION: Extra night in Mapua
We recommend you consider two nights in Mapua, allowing time enjoy this arty, foodie village. Take time to wander in the village, visiting the galleries, shops, wine bar, brewery and cafes. Or follow the locals to the estuary for a swim at high tide (or take your lead from the kids who prefer to jump off the wharf). There is plenty to fill a relaxing rest day here.
With two nights in Mapua, there is also time for an on-road day ride to the village of Upper Moutere. For those with an interest in art, wine or beer, this day in the Moutere area is a must.
From Mapua, the Great Taste Trail follows the coast to the sleepy settlement of Ruby Bay before a steepish climb of approximately 1 km up onto an elevated route above the coast among the apple orchards. You then have a beautiful gentle downhill ride into Tasman village where there is a village store, café, stylish pottery and an optional detour out to the beachfront on the Kina Peninsula. The route then turns back uphill for a longer climb of approximately 3km to the Moutere ridge. The next gravel section (4.5 km) climbs and descends as you follow the ridge (elevation approximately 110 m). It’s not a long section so take it easy and enjoy the views. Check out the café on the site of Riverside Community – the oldest alternative community in NZ. Approaching Motueka township, the trail passes Toad Hall Café & Townshend Brewery, a great place to relax with some food and beer under the big oak trees in the garden.
The final section from Motueka, is coastal and flat… until the end! This is “honesty box” country so expect some fresh fruit (in season) including cherries, boysenberries, strawberries, apples, grapes, feijoas, citrus and melons. Leaving Motueka the trail heads to Riwaka, a cute little village which is home to a great café and a craft brewery. The trail then follows the rugged coastline as you approach the Abel Tasman National Park before ducking into the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park. This last section of 3.1 km is intermediate grade (trail grading not mountain bike grading!) and takes the Easy Rider Trail through the park. The surface is smooth and it is not technical, but you might want to take it very gently as there are some tight corners and some riders prefer to walk and enjoy the lovely bush clad trail. You will soon get the first glimpse of your destination – the stunning golden shores of Kaiteriteri Beach.
ADD AN OPTION: Extra night in Kaiteriteri
Why not enjoy a relaxing stay in Kaiteriteri at the end of your trip. There is a range of accommodation in Kaiteriteri including an Eco Resort, with vegetarian restaurant, spa, massage and pool facilities.
ADD AN OPTION: Abel Tasman National Park Day
Staying the night in Kaiteriteri makes it easy to use the following day for a trip in the Abel Tasman National Park. In the morning, it’s an easy walk to the beachfront where your Park Day begins. Wilsons Abel Tasman offer a range of single day trips in the park (standard retail prices apply). For a flexible full day walking trip option, we recommend the Open Day Pass. There is also a range of full day kayak trips available. When we book your Park Day as part of your cycling trip, we will ensure your whole itinerary fits together seamlessly.
Return to Riwaka via the Great Taste Trail and enjoy a stop at Ginger Dynamite; a quirky café which serves delicious food and coffee from a couple of converted containers.
Meander close to the banks of the Motueka river as you steadily climb the valley which sustains many fruit and hop farms in this horticultural area. Crossing the river at Peninsular Road allows you to make a detour to River Haven for a tasty treat, before continuing on to Woodstock.
The ride to Wakefield today enables you to ride the newest section of the Great Taste Trail. Opened 2022, you’re treated to a climb over the Baton saddle. This gravel road trail takes you deep into a forested area with many hilly sections. To avoid these hills, you might wish to stay on road, following the previous route of tjhe Great Taste Trail. Riding into Tapawera for a bite to eat at the café or hotel is a welcome resting point.
Onwards towards Kohatu, you’ll join sections of the old railway line and the iconic Spooner’s Tunnel – almost 1.4km and always a refreshing experience! Freewheeling through pine forest to Belgrove and NZ’s second oldest windmill you’re soon back in some beautiful regenerating forest which is worth having a stroll around. The Wai-iti river then leads you into Wakefield, a historic town with a big heart and classic Kiwi Hotel.
Wave goodbye to Wakefield and ride through flat farmland on your way towards Brightwater, birthplace of Ernest Rutherford and location of the first street light in the South Island. You have a choice of cafes and wineries to sample as you continue on towards Nelson. You might want to celebrate the end of your tour with a refreshing beer hand crafted in the hop capital of NZ. McCashins Tap Room and Eddyline brewery are our favourites and conveniently located near our base.
More Information
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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 4 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
Accommodation is included in your guided tour package. Enjoy an architecturally designed lodge and eco resort with pools and spa.
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.
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 Loop the Loop 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 route lines for more information.
What our adventurers say
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Plains & Coast
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This popular off-road tour option enables you to follow the historic rail route and cycle through the iconic Spooners Tunnel, along rivers, through regenrating forest, vineyards and historic towns. Then along the coast with its many artisanal delights, ending at the golden sands of Kaiteriteri.
Single Day Tours
Guided / Unguided
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!