Plains and Coast

Today starts with a shuttle transfer to Kohatu, where the cafe is a great place for a refreshment before the cycling trip begins. The route is virtually all downhill today and there are cafes sited at regular intervals along the way. The historic Spooners Tunnel is located 7km from Kohatu. The brick-lined tunnel is 1.4km long and completely dark, so lights are required. Emerging on the northern side, the rest of today’s ride is through an expansive, lush valley full of history. The villages of Wakefield and Brightwater both have some charming old buildings in the main street. The trail includes sections riding on the route of the original railway, plus riverside legs and hop garden views. The section between Brightwater and Stoke is home to several boutique, family-owned wineries and fresh fruit and veggies can be purchased at various stalls along the route. We recommend staying in Stoke or Richmond tonight for ease of navigation.

It’s a flat, easy riding day today. Before you depart, you may wish to visit Pics Peanut Butter factory (bookings are required for a free tour), the Classic Car Museum or McCashins Brewery, which are all located in Stoke. Once out on the Great Taste Trail Coastal Route it’s pleasant ride around the Waimea Estuary before heading towards Rabbit Island beach. This is a great place for a break, a swim or a picnic, before catching the ferry from Rabbit Island to the Mapua Wharf. The old wharf is a great place to relax at the end of the ride, with a great gallery, wine bar, brewery, and cafes.

We recommend you consider two nights in Mapua, allowing time to 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.

Today you are riding from Mapua to Motueka. This intermediate grade leg has some hills but there are great views too. Leaving Mapua, the trail follows the coast before heading inland, with a steepish climb of approx. 1km up onto an elevated route above the coast. This is apple country, so look out for the orchard packing sheds and interesting little workers cottages tucked amongst the apple trees. Leaving the village of Tasman, expect a slow climb of around 3km up to the Moutere ridge. The next gravel section (4.5km) climbs and descends as you follow the ridge (elevation approximately 110m.) It’s not a long section so take it easy and enjoy the views. Approaching Motueka township, the trail passes Toad Hall Cafe & Townshend Brewery, a great place to relax with some food and beer under the big oak trees in the garden. The section of trail through Motueka avoids the town center and follows around the estuary waterfront, past gardens and grassy beach reserves. Motueka is bustling during the fruit-picking season and pretty sleepy the rest of the time.

It’s just a short ride to Kaiteriteri today and it’s flat – until the end. Following the wine cycling of previous days, today is “honesty box” cycling, so expect some fresh fruit (in season) including apples, pears, nashi, grapes, feijoas, citrus and melons. Leaving Motueka the trail heads to Riwaka, a cute little village which is home to a great cafe and a craft brewery, so plan to stop there! After Riwaka, there is a section that goes right through a kiwifruit orchard before the trail rejoins the coast. The trail then climbs and drops beside the road for a section before ducking into the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park. This last section of 3.1km is intermediate grade and takes the Easy Rider Trail through the bike park. The surface here 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. As the trail winds down through the bush and pine trees you will soon get your first glimpse of your destination – the stunning golden shores of Kaiteriteri Beach. The beach here is the departure point for boats travelling into the Abel Tasman National Park. This tour includes door-to-door return transport from Kaiteriteri, bringing you and your bikes back to Nelson.

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.

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.