This ride includes virtually all the off-road Great Taste Trail including the Spooners Tunnel, Waimea plains and Nelson coast
This highly popular off-road cycling tour begins with a scenic shuttle ride up into the hills above Nelson, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Once you reach the starting point, you’ll embark on an exhilarating ride along the historic rail route, a path steeped in local history
Your adventure includes cycling through the iconic Spooner’s Tunnel, a stunning 1.4 km-long disused railway tunnel that winds its way through the hills. As you emerge from the tunnel, you’ll pedal through lush, regenerating forests and vibrant valleys, taking in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding landscape. The journey meanders through areas dotted with hop vines, offering a truly immersive experience of the region’s agricultural heritage
Next, you’ll pass alongside babbling rivers and picturesque farms that provide refreshing stops, including local vendors serving up delicious fruit ice creams—perfect for cooling off as you continue your ride. The route takes you through lush valleys, where you’ll experience the beauty of New Zealand’s countryside up close
As you cycle onwards, you’ll pass through the historic town of Wakefield, where many cyclists choose to stop for a well-deserved break. A visit to the world-famous Wakefield Bakery is a must for a delicious, locally renowned pie—a true Nelson experience! From Wakefield, you’ll continue your journey through the charming town of Brightwater, known for being the birthplace of physicist Ernest Rutherford
The next stretch of your tour takes you along the stunning coastal section of the Great Taste Trail, a scenic route that offers breathtaking views of the sparkling Tasman Bay. Over the next two days, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a variety of artisanal delights, from locally produced cheeses and wines to handmade crafts and fresh produce
Your adventure culminates in the idyllic seaside town of Kaiteriteri, where you’ll relax on the golden sands of its sun-drenched beaches. With its crystal-clear waters, beautiful scenery, and tranquil atmosphere, Kaiteriteri provides the perfect conclusion to your unforgettable off-road cycling experience. Whether you’re unwinding after a day of cycling or taking in the surrounding views, this picturesque spot is a great place to reflect on the journey and enjoy the natural beauty of New Zealand’s Nelson region
Quick Details:
DURATION: 4 days, but extra night in Mapua / Kaiteriteri recommended
DISTANCE COVERED: 120km
PRICE: From $1,245 dependent upon accommodation rates, season, duration and group size
SUITABLE FOR: People who want to experience a variety of landscapes, Spooner’s Railway Tunnel, historic towns and beautiful coastal trail
INCLUDES: Mixture of trails through a disused railway, forest, farms, vineyards and coast
*Winery tastings, brewery tour and guided options available
The Itinerary
Tapawera→ Wakefield → Mapua → Motueka → Kaiteriteri (120km)
Today starts with a shuttle transfer to Tapawera, where the cafe is a great place for a refreshment before the cycling begins. The route is mostly downhill today and there are cafes sited at regular intervals along the way. The historic Spooner’s Tunnel is located 14km from Tapawera. 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 historic village of Wakefield has many charming old buildings on the main street and is a lovely place to stay. The trail includes sections riding on the route of the original railway, plus riverside legs and hop garden views
It’s a flat, easy riding day today. Continue downstream alongside the Waimea river to Brightwater, another quaint historic town with cafe options. Onwards through vineyards and fruit farms to the gorgeous coast and on to Rabbit Island with its long, golden 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
ADD AN OPTION: Extra night in Mapua
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 through fruit plantations and hops 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 short, sharp 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
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
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 3 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 Plains and Coast ride with the interactive map below. Use the + and – to enlarge and reduce. Click on the orange symbols and the coloured route lines for more information.
What our adventurers say
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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!
