Leisure cycling

Spooners Tunnel, Tasman's Great Taste Trail

Top leisure cycling rides in Nelson Tasman

Renowned for its picturesque beauty, temperate climate, culinary excellence and attractions galore, a leisurely cycle ride through the Nelson Tasman region is every adventurer's dream.

Must-do leisure cycling trails

Cruise the trails around Waimea Inlet for a laid-back ride with epic coastal views.

Tasman's Great Taste Trail - NZ Great Ride

Tasman's Great Taste Trail is one of New Zealand’s Ngā Haerenga Great Rides. It is a scenic and urban coastal ride where you can choose a section or two and head out for a couple of hours, take the whole day, or enjoy a multi-day biking adventure.

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Maitai River Walkway

The Maitai River Walkway is an off-road, shared pathway adjacent to the Maitai River. It is popular with daywalkers, dog walkers, city workers, and cyclists.

Railway Reserve

The Railway Reserve follows the historic railway route that once linked Nelson City with Glenhope in the Tasman District.

Wakefield Quay

An easy walk along the Tahunanui waterfront offers a tasting platter of Nelson Tasman’s unique history, scenery and cuisine.

Great Taste Trail - NZ's Great Ride

Slow down and savour a relaxed journey, meandering along a gleaming coastline and through charming countryside.

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Tasman's Great Taste Trail

If you're just looking for a leisurely day ride, we suggest the Stoke to Mapua section of the Great Taste Trail, which will have you weaving through and around the Waimea Estuary, Monaco Peninsula and Rabbit Island, before landing you at the Mapua Wharf for some delicious food and drink.

Book a cycling tour

Whether you're looking for a scenic morning ride or an afternoon adventure, the trails in Nelson Tasman are bound to satisfy your cravings. From the taste buds and artistic diversions along Tasman's Great Taste Trail to the panoramic vistas on the Monaco Loop and the historic discoveries of the Railway Reserve, you'll never be short of leisurely cycle trails to explore.

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Cycle Nelson: Staycation Cycle Tour with Bespoke Activities

Base yourselves in deluxe accommodation with spa, swimming pool and rural tranquillity so you can enjoy a glass of wine and gaze at the night's sky each night. We provide bespoke tours, tailored to your tastes.

NZ$1580 - NZ$3880

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Cycle Nelson: Coppermine Trail Guided Heli Bike Experience

Scenic helicopter flight over Nelson, the coastline, and the Richmond Ranges. Stunning single-track descent and MTB Park option. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure combining epic scenery with thrilling terrain, tailored to you.

NZ$1300 - NZ$2600

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Cycle Nelson - Great Taste Beer Tour Self-guided

Visit breweries on this cruisy off-road route. The trails are easy to follow, and the brews are all made with local Nelson hops and apples. This tour ends in Nelson City at the fantastic Free House Brewery.

NZ$180 - NZ$230

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Cycle Nelson: Multi-day Cycle Tours on the Great Taste Trail

Choose from tried and tested tours, or customise the perfect multi-day cycle tours for you and your group.

NZ$60 - NZ$690

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Cable Bay Adventure Park MTB

Cable Bay Adventure Park has everything you need for an epic ride, with well-built trails that wind through native bush and plenty of ways to keep the good times rolling.

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Cycle Nelson: Tolkien, Trails and Tequila Guided Tour

An epic full-day adventure packed with breathtaking scenery, legendary trails & a taste of something special. We adapt the riding so: short & 'cruisy' or long & technical. Historic and cultural site visits available - the tour is tailored to you.

NZ$990 - NZ$2200

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Cycle Nelson: Coppermine Trail Guided MTB Tour

Set out on one of Aotearoa’s most spectacular mountain bike adventures - a guided ride that combines alpine scenery, thrilling descents, and rich local history with expert guidance, trail tips, and fascinating insights along the way.

NZ$660 - NZ$1000

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Cable Bay Adventure Park - MTB Trail Pass & Bike Hire

Ride some of New Zealand’s finest native singletrack trails at Cable Bay Adventure Park.

NZ$10 - NZ$200

Gold Partner