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.

Silver Partner

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: 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

Gold Partner

Cycle Nelson: Abel Tasman Great Taste Trio: Cycle & Walk (Kayak option)

Get the best from the Nelson Tasman coastline with this awesome collaboration. You'll cycle from Nelson to the Abel Tasman National Park along the Great Taste Trail, before exploring the Abel Tasman by boat, foot & kayak (optional).

NZ$2650 - NZ$3895

Gold Partner

Cycle Nelson - Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Hire

Ride the most 'family friendly' MTB Park in the region with stunning views and beautiful bush-clad trails.

NZ$50 - NZ$180

Gold Partner

Cycle Nelson: Kaiteriteri MTB Park Half Day Guided Tour

Explore the cruisy Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park – A playground for most riders, with trails from 'flowy' Grade 2 to challenging Grade 5.

NZ$425 - NZ$475

Gold Partner

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

Gold Partner

Cycle Nelson: Cycle the Great Taste Trail and Nelson's Mountain Bike Parks

Experience the beauty and flavours of the Nelson Tasman region with a “peace of mind” cycling experience. Choose from our range of awesome bikes and e-bikes to explore the Great Taste Trail and surrounding area.

NZ$60 - NZ$120

Gold Partner

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

Gold Partner

Cycle Nelson: Spooner's Tunnel Tour Self-guided

The Spooner’s Tunnel tour is a marvellous day ride which takes you on a downhill adventure through forest, farms, a train tunnel and along meandering rivers. This is the southern hemisphere’s longest disused rail tunnel at almost 1.4 km long.

NZ$180 - NZ$230

Gold Partner