Tasman’s Great Taste Trail is a scenic urban and coastal cycle trail that can easily be broken up into bite-sized pieces for short morning rides and afternoon adventures. The trail weaves through and around the coastline, offering stunning views of Tasman Bay and the Western Ranges. You can stop off for a refreshing drink at a boutique winery or craft brewery, enjoy some delicious local fare, admire the work of the regions talented artists and even watch glassblowing in action! The town of Mapua is connected with Rabbit Island by a ferry that transports passengers and their bikes across the bay on scheduled daily sailings. Docking at the Mapua Wharf is the perfect excuse to let down your hair and enjoy some waterfront dining, or explore some of the cool-store shops and galleries. Top tip: for keen riders wanting to continue on the trail, we recommend a rejuvenating overnight stay in Mapua!

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If you’re looking for an authentic arty experience, look no further than Mapua & the Ruby Coast. There’s just something about the place that gets the creative juices flowing in the veins of the locals … perhaps it’s the laid-back seaside lifestyle, perhaps it’s the stunning vistas that surround them, or perhaps there’s just something special in the water. Peruse the art, sculpture and jewellery collections at the cool store galleries, watch the artists at work in their pewter workshop, or simply indulge in some boutique shopping in the Mapua Village.

If anyone knows how to celebrate the diverse flavours of our regions soils, crops, fruits, and bays, it’s the Mapua & Ruby Coast community. With a craft brewerywine bar and a selection of restaurants at the seaside, you can enjoy the full-bodied beverages made from the Moutere clay soils and local hop fields, alongside delectable seafood and fresh seasonal produce all year round.

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They say there’s nothing better than the taste of local, and the Appleby Farms cow to cone philosophy certainly meets the brief! The milk comes from two family owned Nelson farms and heads 15 minutes down the road to the creamery in Stoke, where it is blended with other beautiful ingredients, such as Nelson boysenberries. During the summer, you can get your fix from the ‘silver bullet’ Airstream at Tahunanui Beach, but all year round you can find delicious flavours such as ‘Bad Boys & Berries’ and ‘Tangled Passion’ at Hamish’s on the Mapua Wharf!

If you're looking for somewhere quirky and unique to rest your head for the night, look no further than Mapua & Ruby Coast. For a fairytale experience, The Jester House is the place to go, where you'll get to stay in a B&B shaped like a giant boot. A juliet balcony, spiral staircase and open fireplace complements the whimsical world of mosaics, sculptures and artworks outside. Or, if some cute as a bunny huts sound like your cup of tea, head straight for Rabbit Island Huts, whilst Kissing Gate Glamping is renowned as one of the world's 14 most awesome glamping sites. 

 

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For a unique cabaret experience and delicious local fare, The Playhouse Cafe and Theatre is an absolute must do during your time in Nelson Tasman! Located just off the Coastal Highway near the Mapua & Ruby Coast township, The Playhouse boasts a full entertainment calendar from music to theatre, to comedy, magic and burlesque. The grotto style interior and extraordinary grounds, dotted with fascinating sculptures, make it a true oasis of art and culture.  

Photo: The Playhouse Cafe & Theatre

The Nelson Tasman region is bordered by some of the most stunning bays and estuaries known to man, so it’s no wonder that there is a regular debate amongst the locals as to the best place to eat fish and chips! One place that always seems to come out on top is the Mapua Wharf, with the refreshing sea breeze blowing through your hair and the sound of the waves lapping against the shore. The Smokehouse have a delectable variety of smoked seafood on offer, and when paired with perfectly cooked chips and jam donuts, you have everything you could ever need for a true kiwi style dinner! During the colder months (or if you just feel like dining indoors), Rimu Wine Bar and Golden Bear are happy for you to enjoy your takeaway on their premises when buying drinks.

Mapua Wharf taken by Oliver Weber credit www.nelsontasman.nz

The Mapua Wharf is a hot spot for swimming, fishing and the ever-popular wharf jumping, particularly in the summer months (although we have seen some brave souls making the jump in the middle of winter). Plunging off the wooden platform into the waters below, then laying back and riding the tide appears to be a favourite pastime for a lot of wharf visitors, whilst others just like to watch from afar with a glass of wine in hand at Jellyfish Restaurant & Bar. Top tip: don’t forget to get that perfect Instagram shot at the same time!

The creative spirit of the Nelson Tasman region is deeply embedded in the townships of Mapua and the Ruby Coast, and this is celebrated through a surprisingly diverse range of galleries and studios. Potters, painters, print and glass makers… art enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with the arts trail that spans across eight extraordinary locations running the length of the Ruby Coast and beyond.

Photo: Sue Newitt
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Try something a little different and visit Mapua's Interactive Wooden Art Gallery. Immerse yourself in a world of play as you push buttons, turn handles, spin knobs and wind up music boxes to activate toys and bring them to life. Then, browse the Rare Creations workshop and gallery showcasing a spectacular array of wooden arts and crafts made either on-site or by other artists from around New Zealand. 

Photo: Rare Creations
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