1. Cycle Tasman's Great Taste Trail
A day out exploring the region on sections of this scenic urban and coastal cycle trail is a must! Able to be broken up into bite-sized pieces for the leisurely rider, the trail will take you on a journey through the outskirts of Richmond and along wooden boardwalks submerged in the wide-open surrounds of the Waimea Estuary. As you head toward the sandy beach at Rabbit Island, keep an eye out for the white herons, royal spoonbill and bar-tailed godwits who play in the inlet and dive playfully through the peppercress bushes. Stop off for refreshments at a nearby vineyard, or visit the renowned Hoglund Art Glass studio along the way. The Motueka Valley section of the trail from Riwaka will bring you along country roads running parallel to the riverbank, over the Dovedale Hill and back toward Wakefield. This is the most challenging part of the route and includes steep ascents up to 300m before it returns to flat cycle lanes that will bring you back to Nelson.