blurry placeholderCycling Waimea Inlet on Tasmans Great Taste Trail

Tasman's Great Taste Trail - NZ's Great Ride

Waimea Inlet, Tasman's Great Taste Trail

Drink in the scenery along Tasman's Great Taste Trail

Savour a relaxed journey, meandering along a gleaming coastline and through charming countryside.

blurry placeholderMeander along Rabbit Island's beach front.
Meander along Rabbit Island's beach front.
blurry placeholderCycle through Motueka, the gateway to Abel Tasman.
Cycle through Motueka, the gateway to Abel Tasman.

1-4 days | 200km | Grade 1-3

Highlights

Coastal, mountain and rural scenery
Beaches, swimming and picnic spots
Vineyards, cafés and galleries

blurry placeholderRefresh with coastal breezes and laid-back seaside vibes at Māpua Wharf.
Refresh with coastal breezes and laid-back seaside vibes at Māpua Wharf.
blurry placeholderCycling over the Baton River swing bridge (Lublow's Leap).
Cycling over the Baton River swing bridge (Lublow's Leap).

Discover Tasman's Great Taste Trail

This ample, scenic loop provides a delightful sampling of the Nelson Tasman region. Tasman’s Great Taste Trail combines urban and rural landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, all set against stunning scenery and featuring numerous visitor attractions.

Embark on the entire trail, staying overnight in charming accommodations, or opt for day rides that range from leisurely to adventurous.

As one of New Zealand’s Ngā Haerenga Great Rides, Tasman's Great Taste Trail offers an abundance of easy cycling, making it a fantastic way to experience this treasured holiday destination.

blurry placeholderThe Māpua Ferry operates from the end of September until the end of May.
The Māpua Ferry operates from the end of September until the end of May.
blurry placeholderDine at the water's edge in charming Māpua Wharf.
Dine at the water's edge in charming Māpua Wharf.

Ride experience

Tasman’s Great Taste Trail offers almost entirely off-road cycling between Nelson, Motueka, Wakefield, and several smaller settlements.

Loved by both visitors and locals, the trail provides unforgettable day rides showcasing our region’s must-see highlights. Follow the coastline to the fragrant pine forest and sandy beaches of Moturoa/Rabbit Island, where you can enjoy picnic spots and swimming. Unwind in Māpua with its artistic shops, waterside cafés, and brew bar. Or, cycle through fruit orchards and hop gardens on your way to the golden sands of Kaiteriteri Beach, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.

The inland segments of the trail pass through Tasman’s wineries and charming rural villages. One section follows a scenic old railway line into tranquil foothills and forest, including the remarkable Spooners Tunnel. The trail also crosses the picturesque Motueka Valley, where you can immerse yourself in nature amidst stunning vistas of mountains, valleys, and crystal-clear rivers.

You can also detour into the delightful Moutere Valley, home to New Zealand’s oldest pub.

Book a tour

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The Gentle Cycling Company

Single day and multi-day cycle tours customised for you and your group.
from NZ$60
Gold Partner 
blurry placeholderSpooner's Tunnel

Spooner's Tunnel Tour

The Spooner’s Tunnel tour is a marvelous day ride which takes you on a downhill adventure through forest, farms, a tunnel and along meandering rivers. This is the southern hemisphere’s longest disused rail tunnel at almost 1.4 km long.
from NZ$125
Gold Partner 
blurry placeholderCyclists on Mapua Wharf

Wheelie Fantastic Cycle Tours

We offer a range of day rides and multi-day tours on The Great Taste Trail and the surrounding area. We specialise in luxury and bespoke experiences and offer both guided and self-guided tours.
from NZ$135
Silver Partner 
blurry placeholderGiant artworks at Heaphy Winery

Nelson Cycle Hire and Tours - Moutere Ebike Wine Tour

On The Moutere Hills Ebike Wine and Food Spectacular one day self-guided tour you will cycle the scenic coastal wetland section of the Great Taste Trail before heading out into the rolling green hills of the Moutere to sample the wines of the region.
from NZ$190
Silver Partner 

Drink in the Chardonnay

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Waterfront Restaurant

Oceanside dining is at its finest at the world-famous Kaiteriteri Beach. Closed from 22nd July until 18th August.
Gold Partner 
blurry placeholderPair your meal with a wine tasting at Harvest Kitchen, where Seifried Estate’s finest drops are served fresh from the vineyard just outside.

Harvest Kitchen

Harvest Kitchen is a Winery Restaurant and function venue located in the beautiful Seifried Estate Winery in tranquil Appleby. Offering relaxed indoor and outdoor dining in the heart of the vineyard.
Bronze Partner 
blurry placeholderA glass of Moutere Chardonnay in the cellar door garden at Neudorf.

Neudorf Vineyards

Neudorf Vineyards was planted in 1978. Pinot Noir & Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon & Albariño. Moutere vineyards dry farmed, organic in Nelson, New Zealand.
 
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Gravity Winery

Take a tour of the unique, four-level gravity-fed winery, sample a variety of wines, or enjoy a delicious lunch on the patio at Gravity Winery.
 

Stay near the trails

blurry placeholderSuperior Beachfront Apartment.
25% off deal available

Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Apartments

We are famous for golden beaches and crystal clear water, but Kaiteriteri has so much more, from mountain bike trails, world-class food & wine & national parks including the Abel Tasman within 1 hour - Kaiteriteri is a destination beyond the beach.
from NZ$435
Gold Partner 
blurry placeholderViews of the inlet from the front row of Studios

Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park - Studios

The classic Kiwi holiday awaits at Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park. Nelson’s iconic beach side holiday destination gives you direct access to the beach, playing fields and local beachside attractions.
from NZ$160
Silver Partner 
blurry placeholderDrinks on the deck

Tides Hotel

Nelson’s central-city hotel, conference centre, restaurant and bar – right beside the river and just a few minutes walk from Nelson’s main shopping precinct. Welcome to one of Nelson’s most stylish & contemporary local hotels. We are proudly local.
from NZ$165
Silver Partner 
blurry placeholderRutherford Hotel Nelson

Rutherford Hotel Nelson - A Heritage Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Nelson, Rutherford Hotel is the perfect hotel for business or leisure travellers seeking world-class service, exceptional facilities and comfort. Enjoy Nelson's scenic attractions and vibrant culture right at your doorstep.
from NZ$195
Silver Partner 

Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand

blurry placeholderMt Arthur hiking friends by Aimee Jules

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