5‑Day Abel Tasman National Park Cycle Tour

32km

Your adventure starts at our Nelson base, where you’ll be fitted to your bike and briefed on the tour. We suggest arriving by 9am for a 9:30am departure, though this is flexible. Follow the blue Great Taste Trail markers south toward the seaside village of Mapua.

Along the way you can visit the popular Classic Car Museum, or take the old Railway Reserve cycle path toward Richmond for craft beer at Stoke or Eddyline Breweries, and a stop at Pic’s Peanut Butter World. The trail then crosses the coastal boardwalks of the Waimea Estuary, home to internationally significant bird species including the White Heron, before crossing the spectacular Waimea Swing Bridge. Wine lovers can detour to Seifrieds, the oldest and largest winery in Nelson.

From here it’s ten kilometres to the Mapua Ferry landing on Rabbit Island, where you can swim in warm sea waters or wander the white sand beach before crossing to Mapua Wharf. Explore the galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes and the boutique Golden Bear Brewery on arrival. Today’s ride is grade one (easy), leaving plenty of time to relax.

Accommodation: Mapua

41km

After breakfast, ride through Ruby Bay toward the quaint village of Tasman. A steady climb up Tasman View Road follows, rewarding you with 360 degree views of Tasman Bay and the ranges beyond. This section is grade 2-3, climbing 200 metres over 4km. From here you’ll drop into the Riverside Community and on to Motueka, where Toad Hall Cafe makes a great lunch or coffee stop.

The coastal trail around Motueka offers gorgeous scenery and a variety of birdlife. From the outskirts of town, Kaiteriteri is roughly 12km away. The ride in takes you through boardwalks and bridges across the farmland and orchards of Riwaka, home to two great cafes and the Hop Federation Brewery, before entering the Easy Rider trail of the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park. This 4km section winds through stunning native beech forest, with tight turns and switchbacks that call for caution. On arrival, explore the golden sands that mark the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.

Accommodation: Kaiteriteri

Today is dedicated to exploring the magic of Abel Tasman National Park. NZ Tourism can help arrange any bookings you need. We recommend taking the 9am Sea Shuttle to Tonga Quarry, followed by a 1.5 hour walk along the beach and through native forest to Awaroa Lodge for lunch. It’s a fantastic day out, and you can relax until the 2:40pm Sea Shuttle returns you to Kaiteriteri.

Accommodation: Kaiteriteri

55km

Farewell Kaiteriteri and retrace your steps back to Riwaka, with a coffee stop at Mrs Smith’s Cafe along the way. Turn right onto Factory Road out of Riwaka, and the trail heads down the west bank of the Motueka River through quiet farmland. At Peninsular Road, turn left off the trail toward the Peninsular Road Bridge, a great spot for a swim in the pristine Motueka River.

Cross the bridge and cycle 1.5km down Motueka Valley Highway to Riverhaven for a platter lunch, included with your choice of wine, beer or juice, following your 28km ride from Kaiteriteri. After lunch, continue on the newest section of trail to the entrance of the Spooners Tunnel. At 1,352 metres long, this is the oldest disused rail tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere, pitch black and a constant 10 degrees, so bring a jumper.

After exiting the tunnel, a lovely downhill gradient takes you to the Belgrove Tavern, where you can relax in the manicured garden amphitheatre before cycling the final section to Wai-iti Domain and on to the quaint village of Wakefield.

Accommodation: Wakefield

32km

Your final day is a leisurely ride back to Nelson. Cycle beside quiet country roads toward Brightwater, with a coffee stop at HQ Cafe. A slight diversion onto Livingstone Road takes you to Kaimira Winery, before crossing the Waimea River via a swing bridge with stunning views of the Southern Alps.

Continue through gorgeous vineyards, orchards and farmland into Richmond, with options to stop at the Grape Escape, Te Mania or Richmond Plains winery, local breweries, or the old Honest Lawyer Pub. Make your way back to the Kiwi Journeys Nelson depot to complete your Great Taste Trail adventure.

Note: Start dates are flexible year round, subject to accommodation availability. NZ Tourism will work with you to tailor the itinerary to your preferred dates.