Great Taste Trail
“This trail rivals any European cycle tour”
The Great Taste Trail is made up of three stunning sections. The Rail route, Coastal route and Valley route offer beautiful and varied experiences of the Nelson and Tasman Region. Tastes are often associated with food, but on the Great Taste Trail the taste comes in many ways, shapes and forms.
Total Distance
Per Day
Ride Time
Grade
167km
32-60km
4 days
2-3
Need to know more? We have curated a detailed, interactive map with all of the features and highlights of the Great Taste Trail.
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This sextion of the trail takes in stunning coastal scenery from Nelson and across rolling hills to Kaiteriteri on the edge of the edge of the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park.
Get your first taste of the expansive Waimea Inlet as you travel along the Nelson waterfront. A sign pointing you towards the Mapua Ferry is just the start, as you turn towards Tasman.
Travel along raised pathways above the tidal shallows of the Waimea Inlet. The Waimea River Swing Bridge takes you towards Moturoa Rabbit Island. Cruise along the beachfront or take the more inland Faulkners Track on your way to the Mapua Channel. From here, the ferry will transfer you across to Mapua Wharf, a beautiful village full of artisanal shops, world class food and drink, and a celebration of the history of the area.
The Trail continues along Ruby Bay towards Tasman Village, where you head slightly inland and up along the ridgeline on Tasman View Road. You will be treated to panoramic views of the Waimea Plains as you meander down to Lower Moutere and around the outskirts of Motueka. The next leg takes you through Riwaka, along the hillside and through the Easy Rider trail of the Mountain Bike Park, before arriving at the golden sands of Kaiteriteri Beach.
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Following the beautiful Motueka River inland, you will experience some of the most remote sections of the great taste trail. From Riwaka, you will travel along the Motueka Valley to Woodstock, right on the edge of the Kahurangi Regional Park. Take in the twists and turns of Motueka River as you travel this remote part of the region.
From Woodstock, you turn to follow the Baton River, crossing the purpose built swing bridge before climbing up to the Baton Saddle. At the Saddle you will be rewarded with views up and down the valley, to both reward your efforts and entice you further on.
As you swoop down the valley and turn Towards Tapawera, you will see the traditional sheep and dairy farms, along with the unique hop and berry farms that the town is known for. Tapawera is a great place to stop for a beer and chips at the pub, a fuel up at the Four Square, or a Coffee at the Cafe.
The Great Taste Trail continues through reserves alongside the main road, through Kohatu, before linking up with Spooners Tunnel.
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Following the old railway line from Spooners Tunnel into Central Nelson, this section of the trail is steeped in history.
Start by riding through the Spooner tunnel, which at 1352m long is the longest disused rail tunnel in the southern hemisphere. Cruise down the valley to Belgrove and you will pass one of the few remaining railway windmills on your way to Wakefield, where you will find a wonderful town center to break and enjoy some local treats of stop for a lunch.
The rest of this section takes you slightly downhill, following the base of the Richmond hills and through the vineyards of Waimea Plains. Be sure to stop at the birthplace of Sir Ernest Rutherford in Brightwater on your way to crossing the Wairoa River.
From here, you will cruise along the plains on your final approach into Nelson.
Enrich your journey around the Great Taste Trail and immerse yourself in the local history through informative panels and signage. Some parts of the trail are surprisingly recent, with some features steeped in history.
Nelson is known for plentiful sunshine hours, exquisite food, award winning wineries, craft beer culture, Abel Tasman National Park, and its breath-taking scenery. With that in mind, the Great Taste Trail rivals any European Cycle tour.
Take a look at some of the amazing scenery on this video!
Single Day Sensations
Multi-day Cycle Tours
Guided Cycle Tours