Your adventure starts at our base in Nelson where you will be fitted to your bikes and briefed on your tour. From here you will start your cycle ride to Mapua on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. The Nelson Depot opens at 9:00am and your departure time is flexible.

You may choose to explore Nelson City before following the blue Great Taste Trail markers and heading south out to the seaside village of Mapua. Along the way, take in the amazing ‘Classic Car Museum’ then enjoy the atmosphere of the Honest Lawyer, a country style pub. There are also many craft breweries, cafe’s and wineries to sample along the way, or perhaps even a visit to Pics Peanut Butter World.

Continue on the Trail, take the coastal route and enjoy the views from the coastal boardwalks of the Waimea Estuary and fertile farmland (home to a range of internationally significant bird species including the white heron). Cross the spectacular Waimea Swing Bridge then on to Rabbit Island. Take a swim in a freshwater swimming hole or the warm sea waters and sandy beaches of Rabbit Island.

The trail takes you along the main beach of Rabbit Island where you will come to the Ferry landing. A short trip across the channel on the iconic Mapua Ferry lands you at the Mapua Wharf.

Here you can enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, shops and the Golden Bear Boutique Brewery. We recommend you spend most of the day exploring, then have a relaxing drink at Mapua Wharf before jumping on our shuttle bus at 5.30pm (summer hours), or 4.30pm (winter hours) and returning to Nelson.