Great Taste Trail self-guided day cycle tours explore coastal trails and nearby countryside from Nelson. Choose a ride to Māpua, a journey through Spooners Tunnel, Upper Moutere wine country or a craft beer circuit. Ride independently with bike hire, route guidance and transport arranged, with e-bikes included on selected tours or available as upgrades.
Coastal Trails, Local Flavours and a Day Your Way
Make a day of Nelson Tasman’s coastal views, good food and creative villages. Ride from Nelson towards the Waimea Estuary and Rabbit Island, where boardwalks, waterfront paths and forest trails lead towards Māpua Wharf. Take time for photographs, browse galleries or settle into a waterfront café before your return transport.
For a different experience, head inland for railway heritage and rural scenery on the Spooners Tunnel ride, or explore Upper Moutere’s rolling wine country. These tours use selected sections of the Great Taste Trail and nearby cycling routes, giving you a choice of coastal exploring, countryside riding and food-focused days. Choose the scenery and stops that appeal to you, then match the route to your riding confidence.
Choose Your Great Taste Trail Day Ride
Find the Right Ride for Your Day
Bike hire, route information and transport are arranged for you, while the details differ between packages. The Nelson to Māpua Adventure includes a premium e-bike, while other featured rides include a standard bike with an optional electric upgrade. Some packages include tastings or food; others leave you free to purchase refreshments at your chosen stops.
Check the distance, terrain and transport arrangements before deciding. The longer Spooners Tunnel ride requires time in the saddle, while Upper Moutere’s hills and country roads call for a different level of confidence from the coastal routes. Your briefing will help you plan stops around the day’s booked connections. If you have more time to explore, compare our Great Taste Trail multi-day bike rides.
Compare Great Taste Trail Self-Guided Day Tours
| Day tour | Riding experience | Bike and transport | Food and tastings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson to Māpua Adventure by E-Bike | Coastal riding from Nelson City to Māpua, with estuary scenery and waterfront stops | Premium e-bike, ferry crossing and return shuttle included | Pizza and wine tasting at Māpua Wharf included |
| Magical Māpua Cycle Tour | A coastal day via Rabbit Island, with time for Māpua’s galleries, shops and cafés | Standard bike, ferry crossing and return shuttle included; e-bike upgrade available | Food, drinks and optional stops purchased separately |
| Spooners Tunnel Tour | A longer rural ride featuring the historic tunnel, farmland and villages | Outward shuttle and standard bike included; e-bike upgrade available | Food and drinks purchased separately |
| ‘Tuscany of NZ’ Wine Tour | Upper Moutere’s rolling country roads, boutique wineries and rural attractions | Return shuttles and standard bike included; e-bike upgrade recommended for the hills | Neudorf Winery tasting included; additional tastings and meals cost extra |
| Great Taste Beer Cycle Tour | A Nelson cycling circuit linking breweries and city venues | Standard bike, bike collection and return shuttle included; e-bike upgrade available | Two beer tasting experiences included; additional drinks and meals cost extra |
All five rides are self-guided. Confirm the meeting point, bike choice, route and transport times when booking. Distances and available stops may vary with your selected route, venue opening hours and trail conditions.
