Great Taste Trail Day Tours | Coastal, Vineyard & Bike Rides

Explore Nelson’s Best Cycle Routes in a Single Day

Great Taste Trail day tours offer a perfect way to explore the Nelson Tasman region on two wheels, whether you're after a coastal cruise, a food and wine experience, or a taste of cycling adventure. Starting from Nelson, these guided or self-guided one-day rides are ideal for travellers who want to enjoy the region’s highlights without committing to a multi-day tour. The popular Nelson to Mapua route takes you past the Waimea Estuary, through local vineyards and cafés, and finishes at the vibrant Mapua Wharf—perfect for a relaxing lunch or waterfront coffee.

For a more peaceful ride, hop on the ferry to Rabbit Island and cycle through its tranquil pine forests and golden beaches. This easy-going route is great for families or anyone looking to unwind among nature. With bike hire options including e-bikes and mountain bikes, and flexible return transfers available, Great Taste Trail day tours are designed to be stress-free and accessible to all.

Cyclists planning their route over coffee at a cafe along the Great Taste Trail

Outdoor seating on the deck overlooking vineyard rows at Moutere Hills Winery

Group of smiling cyclists with e-bikes ready for a guided winery ride

Close-up of plated meal and people enjoying lunch at Moutere Hills Winery

Tourism New Zealand team with Trail Journeys e-bikes at Moutere Hills Winery

Group enjoying a wine tasting at a Mapua restaurant on the Tasman’s Great Taste Trail

Group cycling across a boardwalk over estuarine wetlands near Nelson on the Great Taste Trail

Group of cyclists standing at the Spooners Tunnel entrance in Nelson

Group of cyclists gather around a map for a briefing on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail

Mapua Ferry crossing the channel between Rabbit Island and Mapua Wharf

Cyclist riding along the beachside trail at Rabbit Island in Nelson

Kiwi Journeys bikes lined up near their bright green support van

Evening reflections on the shoreline of Rabbit Island near the Great Taste Trail

Sunset over Rabbit Island and the Ruby Coast in New Zealand

Cyclists taking a break in the shade beside the Great Taste Trail on the Ruby Coast

Scenic coastal cycling near Mapua on the Great Taste Trail

Choose a Tour That Matches Your Style and Energy

If you're looking to challenge yourself a little more, the Moutere Hills day tour offers rolling terrain, panoramic views, and stops at boutique wineries producing some of the region’s finest wines. This ride rewards your effort with rich scenery and authentic rural charm. Another exciting option is the Spooners Tunnel tour, where you’ll cycle through New Zealand’s longest disused railway tunnel before descending through hop gardens and vineyard-lined paths.

The newly introduced Tunnel to Town route is a standout, giving riders a unique blend of orchards, estuaries, and foodie stops along the way. From farm-gate produce to sea views and art galleries, each route offers a different perspective on the Nelson region’s culture and landscape. Whether you’re cycling for fun, fitness, or flavour, Great Taste Trail day tours deliver a rich and memorable experience in just one day.