4-7 Day Premium Great Taste Supported Bike Tour

Distance: Approx. 35 km
Grade: 1 (mostly flat)

Begin your journey in vibrant Nelson, where a relaxed morning ride leads you out of the city along a well-maintained cycle trail. If it’s a Saturday, take time to explore the Nelson Market for artisan crafts, fresh produce, and local treats before you set off. The trail winds along estuary boardwalks and through Rabbit Island, where you can take a swim at the long sandy beach.

Catch the bike ferry from Rabbit Island to Mapua Wharf, a lively hub packed with cafés, craft breweries, and artisan stores—Mapua is known for having more "tastes per square metre" than anywhere else on the trail. Your boutique accommodation is just a short ride away. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring the nearby galleries and wine bars.

Optional Extra Night in Mapua:

Stay a second night and enjoy a 35 km loop ride into Upper Moutere, cycling quiet back roads past boutique wineries, local food producers, and artist studios. Visit NZ’s oldest pub, enjoy wine tasting, and experience the true essence of rural Nelson.

Today’s route showcases the diversity of the Tasman coast, with gentle ascents and flowing trails through kiwifruit orchards, hop gardens, and small farmlets. You'll pass hidden cafés and seasonal Taste Clusters, where you can stop for fresh food, coffee or even a cold craft beer. Our insider notes help you find the local gems slightly off the main trail.

Arrive in Kaiteriteri, home to golden beaches and crystal-clear water. Your beachfront accommodation offers easy access to the sea and local restaurants. Enjoy a peaceful evening, or if time allows, take a stroll to nearby Little Kaiteriteri for sunset views.

Optional Extra Night in Kaiteriteri:

Add a rest day to explore Abel Tasman National Park by boat, kayak or on foot—or cycle the 20 km return road ride to Marahau, the park’s entrance village. Alternatively, simply relax on the beach or take a local bush walk.

Distance: Up to 74 km (customisable with transfer options)

Grade: 2 with some Grade 3 sections (sealed and gravel roads)

Today’s ride offers a dramatic change of scenery as you follow the Motueka River inland toward Tapawera, framed by the mountains of Kahurangi National Park. The route includes some of the newest sections of the Great Taste Trail, with quiet country roads and riverside riding. If you’d prefer a shorter day, we can organise a vehicle transfer partway or to bypass the mountain bike park near Kaiteriteri.

There are fewer cafés today, but you’ll pass lovely picnic and swim spots along the Motueka River. Arrive at your rural lodge, where peace and countryside charm await. Dinner is included (or a short walk away), so you can relax and unwind without needing to make plans.

Optional Split:
Break this day into two with an overnight stay in the Baton or Motueka Valley, followed by a second night near Kohatu, ideal for a slower pace or small-group tours.

Distance: 50–60 km
Grade: 1–2 (mostly downhill or flat)

Your final day begins with a gentle ride through quiet countryside toward Spooners Tunnel, a 1.4 km former rail tunnel that’s the longest open to cyclists in the Southern Hemisphere. From the tunnel’s exit, enjoy 7 km of steady downhill, then cruise through the Waimea Plains, stopping in the charming villages of Wakefield and Brightwater.

You can finish your ride in Richmond, head back to Nelson via the railway reserve, or even cycle all the way to the airport if your trip ends today. We recommend spending one last night in Nelson to enjoy its vibrant food scene, arts culture, and local produce you’ve seen along the trail.