5 Day Loop the Loop Great Taste Cycle Trail

The ride from Nelson to Mapua is a scenic and rewarding stretch of the Great Taste Trail, covering approximately 35 km and typically taking 3 to 4.5 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to soak in the views.

Leaving the vibrant city of Nelson, the trail quickly transitions to a mix of seaside boardwalks, estuary edge paths, and quiet rural roads. As you cycle past the Waimea Inlet, keep an eye out for wading birds and expansive views of the Richmond Ranges. The highlight of this section is Rabbit Island (Moturoa), where you can enjoy a beachside break before catching the bike ferry across to Mapua Wharf. With its relaxed waterfront vibe, boutique galleries, and delicious food and wine, Mapua is the perfect place to rest and refuel after a day on the trail.

Cycle from the creative buzz of Mapua to the golden sands of Kaiteriteri, one of the most visually rewarding sections of the Great Taste Trail. This journey covers approximately 43 km and takes around 4 to 6 hours, depending on how often you stop to enjoy the views—or sample local treats along the way.

Leaving Mapua, you'll glide along quiet coastal roads and estuary edges before climbing gently inland through rolling countryside and orchards. The route passes through the vibrant town of Motueka, a great place to pause for a coffee, local produce, or even a swim at the nearby beach. From there, the trail transitions into a beautifully engineered off-road section through native bush and boardwalks, culminating in a rewarding descent into Kaiteriteri, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. With its turquoise water, soft golden sand, and relaxed resort vibe, it's the perfect place to end your day’s ride—or stay awhile and explore further.

The ride from Kaiteriteri to Woodstock offers a stunning inland transition from coastal serenity to tranquil river valleys and rolling farmland. This leg of the Great Taste Trail spans around 37 km and generally takes 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on your pace and how often you pause to enjoy the scenery.

Starting from the golden sands of Kaiteriteri, the trail weaves through lush native bush and purpose-built switchbacks, offering sweeping views over Tasman Bay. After passing through the vibrant town of Motueka, you’ll follow quiet backroads and rural trails into the serene Motueka Valley, surrounded by hop gardens and fruit orchards. The route gently climbs toward Woodstock, nestled beside the Motueka River—one of New Zealand’s top trout fishing rivers—offering a peaceful, off-the-beaten-track destination to relax after the ride.

The ride from Woodstock to Wakefield is one of the most peaceful and rural sections of the Great Taste Trail, taking you through quiet countryside, hop fields, and forested foothills. This stretch covers around 38 km and typically takes 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on how often you stop to take in the views—or chat with the occasional friendly local.

From the Motueka Valley, the trail gently ascends into the hinterland, with native bush giving way to open farmland and wide vistas. One of the most exciting highlights is riding through the historic Spooners Tunnel, a 1.4 km-long hand-dug railway tunnel that's cool, dark, and packed with atmosphere—don’t forget your bike light! After emerging on the other side, it’s a gentle cruise downhill to Wakefield, a welcoming village where you can reward yourself with a coffee and snack at one of the cosy local cafés.

The final stretch of the Great Taste Trail from Wakefield to Nelson is a scenic and satisfying ride, offering a mix of countryside calm and estuary-side charm. Covering approximately 32 km, this leg takes around 3 to 4.5 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the surroundings.

From Wakefield, the trail passes through the fertile Waimea Plains, winding past orchards, farms, and gently flowing rivers. As you approach Richmond, you can take a break in one of the town’s cafés before joining the picturesque coastal route along the Waimea Estuary. The final leg into Nelson rewards you with views of Tasman Bay and the distant mountains—an inspiring finish to a diverse and memorable cycling adventure on the Great Taste Trail.