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South Island

Start: Nelson
Duration: 5-6 Hours
Distance: 50 km
Difficulty: 2

The Spooners Tunnel to Mapua e-bike tour is a 50km self-guided cycling adventure from Spooners Tunnel to Mapua, following scenic trails through Nelson Tasman’s countryside and coastal landscapes. Departing Nelson at 9am, it includes five to six hours of riding, a Mapua Ferry crossing, wine tasting and pizza at Mapua Wharf, e-bike hire, equipment and shuttle transfers. Available September to May, with winter departures on request, it suits riders seeking a full day of varied scenery and local experiences.

Cycle Through Spooners Tunnel and Nelson Tasman’s Scenic Landscapes

Begin your adventure with a shuttle from Nelson to Spooners Tunnel, an impressive 1,352-metre disused railway tunnel and one of the route’s standout highlights. Switch on your headlamp and ride through the cool, atmospheric tunnel before continuing along scenic cycling trails towards the coast. The Grade 2 route offers a varied backdrop of mountain views, farmland, orchards, hop gardens, vineyards, native forest and winding rivers.

As you continue towards Mapua, enjoy the natural beauty of the Waimea Estuary, where diverse birdlife makes this coastal environment particularly rewarding for nature lovers. The route combines peaceful countryside riding with changing landscapes, giving you plenty to look at throughout the day. At around 50 km in total, this is a full-day adventure best suited to riders who are comfortable spending several hours on an e-bike and want to explore beyond Nelson.

Discover Mapua Wharf with a Ferry Ride and Local Flavours

One of the highlights of the journey is the Mapua Ferry crossing, which adds a relaxed waterfront experience to your cycling adventure. Once you arrive at Mapua Wharf, take in the village’s laid-back atmosphere and explore its galleries, shops, cafés, brewery and wine bar. Your experience also includes a wine tasting and pizza at Mapua Wharf, giving you time to unwind and enjoy local flavours after the ride.

The tour departs from Nelson at 9am, with check-in at 8:30am for your bike fitting and briefing before the shuttle to Spooners Tunnel. The return shuttle leaves Mapua at approximately 5:30pm during the main season or 4:30pm in the low season, so allow a full day for the experience. Premium e-bike hire, a MIPS helmet, mini-repair kit, pannier and handlebar bags, shuttle transfers, the ferry crossing, a trail map, trail support and accidental damage insurance are included, with winter departures available on request.

  • Premium eBike hire
  • Additional equipment: MIPs helmet, mini-repair kit, pannier & handlebar bags
  • Nelson-Spooner's Tunnel shuttle
  • Mapua Ferry crossing
  • Wine tasting & pizza at Mapua Wharf
  • Return Mapua-Nelson shuttle
  • Trail map and support
  • Bike accidental damage insurance
  • Route: Spooners Tunnel - Mapua
  • Distance: 50 km
  • Ride Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
  • Trail Grade: Grade 2 (Easy)

Departure

  • Departs at 9am from Nelson
  • Check-in at 8.30am from Nelson

Return

  • Shuttle departs Mapua 5.30pm (main season); 4.30pm (low season)
  • Adult: 13 years and up
  • Child: 6-12 years
  • Cancellations 72+ hours before departure: Full refund*
  • Between 72 - 24 hours: Refund* less $100 per person cancellation fee
  • Within 24 hours / no-show: 100% cancellation fee.

Note: *Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

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