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Spooner’s Tunnel Tour – Self-Guided Nelson Cycle Ride

South Island

Experiences

Cycle Tours & Trails

Family-friendly Tours

Day Tours

South Island

Start: Nelson

Duration: 4-6 hours

Distance: 35 kms

Difficulty: 2

The Spooner’s Tunnel Tour is a full-day self-guided cycling experience from Nelson, combining a 45-minute shuttle to Kohatu with around 4–6 hours of riding back to Tahunanui. The route covers about 50 km, including the nearly 1.4 km-long Spooner’s Tunnel, and is mostly flat or steadily downhill. Bike hire, helmet, route information and shuttle transport are included, with an e-bike upgrade available. It suits confident recreational riders and families comfortable with a longer cycling day.

The route follows a scenic section of the Great Taste Trail through rural Nelson Tasman, with native forest, farmland, hop gardens, swing bridges and small towns along the way. Food and drink stops are easy to add, with cafés, breweries and local producers near Wakefield, Brightwater and Nelson.

Due to previous storm damage, a short section may still involve a detour or shuttle adjustment depending on trail conditions.

Cyclist exiting Spooners Tunnel on Great Taste Trail in Nelson

Friends cycling through vineyards on the Great Taste Trail, Nelson Tasman

Cyclist entering Spooners Tunnel surrounded by native bush

Cyclists on Wai-iti Riverbank Trail with Nelson Cycle Hire

Cyclists and bikes outside Sprig and Fern Tavern in Nelson

What are the highlights of the Spooner’s Tunnel Tour?

Ride through the 1.4 km Spooner’s Tunnel, one of New Zealand’s longest disused rail tunnels
Cycle around 50 km on a mostly downhill or flat self-guided route
Pass native forest, hop gardens, farmland and rural Nelson scenery
Stop in Wakefield and Brightwater for food and local attractions
Finish back in Nelson with optional brewery and food stops along the way

What is included in the Spooner’s Tunnel Tour?

The tour includes:

Shuttle transfer from Tahunanui or Nelson Airport to Kohatu
Standard bike hire
Helmet
Route map and self-guided ride information
E-bike upgrade available at additional cost

Food, drinks and purchases at cafés, breweries or other stops are not included unless specifically stated.

The ride covers approximately 50 km, so although the terrain is mostly downhill or flat, you should be comfortable spending 4–6 hours cycling.

Spooner’s Tunnel is almost 1.4 km long and completely dark, so you need a suitable bike light or headlight before entering.

The ride is predominantly off-road and rated Difficulty 2, making it achievable for many recreational cyclists, but the distance still makes it a substantial day ride.

A minimum of two people per booking applies.

Because trail conditions can change after storms or maintenance, the exact route may be adjusted. The operator may use a short detour or shuttle option where required.

Bring water, sun protection, a light rain layer and enough snacks or money for food stops along the way.

More than 24 hours before departure: $50 cancellation fee* per person
Less than 24 hours before departure: No refund

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.