Great Taste Trail Cycling Mountain Biking - Walking Access NZ
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9/30/2021 Great Taste Trail — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa
Great Taste Trail
Cycling
Mountain Biking
Dif culties
Easy , Medium
Length
172.9 km
Journey Time
3-4 days
Regions
Tasman , Nelson
Sub-Regions
Tasman , Nelson
Part of the Collection
Nga Haerenga - The New Zealand Cycle Trail
https://www.walkingaccess.govt.nz/track/great-taste-trail/pdfPreview 1/4
9/30/2021 Great Taste Trail — NZ Walking Access Commission Ara Hīkoi Aotearoa
A fantastic combination of iconic attractions like the Abel Tasman National Park, the nearby
Golden Bay region, year-round mild temperatures, award-winning wineries, breweries and
cafes and strengths in the arts, the Nelson-Tasman region is a wonderful place for any person
to explore - and it's even better on a bike. Tasman's Great Taste Trail will appeal to a variety of
cyclists; everyone from cross country riders taking on the whole loop, to casual day-trippers
around the coast.
This fantastic 4 day, 175 km ride will take in the absolute best of the Nelson Region and cater to
all levels of cyclists. The majority of the route is Grade 1 and 2, catering for all abilities. Some of
the inland route is Grade 3 riding, still suitable for most riders. As of 2018, most of the route is
now complete, with only the inland section between Norris Gully and Riwaka still utilising the
rural road network.
There are numerous itineraries for this route, so choose your own. The itinerary below suggests
an easy two-day cruise along the coast, with two longer, more challenging days on the inland
route.
Nelson to Mapua (35 km)
This trail offers views stretching from the Western Ranges to the stunning blue waters of the
Tasman Bay and the Waimea Estuary - home of a range of bird species including the white
heron. Beginning in central Nelson, the route uses urban cycleway infrastructure along St Vincent
St before joining an old rail corridor before dropping back down past the airport. The trail then
follows along the estuary. After about 10 km (on the approach to Richmond), the trail splits.
Head towards Mapua via the Waimea Inlet boardwalks leading out to Rabbit Island. From the far
end of the island, a short boat trip can take you to Mapua. This quaint little village has boutique
shops, cafes and restaurants. Note that over the winter months the ferry operates on a limited
schedule.
Mapua to Kaiteriteri (42 km)
Leaving Mapua to the north-west, the Tasman Loop Trail heads to Motueka - a well-serviced town
with shops, wineries restaurants, a range of accommodation options and fresh fruit stalls leading
into town. Initially, the trail follows the coast to Ruby Bay before heading inland onto Tasman
View Rd, which as the name suggests, offers great views out to sea and down over Motueka. The
trail skirts the edges of Motueka, but if you are in the mood for refreshments you can head
through town instead. Continue north to Riwaka, known for its hops that give many of New
Zealand's best beers their aromas. The nal stretch takes you through kiwifruit and apple
orchards and along the coast to Kaiteriteri - the entry to Abel Tasman National Park - with a
beautiful golden-sand beach where you can end your day with a relaxing dip.
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As a side trip, consider a trip over the Takaka Hill to Takaka and beautiful Golden Bay where a
vareity of cycle trails are on offer - including the Heaphy Track which is now open to mountain
bikers.
Kaiteriteri to Tapawera (57 km)
You are now entering the business end of your journey. The southern section of Tasman's Great
Taste Trail leads down quiet back roads along the Motueka River's bank. Begin by back-tracking
down the trail to Riwaka. Several short roads through Riwaka lead you to the Motueka Valley
West Bank Road, a narrow but quiet road that will take you gradually up river. Eventually you
will cross the river and continue on up the Motueka Valley Highway. Take in the views of the
surrounding mountains as you come to Tapawera, a peaceful place to spend the night.
Tapawera to Nelson (62 km)
Today's ride will take you along an abandoned railway corridor past historic tobacco drying
kilns and back into civilisation at Wake eld. Don't forget your head torch as you will pass
through New Zealand's longest decommissioned rail tunnel! From Tapawera, continue along the
road past Kohatu and up to Norris Gully Reserve (11 km). It's time to get your lights on and an
extra layer of clothing before entering Spooner's Tunnel. At 1.4 km long, it is the longest tunnel
open to cyclists in the southern hemisphere, and the 6th longest in the world! Belgrove is not
much further down the trail, where a historic windmill can be found nearby.
From here it is at and fast riding back into Nelson, passing through Wake eld, Brightwater and
Richmond, each with their own culinary options.
Conditions:
MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Available throughout the trail.
DRINKING WATER: Water can be purchased at shops at each township along the trail. Some
drinking water is also available at reserves such as on Rabbit Island. The longest distance
without water supply is from Richmond to Rabbit Island (15km).
How to get here
Tasman’s Great Taste Trail starts at the Nelson Airport or the Nelson i-SITE
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Track Elevation and Map
Page last updated: Jan 6, 2021, 8:44 AM
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