From $1,640pp (4 days)
From $1,890pp (5 days) Itinerary below
From $2,145pp (6 days)
DAY 1 — Nelson → Māpua
Coastal trail · Boat cruise · ~30 km · Easy
A flat, scenic ride along the Great Taste Trail hugging the coast from Nelson. The trail passes galleries, artisan food stops, and the expansive sands of Rabbit Island before a short boat cruise delivers you to the idyllic Māpua Wharf. Explore the village at your own pace — fresh seafood, craft beer, and boutique shops are all within easy reach.
Highlights: Coastal trail · Art & food stops · Rabbit Island beach · Boat cruise to Māpua · Wharf village accommodation
Optional add-on: Extra night in Māpua to explore the boutique wineries and cellar doors of the Moutere.
DAY 2 — Māpua → Kaiteriteri
Rural & coastal riding · Panoramic views · ~46 km · Moderate
From Māpua the trail climbs through Ruby Bay and apple orchards above the coast before reaching Tasman Heights with sweeping views across the region. Descend into Motueka — the heart of fruit and hop country — for a well-earned stop, then follow the trail through orchard country and into the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park for a scenic finish on the golden sands of Kaiteriteri Beach.
Highlights: Ruby Bay · Tasman Heights views · Motueka food scene · Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park · Kaiteriteri Beach accommodation
DAY 3 — Kaiteriteri → Woodstock
Historic rail trail · Forest & river riding · ~45 km · Moderate
Leaving the coast behind, the trail heads inland through the fruit-growing country around Motueka before climbing into native forest and following historic rail corridors through the Waimea valley. A quieter, more remote day with some of the tour's most rewarding scenery — rivers, farmland, and forest all feature before you arrive in Woodstock.
Highlights: Inland trail · Native forest · River valleys · Farmland scenery · Woodstock accommodation
DAY 4 — Woodstock → Wakefield via Spooners Tunnel
Historic tunnel · Rail trail · ~55 km · Easy–Moderate
The highlight of the inland leg — riding through the famous 1.4 km Spooners Tunnel, one of New Zealand's great trail experiences. Emerging into open farmland, the trail winds through the peaceful rural landscapes of the Waimea plains and into the charming town of Wakefield, a great spot to rest up and reflect on the journey so far.
Highlights: Spooners Tunnel · Waimea plains · Wakefield village · Country town accommodation
DAY 5 — Wakefield → Nelson
Easy valley riding · Trail finale · ~35 km · Easy
A relaxed final day following the trail back toward Nelson through orchards, rivers, and open farmland. A fitting end to a loop that has taken in the very best of the Nelson Tasman region — coast, country, forest, and everything in between.
Highlights: Valley trail · Orchard country · Nelson city finish · Transfer or self-return to start