✓ Experience the best of Nelson Tasman over five relaxed days
✓ Cycle sections of the Great Taste Trail through vineyards, countryside and coastal landscapes
✓ Explore Abel Tasman National Park by foot and/or kayak with a guide
✓ Enjoy a self-guided cycling itinerary with your accommodation and logistics organised
✓ Combine cycling with local food, craft breweries, wineries and some of the region’s best scenery
✓ Flexible riding suited to easy–moderate cyclists
Discover Nelson Tasman on a self-guided journey combining selected Great Taste Trail cycling with time in Abel Tasman National Park. The five-day programme (2 days cycling /3 days walking or kayaking) starts from $3,140 per person; expand it to a six-day itinerary if you want to take your cycling and exploration of our region at a relaxed pace. Add in extra nights in Mapua or Kaiteretere and spend an additional day cycling and exploring Moutere vineyards.
Cycle Nelson arranges the accommodation and logistics to suit your preferred itinerary in the National Park. Walking and/or kayaking in the Abel Tasman can be planned to match your fitness level and pace. Walk, hop on and off the water taxi transfers at your leisure, combine kayaking and walking over 3 days or go full adventure and walk the entire Abel Tasman track over 6 days, your adventure, your choice.
The day-by-day outline below is an example of 2 days cycling and 3 days walking or kayaking. Riding stages, overnight locations, activity arrangements and distances may change with accommodation availability, guest preferences and transfers. We will provide a final itinerary and quote with accommodation and inclusions before booking. There is no better way to experience the best of the Nelson Tasman region!
Begin your self-guided Great Taste Trail journey at our base in Tahunanui, Nelson for bike fitting and briefing. Cycle out along the coast taking in cafes and wineries along the way. Hop a dedicated bike ferry from Rabbit Island to the charming coastal village of Mapua — cafes, craft beer, quaint galleries and hot-smoked fish and chips straight from the paper await. Your accommodation will be a short ride from Mapua Wharf meaning you can relax and enjoy the evening buzz and local entertainment.
Highlights: Craft brewery · Bike ferry · Estuary views · B&B in Mapua
Optional add-on: Extra night in Mapua to explore the Moutere — cellar doors, a vineyard lunch, and NZ's oldest pub.
Continue through a mix of coastal scenery, vineyards and relaxing countryside. Leave the busy Mapua wharf for inland cycling through to Motueka. Stop for food and a craft beer under the oak trees at Toad Hall Cafe, then follow the estuary waterfront into town where you can enjoy an additional night or continue on to Kaiteretere rejoining the sparkling coastline of the Abel Tasman sea. A final section on the Easy Rider trail through the Kaiteretere mountain bike park brings you to the native bush and coastal lagoons of Kaiteretere. Enjoy a meal on the waterfront, swim in the crystal clear water or head to your accommodation and relax in the spa facilities at Kimi Ora Eco Resort.
Highlights: MTB park trail · Kaiteretere Beach
Trade the bike for boots or a paddle. Your Abel Tasman National Park experience starts with a cruise north to the golden sands of Totoranui. Your guides help you plan each day to suit your pace and accompany you on your walk through native bush and stunning beaches from Totaranui to Awaroa. Your fully catered experience means you only carry a small day pack and your luggage is transferred to your accommodation at Meadowbank Homestead in Awaroa. Spend the evening in one of the most pristine natural environments in New Zealand while enjoying a sumptuous 3 course meal and relaxed company. All meals, transfers, and accommodation in the park are included.
One last morning to complete your journey at your own pace. Walk from Torrent Bay to Marahau, or if you choose the kayaking option your journey will continue on to Kaiteretere, visiting the renowned Split Apple Rock and exploring the coastline along the way. An included transfer returns you to Nelson or your local accommodation to wrap up a memorable five days.
Generally easy to moderate, with daily distances and elevation determined by your itinerary. Let Cycle Nelson know your riding experience and fitness levels so the stages, accommodation and bike choices can be matched to your group.
