✓ Two or three days of relaxed self-guided riding along the coastal Great Taste Trail
✓ Beaches and coastal boardwalks along the way
✓ Vineyards, galleries and creative stops
✓ Time for local food and art, with optional extra time in Māpua, Kaiteretere or the Abel Tasman National Park
✓ A family-friendly pace, with the route and distances confirmed for your booking
Coastal Classic is a flexible two- or three-day self-guided ride along the coastal Great Taste Trail from Nelson through Māpua, Motueka and finishing in Kaiteretere.
The route brings together beaches, vineyards, galleries and coastal boardwalks, with food and art stops adding variety along the way. Shorter riding stages and a relaxed pace make this a family-friendly introduction to a multi-day Cycle Nelson experience.
The itinerary outline below is a typical three-day schedule. Other options include two days cycling finishing in Motueka or Kaiteretere or add an extra night in Māpua or Kaiteretere for an additional day exploring wineries or walking and cruising in the Abel Tasman National Park. We will craft your final itinerary to your preferred cycling distance, excursions and accommodation options along the way.
Flat coastal riding ~30 km · Boat cruise · Easy
Your luggage is transferred to your accommodation while you head to base for bike fitting and a personalised briefing. Then it's onto the Great Taste Trail — a scenic coastal ride past galleries, studios, and artisan food stops along the way. Stretch out on the expansive sands of Rabbit Island before a relaxing boat cruise to the pretty Mapua Wharf. Explore the village at your own pace — boutique shops, cafes, and artisanal treats are best enjoyed slowly.
Optional add-on: Extra night in Mapua to explore the Moutere — boutique cellar doors, vineyard lunches, and NZ's oldest pub.
Rolling hills · ~26 / 46 km · · Stunning views · Moderate
Continue from Māpua toward Motueka through the landscapes highlighted for this tour, including vineyards, galleries and coastal communities. From the coast, the trail winds through rural landscapes and climbs to Tasman Heights for sweeping panoramic views across the region. Descend into Motueka — the heart of fruit and hop country — with plenty of great spots to stop for a meal or a locally brewed beer.
Boat cruise option · Relaxed
An easy cycle through coastal scenery brings you to the start of the Kaiteretere mountain bike park. Meander through native bush on the grade 2 'Easy rider' MTB trail for 3km before your gentle descent into Kaiteretere's lagoons and beachfront. Spend the afternoon on one of New Zealand's most beloved golden-sand beaches, or jump aboard a boat cruise into Abel Tasman National Park — turquoise water, native bush, and secluded coves await. Your return transfer to Nelson brings a great adventure to a close.
This family-friendly tour is designed around shorter daily riding stages and a relaxed pace. These off-road sections of the trail combine flat easy coastal riding, boardwalks and inland 4WD tracks with gentle inclines and fabulous views!
Cycle Nelson arranges accommodation to fit your daily itinerary. We use select B&B's, motels and eco-lodges along the trail. The overnight locations, properties, room type, number of nights and any included meals depend on availability as the trail is very popular in high session. Let us know you dates and we will find the right accommodation for you.
