Experience culinary delights, fine wines, and breathtaking scenery
Explore the flavours of New Zealand's South Island on a guided cycling tour along the Great Taste Trail. Starting and ending in Nelson, this 6-day pedalling journey takes you through stunning landscapes and local vineyards, offering the chance to sample delicious wines.
Cycling the Great Taste Trail offers a mix of paved trails, country roads, and gravel tracks on mostly flat terrain. Enjoy mountain and ocean vistas, and experience the pristine Abel Tasman National Park. Optional activities like cycling, kayaking, trekking, and dolphin spotting make for an unforgettable adventure.
Highlights of the Great Taste Trail Cycling Tour
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Great Taste Trail Loop Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive at Nelson
Arrive to Nelson (flights from all major NZ cities), transfers included. Meet your guide and fellow riders at a local restaurant for dinner and get to know each other!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Nelson
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Cycle to Wakefield
Begin your ride from your hotel and enjoy a fun stop at a fascination museum! A wine tasting, lunch and views await you on the trail. Retire to Wakefield for a comfortable overnight.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Wakefield
Distance: 30km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Ride to Kaiteriteri
The journey to Kaiteriteri features a thrilling ride through Spooners Tunnel, a delightful bakery stop with incredible pies and a brief forest transfer. A scenic route alongside the Motueka River leads to the inviting ocean – perfect for a refreshing swim on a warm day!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kaiteriteri
Distance: 50km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 4 Explore the Abel Tasman National Park
Today is a rest day from the bikes, but a highlight visit to the Abel Tasman National Park. After enjoying views from your boat transfer, enjoy a fully guided informative hike through this incredible national park.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kaiteriteri
Distance: 10km hike
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5 Cycle to Mapua
Another exciting day of pedaling today. Riverside cycling and quirky cafe visits decorate the route on your way to the inlet hub of Mapua. End the day with a private wine tasting overlooking the water and a special restaurant dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mapua
Distance: 40km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6 Back to Nelson and Departure
Jump on a ferry to cross the fast flowing Mapua inlet, then oceanside cycling, and maybe a quick swim on your way back to Nelson for sad farewells and onward transfers or an extra night in Nelson.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 32km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Great Taste Trail Loop Cycling Tour Price and Dates
Join a guided group on a fixed departure! The prices below are per person, sharing a double room:
Book NowAccommodation on Great Taste Trail Loop Cycling Tour
Accommodation is all ensuite basis and from 3 to 4 star standard or equivalent. The standard rooms are of double occupancy (with private bathroom) and include the most modern conveniences.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Palms Motel in Nelson ★★★★
Enjoy your stay in modern apartments with a touch of luxury.
Snowball Manor Hotel in Wakefield
This hotel is located in a beautiful rural location. Surround yourself with countryside views and a beautiful territory.
Kimi Ora Eco Resort in Kaiteriteri ★★★★
Enjoy a relaxing stay in an oceanside resort. Great services, beautiful territory and lovely rooms await you.
Korepo Lodge in Mapua
This lodge is located in a convenient location for outdoor adventure lovers. The rooms are spacious and the proximity to the beach is one of the best in the area.
What’s Included in the Great Taste Trail Loop Cycling Tour?
Meals
5 full breakfasts, 3 dinners, 1 sumptuous lunch and 2 picnic lunches are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour is fully guided with on call support/sag wagon never far away. Pick up and drop off transfers are included, as well as boat transfers to and from Abel Tasman National Park.
Also included
- All food and wine tastings and outlet visits per itinerary
- Boat transfers to and from Abel Tasman National Park, park entry, fully guided walk with National Park Guide
- Mapua Ferry ticket
- Lightweight fair trade cycling t-shirt
- Environmentally friendly water bottle
- Guide services
- Fully guided with on call support/sag wagon never far away
Not included
- Getting to and from Nelson
- Any flights
- Meals not mentioned as included
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Personal equipment
- Fees not mentioned as included
- Bike rental
Optional Extras
- Bike rental:
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- Hybrid Bike
- E- Bike
- Extra nights in Nelson
- Single room upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Taste Trail Cycling Tour
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