Tasman's Great Taste Trail

This big, beautiful loop offers a terrific taste of the Nelson Tasman region. Tasman’s Great Taste Trail blends town and country, history and hospitality, along with spectacular scenery and an array of visitor attractions. Go exploring on the full trail stopping overnight in atmospheric accommodation, or enjoy day rides ranging from short and relaxing, to remote and adventurous. A Ngā Haerenga Great Ride of New Zealand serving up lashings of easy riding, the Great Taste Trail is a wonderful way to savour this popular holiday destination.

Ride experience

Looping along the coast, cross-country and through forested foothills, Tasman’s Great Taste Trail(opens in new window) provides almost entirely off-road riding between Nelson, Motueka, Wakefield(opens in new window) and a bunch of smaller settlements. 

Popular with visitors and locals alike, it offers highly memorable day rides taking in must-see highlights across the region. Follow the coast to the fragrant pine forest and sandy beaches of Moturoa/Rabbit Island(opens in new window) where there are picnic spots and swimming. Relax at Mapua with its arty shops, waterside cafes and brew bar. Or cruise through fruit orchards and hop gardens on your way to the golden sands of Kaiteriteri Beach – gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. 

Inland sections take in Tasman’s wineries and a series of rural villages. One leg follows a picturesque stretch of old railway line leading into peaceful foothills and forest, passing through the remarkable Spooners Tunnel(opens in new window) along the way. The trail traverses the picturesque Motueka Valley and here you can be at one with nature amid vistas of mountains, and valleys and crystal clear rivers. 

It’s also possible to detour into the delightful Moutere Valley, home to New Zealand’s oldest pub. 

Need to know

• Most of Tasman’s Great Taste Trail is grade 1–2 (easiest to easy), being flat, smooth and mostly offroad. It is suitable for riders of all abilities, with the full journey achievable by anyone from fit beginners upwards.
• A hybrid bike is suitable for the terrain, while regular charging points make E-bikes a terrific option. 
• Shuttle and bike tour companies offer luggage transfers for riders wishing to stay at accommodation options along the trail. 
• Easy access points, bike hire and shuttles, and heaps of great attractions make it perfectly suited to day rides that can be factored into your Nelson holiday itinerary.
• It’s well signposted and never far from town or villages offering refreshments and other visitor services. Toilets are dotted at convenient intervals. 
• The region is blessed with balmy summers and blue-sky winters, making for great riding at any time of year.
• For keen mountain bikers, the Coppermine Trail Great Ride is a brilliant day ride from central Nelson taking in the fun trails of Codger’s Mountain Bike Park(opens in new window).

Transport & tours

Numerous towns and settlements lie on or near the trail, so it’s easy to get riding. Numerous local companies offer conveniently located bike hire along with transport and tours, including Biking Nelson(opens in new window), Nelson Cycle Hire & Tours(opens in new window), Cycle Journeys(opens in new window), Gentle Cycling(opens in new window) and Wheelie Fantastic Cycle Tours(opens in new window). Note that the ferry between Rabbit Island and Mapua runs intermittently, so riders should check the timetable(opens in new window) in advance. 

The trail’s official partners can be found on the Great Rides of New Zealand(opens in new window) and official Tasman’s Great Taste Trail(opens in new window) websites. 

Accommodation

Nelson and Motueka are excellent bases for this ride and other adventures across the region, but there are many other options in smaller settlements and the surrounding countryside. Accommodation providers partnered with the trail are listed on the Great Rides of New Zealand(opens in new window) website. 

Useful links

Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails(opens in new window)
Tasman's Great Taste Trail(opens in new window)
Tourism Nelson Tasman(opens in new window)

Great Rides app - Tasman's Great Taste Trail(opens in new window)