Nelson to Mapua: Full-Day Self-Guided Cycling Adventure
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This full day self-guided cycle adventure takes in some of the most stunning scenery on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail taking approximately 3 -4 hours of cycling. There are many fun stops along the way with award winning wineries, craft breweries, and the Pics Peanut Butter Factory to name a few.
Cycle along the old rail route from Nelson City to Richmond then turn onto the picturesque Coastal Route to Rabbit Island and Mapua. It is all grade one riding (easy) where a moderate fitness level is required. A short ride on the Mapua Ferry has you landing on the Mapua Wharf where the vibe and atmosphere is very relaxing while you enjoy some great food and beverages. This is also a great day out for the whole family.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 13 years
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kiwi Journeys
This one day cycle adventure takes in some of the most stunning scenery on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. There are many fun stops along the way with award winning wineries, craft breweries, and the World of Wearable Art museum to name a few. Cycle along the old rail route from Nelson City to Richmond then turn onto the picturesque Coastal Route to Rabbit Island and Mapua. This is all grade one riding (easy) where a moderate fitness level is required. A short ride on the Mapua Ferry has you landing on the Mapua Wharf where the vibe and atmosphere is very relaxing. This is also a great day out for the whole family.
McCashin's Brewery
Stop of for a brewery tour, tastings, or amazing food!
What‘s Included
Additional equipment: bike light, helmet, repair kit, pannier bags & odometer
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Mapua Ferry crossing
Quality comfort trail bike hire with a Qualmark Gold activity operator
Food (own cost)
Airport pick-up (additional costs apply)
Hotel pickup (additional costs apply)
Options
Self-guided day tour by eBike
Wine tasting & pizza The Great Taste Trail Air-conditioned minivan Premium eBike & bike insurance
Self-guided tour: trail bike
The Great Taste Trail Air-conditioned minivan
Reviews
71 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Outstanding service
TonkaPascoe,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kiwi Journeys made our trip so easy. They have all the experience so the places they booked us to stay each night where outstanding. Fantastic hosts and the most delicious food. The trails were well sign posted and the staff at Kiwi Journeys provided excellent communication and support. The ebike I rented was perfect for the trails. A perfectly organised trip by Kiwi Journeys.
Great ride
TobyAst123123,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great service, great bikes, stunning scenery.
Confusing route from Nelsom city to Rabbit Island
Traceydancocks,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Easy pick up point in CBD, given a map which was hard to follow and in sections. Guide explained the route options but when on the track not well signed for Tasman Taste trail around Richmond ended up going through Stoke and near busy roads, parts old railway line. Struggled to find my way however once I saw signposts to Rabbit Island and Mapua all good. Would recommend starting at the airport exploring the beach then carry on to the Island as the CBD Richmond section not scenic and confusing. Would be good if NZ ride was along Tahauanui beach but this is a busy road at present, two good cycle lanes from CBD to the beach would make the ride more enjoyable Shuttle when I booked was told 3pm, from Mapua when I collected the bike from Nelson was told 5pm, when I arrived in Mapu parked the bike outside Kiwi journeys office which was closed at 3.20pm although the opening hrs said 4.30pm, so nobody to ask but the note on the door said shuttle was 4.30pm. Rushed a meal to get back for 4.30pm saw a member of staff who assured me it was 5pm. Driver dropped me off at my accommodation.
A fabulous Ride!
S5407JUangelam,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very lovely experience - staff were very welcoming and gave helpful advice - a varied and interesting route - bikes good quality and comfortable and helmets very good condition and clean! The locks and panniers were also very helpful - pickup was on time and Mike the driver gave a fabulous history lesson on our return which was extremely informative and enjoyable and thank you Mike for your recommendation of your local pub - very good food!
An Amazing, Unique Way to See Nelson to Māpua!
Taylor O,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Would definitely recommend this to anyone traveling to the Nelson area! It was a great way to see the different things Nelson to Mapua has to offer. We saw and experienced so many things that we may not have seen just driving around. All of the stops the staff said to take were so fun and the food and brews were yummy. Highly recommend making the stop at the Honest Lawyer for breakfast and coffee and then later to the Seifried Estate winery. Along the route, there was so much gorgeous farmland and friendly animals to say hi to. Only thing that could be improved is a little TLC on the mechanical bikes.
Loved our day so much
brooks1098,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We absolutely loved our day. We used electric bikes which were great, however, it wouldn't be too much of a struggle with a normal bike. The team at the base in the morning were excellent, explaining the process and giving ideas on where to stop on the way. We had a great morning tea at The Honest Lawyer, a country pub then did wine tasting a couple of hours later finishing with a late lunch in Mapua. It was easy taking the bikes on the little ferry and Mapua is lovely. We finished the day with a drink listening to jazz. And the shuttle back to Nelson was great and we received good commentary from Mike all the way back. We originally tossed up riding both ways but were very glad we ended up booking the return shuttle as it enabled us to take our time and make stops. Highly recommend.
Great Fun Nelson Experience
BredaJ12,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed this cycling experience. We were given lots of time, information & advice on collecting our bikes. The journey itself was wonderful, mostly off road & any on road part was very quiet. The scenery was amazing & there were lots of eateries along the way. In hindsight we would have gone for ebikes to get to Rabbit Island faster for a swim! It was great to get the ride home with Chrissy who was not only a great driver but was very informative & friendly. The whole experience was very professional & well organised. Would highly recommend.
Easy way to explore
Jonathan M,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00East booking and helpful staff. We had a great day out starting in Nelson and the logistics on pickup in Mapua were simple and efficient. Do know that the start of the ride from Nelson is through the city and traffic.
Great staff and bike in good condition
Laurie L,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Friendly and knowledgeable staff at both ends of bike ride. Like the self guide and independence of this ride. Just a few issues with marked trails mostly due to in town construction
Nelson a bike gem experience
oneillgrubb10,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Was a great weathered day for bike riding the easy flat 32km journey. enjoyed the changing views from inner township, wetlands and costal bike path ways. Being early Jan 26 a few venues were closed but there was one approx 7 ks in where it provided excellent coffee great treeline canopy and view on incoming ' outgoing airlines landing and take offs. Our final destination was a real treat on Rabbit Island with excellent brewery great food and plenty of local artisans shopping options and a great ice ice cream shop. Being bussed back and being given one of the best history reviews of Nelson and its famous residents and exceptional colonisation was worth going around the block again to hear more, definatley need to invest in a microphone as it's a shame for all not to hear about such excellent detail of history. If anyone has a seat preference ask if the have gel seats. Overall this was 10/10 PS a few blue bike signs had worn out could do with updating. Maybe marking the points with how far they have biked and how far to go to pace easier and allow least 2 hours on Rabbit Island or a dip in the waters on the final leg. For small kids maybe too far or opt for the ebike is worth it!
From NZ$129.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Mapua Ventures Ltd (trading as: Kiwi Journeys)