Nelson to Mapua: Full-Day Self-Guided Cycling Adventure

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

McCashin's Brewery

Stop of for a brewery tour, tastings, or amazing food!

40 minutes • Admission Not Included

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 tour: trail bike

The Great Taste Trail
Air-conditioned minivan

Self-guided day tour by eBike

Wine tasting & pizza
The Great Taste Trail
Air-conditioned minivan
Premium eBike & bike insurance

Reviews

4.70

63 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great staff and bike in good condition
Laurie L,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Friendly 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
4.00
Was 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!
Sensational experience all round
rosecostelloc,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a gorgeous experience! Great staff, gorgeous rainforest and amazing e bike ride to Lake Kainere. Can’t thank Lydia, D & Suzanne enough. Do it.
Absolutely fantastic from start to finish
bigdog99bc,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolutely fantastic day, very well organised from start to finish. Bikes were sized to fit us and in really good condition, paneers very useful. We were provided with maps and a detailed walkthrough of the route, highlighting specific points of interest, which was very helpful. Matt, the shuttle driver, not only dropped us at our accommodation on the way back he provided a lot of interesting information about Nelson and the surrounding area along the way, thank you. Very good value for money
Great day on an e-bike in Nelson
carried32016,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This is a nice way to experience parts of Nelson we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. The gear was top notch. The instructions were clear and it was nice to be able to set our own pace.
Not what we expected.
Seaside56865310391,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
Not what we expected. Route map/directions not easy to follow with construction and we were thrown off track. Riding beside major roads at low tide not very enjoyable. However. we appreciate all the people we dealt with at Kiwi Journeys who were very friendly and accommodating, picking us up early.
Short-term, straightforward booking
gerlindep2025,,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Short-term booking the night before. Good explanation of the tour. Nice way - mostly bike paths. Shuttle bus for return transport.
Cycle great Taste
warwickayres,,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
All was well organised Courteous staff Good accommodation Good bikes It was easy to find dining options-some catered options
Kiwi Adventures facilitate a great biking experience - Nelson to Mapua
peterlO6661RT,,Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wow what an experience. A beautiful day cycling the great taste trail from Nelson to Mapua. Unbelievable views of snow capped mountains, opportunities for food and wine tastings and welcoming residents happy to assist us on our journey. The whole experience facilitated by Kiwi Adventures was seamless - great maps and explanation and above all just fantastic EBikes and supporting equipment. Highly recommended.
Great company and trip!
McCullough B,,Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The trail winds through both city, country and Forrest in this portion of the trail! Not quite as many breweries or wineries as we thought but it was a gorgeous day to ride and we stopped by 4 places and the classic car museum on our trip. We hit the Mapua ferry around 4pm and stayed in the mapua area for an hour as a nice little reward for our efforts. If we could do it again we would spend more time in mapua at the end. Bikes were great and the service was also top notch. They had a van to pick us up in mapua when we finished our ride and take us back to their shop.