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 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
67 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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!
Sensational experience all round
rosecostelloc,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What 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
5.00Absolutely 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
5.00This 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
3.00Not 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
5.00Short-term booking the night before. Good explanation of the tour. Nice way - mostly bike paths. Shuttle bus for return transport.
From NZ$129.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Mapua Ventures Ltd (trading as: Kiwi Journeys)