New Zealand Cycle Trail:
Tasman Great Taste Trail and Golden Bay Explorer
Where
Nelson to Nelson
Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Fitness
NZD$2950
Plan your next adventure. 2026/27 dates now available!
2026 2027
- Start Date Status
- Mon 2 Nov 26
- Mon 16 Nov 26
- Mon 7 Dec 26 GUARANTEED
- Mon 18 Jan 27
- Mon 1 Feb 27
- Mon 15 Feb 27
- Sun 28 Feb 27 GUARANTEED
- Mon 22 March 27 GUARANTEED
- Monday 5 April 27
Tour Cost NZD$2950
Do you have another date in mind?
We can build a tour especially for your group, please enquire for details.
Share this tour:
Take a relaxed ride through the heart of Tasman and Golden Bay, where stunning coastal views meet lush green countryside.
This trail is all about slowing down and soaking up the good life. Cruise past acres of vineyards, and sun-kissed orchards. Relax at cosy local cafes, dip a toe at glittering beaches and watch the sun go down over rolling hills.
It’s the perfect blend of coast and country, sunshine and scenery, all wrapped up in laid-back charm.
Tour Itinerary
NZD$2950
Day 1 Nelson to Motueka
Distance:
47km
We kick things off in Richmond between 8:30 and 9am—geared up and good to go! This stretch of the Tasman Great Taste Trail glides alongside the stunning Waimea Inlet, South Island’s largest enclosed estuary. It’s a birdwatcher’s dream, so keep your eyes peeled for bar-tailed godwits, white herons, royal spoonbills, and more feathered friends along the way.
Next stop: the golden sands of Rabbit Island, From there, hop aboard the iconic Mapua Ferry for a breezy ride across the inlet to the charming seaside village of Mapua—and your cafe lunch stop.
Leaving Mapua, the trail hugs the coastline, dishing up epic views across Tasman Bay and all the way to the Mt Arthur Range and Kahurangi National Park. It’s a gentle downhill roll into Motueka, where a warm welcome, a good meal, and a comfy bed are waiting.
MEALS INCLUDED: L D
Day 2 Motueka to Takaka to Collingwood
Distance:
42km
From there, we transfer by vehicle for a scenic drive over the winding Takaka Hill to Little Takaka, before continuing along the coast to Collingwood with sweeping views across Golden Bay.
Back on the bikes, ride onward to Puponga and the wild beauty of Wharariki Beach.
Tonight, unwind over dinner at the iconic Mussel Inn — a much-loved brewery and eatery where the atmosphere is every bit as memorable as the food
MEALS INCLUDED: B L D
Day 3 Collingwood to Takaka
Distance:
34km
From here, it’s bike time! Ride back down the valley to the historic town of Bainham, where the iconic Bainham Store has been serving the community since 1928.
Four generations of the Langford family have kept this gem alive—from EB Langford to his granddaughter Lorna, who ran the place for 63 years, and now Sukhita, carrying on the tradition with pride.
You’ll have time to stroll the street of Takaka explore craft shops and galleries, and soak up the creative vibe. Then settle in for a tasty dinner and a cozy night’s rest.
MEALS INCLUDED: B L D
Day 4 Takaka
Distance:
16km
Cycle 6.7km to the stunning Waikoropupū (Pupu) Springs, famous for having some of the clearest spring water on Earth. Take time to enjoy the peaceful native bush walk and the incredible crystal-clear pools.
Then continue along quiet country roads to Anatoki Salmon Farm, where you can try your luck catching your own salmon and have it hot smoked fresh on site.
From there, enjoy an easy ride through the tranquil Takaka Valley, arriving in the creative and laid-back township of Takaka.
This evening, return to Takaka to relax, enjoy a great meal, and settle in for the night.
MEALS INCLUDED: B L D
Day 5 Takaka - Nelson
Distance:
34km
This morning, we cruise back over Takaka Hill to Riwaka, then follow a peaceful country road along the Motueka River—famous for brown trout and fly fishing legends.
At Tapawera, the biking kicks off! Ride through hop fields to Kohatu, Norris’s Gully, and the thrilling 1.35km Spooners Tunnel. If there’s time, pedal on to Belgrove and maybe all the way to Wakefield.
After the ride, we head back to Nelson where the tour wraps up around 4 to 5pm.
MEALS INCLUDED : B L
Gallery
What’s Included
Accommodation
Each night you will stay in comfortable hotel, motel or bed and breakfast accommodation.
Rooms are double (one queen or king bed) or twin (2 separate beds). If you have a preference for a twin room, please let us know when you make your booking. All rooms have their own ensuite bathroom.
If you are a single traveller, you can nominate to share a room with another single of the same gender or pay an additional single supplement to secure a private room for the duration of the tour.
The single room supplement for this tour is NZD$720
An experienced guide
Our guides are very experienced, friendly walkers and bikers who love to share their knowledge of New Zealand’s flora and fauna and local history. They all hold current first aid certificates, passenger driving licences and are the very best people to ensure your experience will be one to remember.
Food
You will enjoy great local cuisine; continental breakfasts and hearty packed lunches during the day, and either restaurant meals or wholesome home-cooked fare prepared by your host/hostess in the evenings. If you have any dietary issues or food allergies, we are happy to cater for these, please advise the office of details when you make your booking. Alcohol is not included in the tour cost, but is available for purchase most nights.
Safety and Risk Management
To ensure maximum safety for all, our guides are certified first aiders and fully qualified drivers. Tuatara Tours operate under a Safety and Risk Management Plan which is regularly audited and approved by a qualified and independent auditor.
Luggage & Transfers
Tuatara Tours transports all your luggage for the duration of the tour.
Tour Kit Bag Exclusive to Tuatara Tours
To ensure you get the very best out of your journey with the least of fuss, we provide you with a bag of useful goodies.
This will be given to you at the start of your tour.
All transport
Access and Concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
NZ Goods and Service Tax (GST)
Testimonials
For me the tour was a lovely mix-the scenery, the exercise, the cycling not too demanding
Flora - NZ
I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of each day, the opportunity to see more of beautiful NZ
Marilyn - NZ
Very well organized. A good route giving us a chance to see Golden Bay as well as the Great Taste Trail
Joanne - UK
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