This is a 26 km (approx 2 hours cycle time) leisurely flat cycle ride on The Great Taste Trail which is one of New Zealand's Great Rides. You will cycle from Nelson to Mapua along the scenic Waimea coastal estuary. If it's warm, pack your swimwear, and perhaps enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches of Rabbit Island. Cycling on super-comfortable hybrid bikes or e-bikes, your ride starts from our conveniently located depot at Nelson Airport right on the Great Taste Trail.
There's so much to see and do on the way to Mapua with
opportunities to visit award-winning wineries, artisan breweries, and cafes and enjoy sampling the "Tastes of the Trail" Visit an art glass-blowing studio and perhaps catch them blowing glass. Feel the wind in your hair as you ride paths and boardwalks and explore beautiful wetlands with native and exotic nesting birds. We provide you with simple maps and a full trail explanation before you go. At the end of the day, we will transport you back from Mapua to Nelson.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ In-vehicle air conditioning
✔ Bicycle use
✖ Wine and Beer Tastings are not included in the tour price- $10
Departure & Return
Departure:
Airport House, Nelson Airport, Nelson Airport, Nelson 7011, New Zealand
Airport House is a cream-colored terminal inside the airport precinct. We are located around the side of the building, Pick up from your accommodation is possible and there is a charge for this service. We offer complimentary parking.
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
1
Mapua
Mapua is a lively seaside town full of the tastes and flavors of the region. With its wonderful restaurants and cafes, winebars where you can have wine tastings, and artisan breweries for beer tastings, not to mention the iconic Mapua Smokehouse for fish and chips beside the sea, you will be spoilt for choice. And when you are done with eating and tastings, there's a plethora of art studios and galleries to explore.
Duration: 2 hours
2
Old Factory Corner
Old Factory Corner in Appleby is a one-stop shop for local produce and specialty food vendors. Sustainability and showcasing the best of the Nelson Tasman region are at the heart of every business within this boutique complex. You will find great coffee, cafes with fine food, delicious fresh berry icecreams, and a deli bursting with products of the region where you can have a free cheese tasting. Local arts and crafts can also be found here.
Just a little further along the road, there is a wine-tasting opportunity at a local organic winery, Te Mania and Richmond Plains.
Duration: 45 minutes
3
Hoglund Art Glass
Hoglunds Art Glass Gallery and Studio is a leading creator of art glass. You can enjoy viewing glassblowing most days of the week. Find out how they craft the glass masterpieces on display in the gallery through their glassblowing demonstrations.
Their glass gallery houses handcrafted unique glass and glass jewelry. On display and available for purchase are glass masterpieces in striking designs from complex glass techniques.
Duration: 30 minutes
4
Seifried Estate Cellar Door
Seifrieds is a family-owned winery and has produced fine wines in the Nelson region for over 48 years now.
For those interested in wine, you can enjoy a tasting of some of Seifried's finest wines and see why Nelson is such a special place to grow and make wine. With a selection of both current and cellar release wines available, and some of their most interesting wines open for tasting, it’s a wonderful place to challenge your senses and try something new.
The Harvest cafe also located here serves great food and what could be finer than a delicious meal accompanied by fine wines sitting out among the vines.
Duration: 45 minutes
5
Pic's Peanut Butter World
A short detour from the trail will take you to Pics Peanut Butter Factory. Their peanut butter is wonderful and vies for a place amongst the best. Complimentary tours (1 Hour) and tastings are available but you must book in advance (we can do that for you on request).
Duration: 60 minutes
Additional info
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Wine and Beer Tastings are not available to persons under the age of 18 years.
• Not recommended for infants under 12 months
