
TASMAN'S GREAT TASTE TRAIL
Enjoy a delightful ride in a landscape rich in fine food and beverages, with coastal and mountain backdrops and the longest cycle tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere.
With a smooth trail surface and moderate grades, it is suitable for most riders. It can be ridden all year, with the flat coastal section a popular ride in the warmer months. The trail can be experienced as a half, full day or a multi-day loop.

Tasman's Great Taste Trail is a loop around some of the best treats the region has to offer. The most popular section is a purpose-built trail following the coastline, requiring a boat trip over the Waimea Inlet. The trail can be ridden in sections as separate half or full day trips, or all combined into a multi-day loop.
The trail can be ridden in any direction. Check the Mapua Ferry sailing times if going between Rabbit Island and the mainland. Be aware that in winter the ferry runs irregularly so it's worth checking out their timetable. An excellent side trip out to Kaiteriteri is an option for swimming or further riding in the beach resort's mountain bike park.
The trail inland from Riwaka through to Kohatu is on sealed road. In the next 1-2 years trail will be built offroad from the highway. Once at Kohatu the trail is on purpose built trail which goes to the amazingly long and spooky darkness of the 1,352m Spooner Tunnel then back to Nelson.
The trail is suitable for most riders on the purpose-built trail, and intermediate riders for sections on the road. The loop can be biked in either direction. The trail width varies from single track with a gravel surface, to a more generous width that is paved in concrete. The public road sections are sealed.
Toilets are scattered along the trail. The main services are located in Nelson, Richmond and Motueka, however the smaller settlements along the way also have great cafés and places to hang out. The trail is generally well signposted with a white logo on a dark blue background. There is good mobile coverage along the coastal trail but the inland journey has little or no signal.