Cycling along the Nelson Great Taste Trail - Great Taste Trail & Beyond, Bike, Hike & Sail, New Zealand

Cycling along the Nelson Great Taste Trail | Dean McKenzie

A purpose-built suspension bridge takes us across the pretty Baton River - Great Taste Trail & Beyond, Bike, Hike & Sail, New Zealand

A purpose-built suspension bridge takes us across the pretty Baton River | Chocolate Dog Studio

View of Marlborough Sound from the Queen Charlotte Track

Cyclists on the Great Taste Cycle Trail at Motueka - Great Taste Trail & Beyond, Bike, Hike & Sail, New Zealand

Cyclists on the Great Taste Cycle Trail at Motueka | Dean McKenzie

Stunning coastline on the Abel Tasman - Great Taste Trail & Beyond, Bike, Hike & Sail, New Zealand

Stunning coastline on the Abel Tasman | Natalie Tambolash

Celebrating with fine food and wine after a good day's ride - Great Taste Trail & Beyond, Bike, Hike & Sail, New Zealand

Celebrating with fine food and wine after a good day's ride | Lachlan Gardiner

Cruising through the stunning bays of the Abel Tasman by Catamaran.

Great Taste Trail & Beyond, Bike, Hike & Sail

Discover the food, wine and scenic riding along the Great Taste Cycle Trail combined with the beauty of the Abel Tasman & Marlborough Sounds

New Zealand

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45 reviews

7 Days from

Trip Code: NNT

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Duration

7 Days

Activities

4 days guided cycle
2 days guided walk

Accommodation

4 nights hotel/motel
2 nights lodge

Meals

4 Dinners
6 Lunches
6 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: Introductory to Moderate
This tour is graded introductory to moderate, you will mainly be cycling on quiet rural roads & easy dedicated cycle paths, and walking on well formed trails of an introductory level. There is one section over the Baton Saddle to the Baton River Valley, and another over the Redwood Pass that is moderate as it involves a climb and novice riders can ride in the support vehicle. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and we suggest 2-3 hours of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or hiking) twice per week for the three months leading up to your trip. You will need to be able to walk for 3-4 hours at a time on undulating paths. We recommend training on compacted gravel trails, and completing a multi-day ride prior to your trip to get used to being in the saddle for long periods of time.
2 / 5
Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint

24kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(142kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Ride the Great Taste Cycle Trail along a mix of coastal and rural cycle trails or roads
Spend 2 nights at the secluded Lochmara Lodge nestled in the Marlborough Sounds
Experience the stunning Abel Tasman National Park coastline on a sailing excursion
Admire the golden sandy beaches and blue sea as we walk part of the Abel Tasman track
Hike a section of the beautiful Queen Charlotte track from Mistletoe Bay to Anakiwa
Savor local Tasman produce at wineries, breweries and orchards

Overview

Explore the best of Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough at the top of the South Island on the ultimate bike, walk and sailing holiday. This region is famed for its stunning natural landscapes, with long golden beaches, untouched forests and rugged mountains, it also boasts being the sunniest part of the country. Cycle along Nelson’s Great Taste Trail, sail a catamaran in the famous Abel Tasman National Park and walk through lush native forest on the Queen Charlotte track. Discover the magic of the Marlborough Sounds as we spend 2 nights at a remote oceanfront lodge, accessed only by boat, kayak or foot. Visit galleries, craft breweries, boutique stores and wineries in a region renowned for its creative artisan culture.

Our journey begins in Nelson where we join the Great Taste Trail, cycling along flat or gently rolling terrain, through a disused railway tunnel and along coastal tracks towards the sandy beaches of the Abel Tasman. We then visit the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds where we enjoy a day relaxing at the lodge before a hike and bike ride leads us into the heart of wine making country. Our final ride takes us through the colourful vineyards of the Awatere Valley and we cycle over two passes before a wine tasting at a Blenheim winery, providing a fitting finale to this memorable outdoor adventure.

Itinerary

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Welcome to Nelson, the “sunshine capital” of the South Island of New Zealand, where we meet at 8:00am. We drive to Monaco Point for a briefing and bike fit and set out on our first ride along the Great Taste Trail. We set away riding along the waters edge, through the Waimea Estates vineyard and along the Waimea River, through Brightwater to Wakefield village. We meet the Wai-iti Riverbank, and on through the Domain to Belgrove where we can see a historic railway windmill, one of only two left in New Zealand. The trail then winds its way through bush up to the entrance of the historic Spooners Tunnel. Riding through Spooners Tunnel is a highlight. It is a 1.4km long rail tunnel, the longest decommissioned tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere. We continue on to pass through Kohatu and then enjoy views across hop plantations and farmland to Mt Arthur/ Wharepapa, before a gradual descent to Tapawera. We load up the bikes and then drive back to our accommodation in Nelson. In the early evening you are free to explore the town before meeting for our first evening meal together. Cycling Distance: Monaco to Tapawera - 62km

Meals: L,D

We transfer to Tapawera to start cycling where we finished yesterday. Today's ride takes us on a new outback section of Great Taste Trail, gently climbing 120m over the Baton Saddle to Woodstock. From the high point, we descend into the pretty Baton River Valley after crossing a new purpose built cyclists swing bridge. This part of the cycle trail follows a gravel road open to farm vehicles, tankers and logging trucks and is the most challenging part of the trail, but it is not technical. We then continue on the road along the west bank of the Motueka River to Riwaka, passing through vineyards, kiwifruit orchards and hops farms along the way. We end our ride with a visit to the Riwaka River Estate Winery for a late afternoon tasting. We then load up the bikes and drive to Motueka and our home for the next 2 nights. For those who still have some energy, they can cycle 8km from the winery to our accommodation in Motueka. Cycling Distance: Tapawera to Riwaka - 64km

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we drive to Marahau and the start of the famous Abel Tasman Great Walk. We will rest our cycle legs by taking a half day hike into Anchorage on the Abel Tasman walkway. The track is well formed and drops into several beautiful sheltered bays and golden sand beaches. At midday we have lunch overlooking Torrent Bay and then board a catamaran for an exciting sail around the heads and back to our vehicle. To round out a wonderful day, we take some time to enjoy Kaiteriteri beach, with the chance for a late afternoon swim or a relaxing stroll along the golden sands. From here it is only a short drive back to Motueka. Walking Distance: 13.4km Sailing: 3 hours

Meals: B,L

After breakfast we set away from Motueka to rejoin the Great Taste Trail. We start with a climb through vineyards to the top of Tasman View Road, aptly named giving panoramic views across the Tasman Bay and Mt Arthur Range. Following an easy descent we ride through more apple orchards and vineyards, passing galleries and artist studios, then along the Ruby Coast into Mapua where we can have refreshments in one of the waterfront cafes. We take a short ferry journey to Moturoa/Rabbit Island and cycle beachside, through pine forest. Back on the mainland, the trail skirts around the shore of the Waimea Inlet, the largest enclosed estuary in the South Island and home to many wading and sea birds. Bird spotting is best when the tide is out. On reaching Richmond, we load up the bikes and head for lunch. In the afternoon we set away for the Marlborough Sounds leaving Nelson and the Great Taste Trail behind. It is a scenic 2 hour drive crossing the ranges, via Pelorous Bridge to reach Anakiwa where our water taxi awaits. We travel on to Lochmara Lodge, a remote oceanfront resort nestled in the Queen Charlotte Sound, accessible only by boat, kayak or foot. Cycling Distance: Motueka to Richmond - 44km

Meals: B,L,D

Today is your guide's rest day and you are free to explore the beautiful surrounds of Lochmara Lodge. Take out a kayak or paddleboard, swim, walk the bush tracks around the property, relax in one of the many hammocks, visit the Underwater Observatory (own expense) or the art exhibition spaces. At nightfall, make sure to explore the glowworm grotto!

Meals: B

After breakfast we sadly leave lovely Lochmara behind. We put on our walking shoes and take a water taxi to Mistletoe Bay and set out to hike along the Queen Charlotte track. We climb up to the low Te Mahia Saddle and our path weaves in and out of Manuka Bush with glimpses of the vivid blue sea, secluded bays and bush clad shorelines below. We climb to a headland at the end of Ohahau Bay and are greeted by panoramic views up and down the Sound. We descend through mature beech forest to Umungata (Davies Bay), and soon after arrive at the little village of Anakiwa where the track ends. This afternoon we drive the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive, which hugs the shores of the Queen Charlotte Sound giving splendid sea views. Heading inland to Blenheim, there is an option to hop back on our bikes to ride a short section of the new whale trail from Tuamarina. We finishing our day either at a winery or the Moa brewery, where it's time to relax and perhaps enjoy an awarding winning wine or craft beer. Tonight we'll gather for our final meal together to celebrate our week's active adventure. Hiking Distance: 14km, approx 4 hours walking Optional Cycling Distance: Tuamarina to Blenhein - approx 10km

Meals: B,L,D

Our final day sees us riding a section of the new Whale Trail that will eventually travel between Picton and Kaikoura, and 2 picturesque passes. Riding south out of Blenheim we follow a designated cycle track to the Redwood Pass Road. We gradually climb through vineyards and rolling farm country, with the barren tussock hills providing a contrasting backdrop. We reach Redwood Pass and have a nice downhill to the Awatere Valley which is lined with vineyards in all directions. We continue up the valley following the river, the large Kaikoura Ranges and Mt Tapuae-o-uenuku dominate the skyline ahead. Crossing our second pass, Taylors Pass takes us through another remote valley to bring us back to Blenheim. At Taylors Dam we load up the bikes and head to a local vineyard to sample a selection of their wines making a fitting end to the cycle tour. We will arrive back into Blenheim in the early evening where we will be delivered to the town centre. Cycling Distance - up to 65km

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

13 scheduled departures between 6 Dec 2026 and 15 Apr 2028.

Departs 6 Dec 2026 – ends 12 Dec 2026 (7 days)
Departs 10 Jan 2027 – ends 16 Jan 2027 (7 days)
Departs 4 Feb 2027 – ends 10 Feb 2027 (7 days)
Departs 25 Feb 2027 – ends 3 Mar 2027 (7 days)
Departs 17 Mar 2027 – ends 23 Mar 2027 (7 days)
Departs 2 Apr 2027 – ends 8 Apr 2027 (7 days)
… and 7 more departures.

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What's included?

Included

Tasty café breakfasts (x6), gourmet picnic or café lunches (x6), 2 course restaurant dinners (x4) catered to all dietary requirements
4 nights hotel/motel ensuite accommodation on twin share basis
2 nights at the secluded Lochmara Lodge in Queen Charlotte Sound ensuite accommodation on twin share basis
Experienced guides who handle all the hard bits and share epic stories (2 guides on groups of 8 or more)
Full vehicle support along the trail including trailer for luggage
3 hour sailing excursion in the Abel Tasman National Park including lunch
Ferry crossing from Rabbit Island to Mapua
Wine tasting at boutique Riwaka & Blenheim wineries
Return water taxi to Lochmara Lodge
Tasty nutritious snacks, drinks and treats plus our famous morning and afternoon teas
Access and concession fees paid to the Department of Conservation
Queen Charlotte Land Cooperative Track Pass
Pre departure information kit to help you plan and prepare

Not included

International or domestic flights and taxes
Arrival and departure transfers
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
All beverages, other than breakfast
Bike hire (including helmet)
Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
Optional activities (eg. underwater observatory at Lochmara Lodge)
Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
Travel insurance
Visa (if required)

About your guide

Our guides are one of our biggest assets and we pride ourselves on their level of quality and high standards. Once the trip reaches 8 people, we provide you with two of our expert guides to maximise your enjoyment and overall experience. You’ll know you’re in safe hands as all of our guides are certified in first aid and CPR and many of them are trained bike mechanics. They come from all walks of life but our guides have a common desire to give you the best possible experience, fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you.

Videos

Our Premium e-Bikes: Features and Benefits

Our Guides: The Heart and Soul of Your Adventure

Reviews (45)

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We were both very happy yet again with our tour guide - Thank you Jude!

Steven J|New Zealand

3 Apr 2026

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We had a fantastic trip with too many highlights to mention. A big thank you to our excellent guides.

Allison S|United States

22 Feb 2026

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We couldn't be happier with our bike, hike, and sail adventure! Our Adventure South guides were fantastic. Highly highly recommended!

Peter C|Massachusetts, United States

15 Feb 2026

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Outstanding guides who were a pleasure in every way. They worked tirelessly to optimize our experience. Amazing landscapes. Bikes worked out great.

Leila D|United States

12 Feb 2026

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The guides are wonderful, as are the back office staff as you prepare to go on your adventure. I loved the mix of biking, hiking and sailing.

Sheila C|Rhode Island, United States

12 Feb 2026

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A fabulous tour with a great bunch of people. Our guides were incredibly helpful, accommodating to our needs, friendly and professional.

Jackalin H|QLD, Australia

16 Jan 2026

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NZ got the great scenery. Adventure South got the great staff as our guide Kim Shaw. It is our 3rd trip with you. And, we’ll be back.

Yiu K|NSW, Australia

13 Dec 2025

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it is a really great taste of NZ by bike, sail and hike. Especially with a great guide Kim Shaw - a lovely and reliable lady.

Hoi L|New South Wales, Australia

13 Dec 2025

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A wonderful way to explore the top of the South Island with a good balance of biking and hiking.

The trip was really well organised with top rate accommodation strategically located so as to minimise travel by bus.

The guide Iain was amazing in organising and supervising our activities each day.

He was extremely knowledgeable about the area , friendly, and flexible in attending to the individual quirks of our group.

The scenery was amazing particularly the Abel Tasman and Queen Charlotte walks. Lochmare Lodge stay was stunning and a timely break in the physical activities.

Meals were great, well planned and generous and stops on the route for a snack were well provisioned.

A great way to see the highlights of the area whilst exercising at the same time.

Vaughan L|VIC, Australia

13 Apr 2025

Extra trip info

Accommodation Bikes Trail surfaces Will My Trip Run?

Lochmara Lodge

Accessed only by boat, kayak or by foot, this exclusive accommodation is located on the tranquil shores of the Marlborough Sounds with a sandy beach and surrounded by native bush. Discover Lochmara's unique art, nature and wildlife experiences, visit the underwater observatory, kayak, swim or relax in the sunny hammocks.

Hotel D'Urville

Set in the historic 1920s art deco Public Trust building in the heart of Blenheim, this boutique hotel offers a unique blend of originality, classic charm and international quality. Each room has been designed and decorated to create an individual and distinctive character. No two rooms are alike and the unique flavour of each is captured in an eclectic mix of four-poster beds, exotic fabrics and antiques.

Studio Room at Carrick Lodge | Carrick Lodge

Motels

Often family run, motels range from 3 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Rooms are spacious, warm and comfortable and they have ensuite bathrooms with tea and coffee making facilities. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Sinch E-Bike Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL*

Designed specifically for Adventure South, our fleet of Sinch e-bikes is built to handle Aotearoa New Zealand’s cycle trails with ease.

These pedal-assist bikes take the effort out of hills and longer rides, thanks to a smooth and reliable Shimano motor system and a comfortable, upright riding position.

For premium comfort and control, they are equipped with:

Large 630Wh battery

Electronic and optional automatic gear shifting

Swept-back handlebars with ergonomic comfort grips

120mm front air suspension

20mm suspension dropper seat post

Hydraulic disc brakes

Adjustable handlebar stem

All sizes apart from XL feature an exceptionally low step-through frame (40cm) and 27.5” x 2.35” tyres.

*The XL bikes feature a step-over frame with 29” x 2.4” tyres for added stability and performance.

Whether you’re riding through the Mackenzie Basin, tracing the path of the Molesworth Muster, or cycling through Otago’s stunning gorges, our e-bikes are designed to help you enjoy every moment of the ride.

Merida Big Nine 200 (Hardtail Mountain bike NOT AN E-BIKE) - Sizes S, M, L & XL:

Our Merida Big Nine 200 hardtails are built for real-world Aotearoa New Zealand trails — reliable, capable, and comfortable. The lightweight aluminium frame and 29x2.4'' tires roll efficiently over a wide range of terrain, while the air suspension fork smooths out bumps and rough tracks. A modern, big range 1x10 drivetrain keeps shifting simple and intuitive, letting you focus on the ride ahead.

Hydraulic disc brakes give you reliable stopping power, and the rear rack fitted with one of our rack bags (included in hire) is ideal for stashing your layers, lunch or camera. With a relaxed upright riding position, this is a great choice for those who want a traditional, pedal-powered ride without sacrificing comfort.

With cleverly engineered geometry, this is a great choice for those who appreciate an engaging pedal powered ride without sacrificing the slightest bit of comfort.

Whether you’re cruising through the Roxburgh Gorge, flying across the Shotover Bridge, or pedalling beside the wild surf of the Taranaki coast, the Merida Big Nine 200 is a dependable trail mate.

* We have step-through bikes available on request, subject to limited availability. These are Avanti Discovery models.

Merida eONE-FORTY 475 EQ (Full suspension, MTB e-bike) - Sizes S, M, L:

This is the e-bike for riders who want the lot — comfort, control, and a little electric boost when the legs need it. The Merida eONE-FORTY 475 EQ features full suspension, a sporty mountainbike position, 29x2.4'' tires and a powerful Shimano motor that’ll help flatten out hills and keep your day flowing smoothly.

A long-lasting 712 Wh battery means you can ride all day, and extras like integrated lights, mudguards and a rack make it practical too. Whether you’re gliding around the Timber Trail, cruising the West Coast Wilderness, or soaking in the sights of the Alps to Ocean, this bike turns the dial up on comfort and capability.

*Subject to limited availability

Cycling from Lauder to Ranfurly in the Poolburn Gorge | Lachlan Gardiner

Compacted Gravel

Wide compacted gravel trails making make the Tasman Great Taste Trail suitable for introductory riders and upwards. Cyclists need to be confident riding on uneven surfaces and aware that this surface reduces cycling speeds.

Sealed Road

Enjoy cycling on smooth sealed back-roads. Cyclists need to be aware of the road rules and able to cope with small amounts of traffic.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.

Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.

Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.

Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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Great Taste Trail & Beyond, Bike, Hike & Sail

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Ready to start your adventure?