ATV Riding in Nelson: 14 km native forest trails

Ride quad bikes through native forest to coastal hilltops and farmland

Self-drive ATV riding near Nelson on the Bayview Circuit covers over 14 km of native forest trails, farmland and coastal scenery with a local guide, practice track and light refreshments. Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a quad bike. Children from age 5 can ride as passengers on dual-seat bikes driven by a guide, parent or friend. Full instruction and a practice session happen before the main ride, and the route takes approximately 2.5 hours with stops for commentary about the area.

The experience

You operate the quad bike yourself through native forest, across farmland and up to the Cable Bay coastal views. Before heading out, you get full instruction and a chance to practice on a dedicated track so you can build confidence with the controls. The guide assesses your skill level on the practice track: anyone not meeting a minimum standard rides as a passenger instead, which keeps everyone safe and the group moving together.

The Bayview Circuit route runs approximately 2.5 hours and includes a number of stops where the guide shares commentary about the area. The actual time varies depending on how comfortable you are with the bike and how long the group spends at each stop. Light refreshments (tea, coffee and cookies) are provided during the ride.

Children under 16 cannot self-drive but can ride as passengers on a two-seat quad bike operated by a guide, parent or friend (minimum age 5). If you're bringing younger riders, let the operator know when you book so they can arrange the right bikes. A local guide leads the whole group and stays with you throughout.

What’s included

• Local guide throughout the ride.
• full instruction and practice session on a dedicated track before the main route.
• light refreshments of tea, coffee and cookies during the ride.
• GST included in the price.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cable Bay Adventure Park

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to operate the bike yourself and are at least 16 years old: the practice track and skill assessment before the ride mean you don't need prior ATV experience. If you're bringing children under 16, they ride as passengers on a two-seat bike with a guide or a parent driving.

Traveler reviews

4.90★★★★★★★★★★

61 verified traveler reviews

5 ★57

4 ★3

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

Can I ride a quad bike if I've never done it before?

Yes. You get full instruction before the ride and a practice session on a dedicated track to get comfortable with the controls. The guide assesses your skill level during practice and will let you know if you're ready for the main route or if you'd be more comfortable as a passenger.

What's the Bayview Circuit route like?

The Bayview Circuit covers over 14 km through native forest, across farmland and up to the Cable Bay coastal views. You ride high to hilltops for the scenery, then back down through different terrain. The route takes approximately 2.5 hours with several stops for the guide to share information about the area.

What's included in the price?

The Bayview Circuit includes a local guide for the whole ride, full instruction and practice time on the track, light refreshments (tea, coffee and cookies) during the ride, and GST.

How long does the whole experience take?

The ride itself takes approximately 2.5 hours, though the time varies depending on your skill level and how long the group spends at each stop. You should allow extra time for instruction and practice before you head out on the main route.