Nelson to Mapua cycling tour: self-guided on Great Taste Trail

Ride the old rail route and coastal path without a schedule holding you back

A self-guided cycling tour from Nelson through Richmond to Mapua on New Zealand's Great Taste Trail, with grade-one (easy) riding over 3–4 hours of pedaling. You choose the pace and stops — the operator provides the bike, all gear, ferry passage and a return shuttle from Mapua. Moderate fitness is the baseline; children from age 6 can join, and eBike or trail bike options let you pick the ride that suits your legs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Self-guided cycling adventure from Nelson to Mapua

• Cycle old rail route to Richmond
• Turn onto Coastal Route to Rabbit Island
• Stop for brewery tour and tastings
• Visit World of Wearable Art museum
• Tour peanut butter factory or cafe stop
• Enjoy wine tastings at large winery
• Have lunch and fruit ice cream
• Try pizza and craft beer near coastal route
• Take Mapua Ferry to Mapua Wharf
• Relax and enjoy food and beverages at Mapua Wharf
• Shuttle back to Nelson City depot

The Experience

Can you really stop whenever you want on a bike tour, or does the group keep moving? On this one, you set the rhythm. The day starts in Nelson City, where you pick up a quality comfort trail bike fitted with lights, helmet, repair kit and pannier bags to carry snacks or a jacket. The route follows the old rail corridor to Richmond—flat, easy pedaling through farmland—then branches onto the coastal route toward Mapua. The whole ride is grade one (easy terrain), so the challenge is fitness, not technical skill. You'll pass award-winning wineries, craft breweries, the Pics Peanut Butter Factory and a fruit ice cream stop; you decide which ones warrant a detour and how long to linger.

The coastal stretch to Rabbit Island and Mapua is where the ride opens up. Once you reach Mapua Wharf, a short ferry crossing (included) completes the journey. The wharf itself is the endpoint—a relaxed spot with cafes and restaurants where you can eat and watch the water before heading back. A minivan shuttle (also included) collects you and returns you to the Nelson depot, so you don't have to ride back the way you came. The whole day runs 3–4 hours of actual pedaling, though with stops it stretches into a full outing.

You can book either a trail bike or an eBike; the eBike option removes the fitness barrier if you want to cover the distance with less leg work. Hotel or airport pickup is available for an additional cost if you need transport to the start. The tour runs in all weather—dress for conditions—and operates year-round. Food is your own cost, though the stops along the way give you plenty of chances to eat.

What’s included

• Quality comfort trail bike or eBike with lights, helmet, repair kit and pannier bags.
• Mapua Ferry crossing.
• air-conditioned minivan return shuttle to Nelson.
• all taxes and fees.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mapua Ventures Ltd (trading as: Kiwi Journeys)

Is this one for you?Book the eBike if you want to ride the full distance without worrying about fitness or leg fatigue; choose the trail bike if you prefer a traditional ride and have moderate cycling endurance. Either way, the self-guided format means you stop when you want—at a winery, a brewery, the peanut butter factory or just to take in the view—without a guide or group keeping pace.

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Top questions

What's the actual cycling time on this Nelson to Mapua tour?

The pedaling takes 3–4 hours, though the full day stretches longer when you factor in stops at wineries, breweries, the peanut butter factory and the ferry crossing. You control the pace and how long you spend at each place.

Do I need to be a strong cyclist to ride the Great Taste Trail route?

No—the route is grade one (easy) riding, so the terrain is flat and straightforward. A moderate fitness level is what the operator asks for, which means you should be comfortable pedaling for a few hours, but technical skill or racing ability isn't required.

What happens when I reach Mapua at the end of the ride?

You take a short ferry crossing (included in the price) to Mapua Wharf, where you can eat, drink and relax. A minivan shuttle then picks you up and drives you back to the Nelson depot, so the return journey is handled for you.

Can my kids come on this self-guided cycling tour?

Children from age 6 are welcome, and the operator says it's a great family day out. The easy terrain and many stops make it manageable for younger riders, though they need to be comfortable pedaling for a few hours.

What bike should I choose—the trail bike or the eBike?

The trail bike is a standard comfort bike suited to moderate fitness; the eBike has electric assist, which makes the pedaling easier and removes the fitness requirement if you want to cover the distance with less effort. Both come with the same gear and ferry crossing.

Is food included, or do I need to bring my own?

Food is your own cost, but the route passes wineries, breweries, a peanut butter factory cafe and an ice cream stop, so you have plenty of chances to eat and drink along the way without packing a lunch.