Spooner's Tunnel Bike Ride Nelson: 50km downhill adventure

The longest cycle tunnel in the southern hemisphere is pitch black, and you ride straight through it.

Spooner's Tunnel Adventure is a 50km downhill bike ride from the Tasman hills to Nelson, following a historic railway route through hop fields, forests and villages. You begin with a shuttle transfer and a coffee stop at Flat Rock Café, then cycle back to Nelson's base in Tahunanui, passing through Spooner's Tunnel: 1.4 km of complete darkness lit only by your bike light. Standard bike, helmet, lock, map and repair kit are included. E-bikes are available as an upgrade. Moderate fitness is needed. Children from age 12 are welcome.

The experience

The shuttle ride into the Tasman hills takes 45 minutes, dropping you at Flat Rock Café in Kohatu where you grab a coffee and a cheese scone before the ride begins. From there, the 50km trail unfolds mostly downhill, following the old railway line that once carried freight and passengers through this region. Informative panels along the route tell the story of that transport link (how it rose and fell), so you're not just pedaling through landscape. You're moving through history.

The terrain shifts constantly. You'll roll past hop plantations (the fields that define this region), then into native forest where the canopy closes in, then out across the Waimea Plains where market gardens and boutique wineries break up the farmland. The ride is designed to favor downhill momentum, so the work is front-loaded and the return to Nelson feels like a long, rolling descent. Spooner's Tunnel arrives roughly halfway through the day: 1.4 km of riding in complete darkness, lit only by the lights provided on your bike. It's the longest cycle tunnel in the southern hemisphere, and there's nothing else quite like it.

You'll finish at the base in Tahunanui, where local taverns are waiting. The standard bike comes with a gel seat and a water bottle. If you want electric assist for the whole route, the e-bike upgrade is available at checkout. Bring your own food or money to buy it along the trail. Nothing is provided except water at the start.

What’s included

• Shuttle transfer to Spooner's Tunnel (45 minutes each way).
• standard bike with helmet, lock and map.
• repair kit with first aid supplies.
• water bottle.
• personalized briefing before and during the shuttle ride.
• e-bike available as an upgrade at checkout.

Options for this experience

2 options

Electric-bike tour of Spooner's Tunnel09:00Upgrade to an e-bike for riders who prefer the ease of electric assistance over a standard pedal bike. The e-bikes are of the Sinch brand.

Spooner's Tunnel Adventure09:00

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and SundayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (12 to 15 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cycle Nelson

Is this one for you?The shuttle handles the climb so you can focus on the ride down. If you want to experience Spooner's Tunnel and the hop country without pedaling uphill, or if you're not confident on technical terrain but want the thrill of a long descent, this route delivers both: the e-bike option removes the fitness barrier entirely.

Traveler reviews

4.50★★★★★★★★★★

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (12 to 15 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the whole day take from start to finish?

The full experience runs 7 hours, including the 45-minute shuttle ride to Spooner's Tunnel, the 50km bike ride back to Nelson, and the time spent at the tunnel itself.

What's the fitness level needed for this ride?

Moderate fitness is required. The route is mostly downhill, which helps, but you need to be comfortable on a bike for several hours and able to handle off-road sections and some technical terrain.

Do I need to bring my own food and water?

Water is provided at the start, and you get a bottle to carry. Food is not included, so bring your own or budget to buy it from cafés and shops along the trail back to Nelson.

What happens inside Spooner's Tunnel when it's dark?

Spooner's Tunnel is 1.4 km long and you ride through it in complete darkness. Lights are provided on your bike so you can see the path, and the tunnel is wide enough for safe cycling.

What's included in the bike setup?

Each bike comes with a helmet, lock, map of the route, and a repair kit that includes a first aid kit. Standard bikes have comfortable gel seats. E-bikes are an optional upgrade available at checkout.