The Loop
Grade 1-2 (Easy/Moderate) 160km
Cost: NZD$1579 per person
Our most popular multi day tour! The LOOP is a fantastic self-guided tour that allows to you to experience three very unique sections - Rail Route, Coastal Route and Valley Routes. We guarantee the landscape changes every day!
Experience stunning natural landscapes, arts and artisans, wineries, craft breweries, local cuisine and the world famous Abel Tasman National Park, WOW! Highlights include the Spooner’s Tunnel, Mapua Ferry and a rest day in Kaiteriteri where you can explore the Abel Tasman National Park.
In 2019, through experience and customer feedback we decided to change the direction we operate this tour (anti-clockwise) where the cycling days are more balanced and there’s more downhill than up!
Itinerary
We recommend you arrive in Nelson the day before your tour. Kiwi Journeys will greet you at the airport and shuttle you into to central Nelson. Our accommodation providers are right in the heart of the Nelson so you can experience the amazing food and beverage options that set the scene for your tour! Our Kiwi Journeys depot is right beside the iSite and a short 5 minute walk from your accommodation.
Your adventure starts at our base in Nelson, where on arrival you will be fitted to your bikes and briefed on your tour. From here you will start your cycle ride to Mapua on the Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. We suggest you be at our depot by 9.00am for a 9:30am departure (this is flexible).
Follow the blue Great Taste Trail markers and head south, towards the seaside village of Mapua. Along the way you can visit the popular Classic Car Museum. We recommend cycling down the old Railway Reserve cycle path on the way to Richmond. This way you can enjoy craft beer (or a Brewery tour) and fabulous food from Stoke and Eddyline Breweries. Tip: We would also recommend a visit (or tour) to the new Pics Peanut Butter World.
Continuing on the Great Taste Trail you will turn off the coastal path and experience the coastal boardwalks of the Waimea Estuary and fertile farmland there, which is home to a range of internationally significant bird species including the White Heron. Next you will cross the spectacular Waimea Swing Bridge. If you have time on your hands and a palate for exquisite wine, take a left hand turn (instead of a right hand turn to Rabbit Island) where a five minute ride will take you to Seifrieds, the oldest and largest winery in Nelson.
From this point it is ten kilometres to The Mapua Ferry landing. Once you enter Rabbit Island choose to take a swim in the warm sea waters or just enjoy a quiet wander along the white sandy beach.
The trail takes you alongside the main beach of Rabbit Island where you will shortly arrive at the ferry landing. A short trip across the channel on the iconic Mapua Ferry lands you at the Mapua Wharf where you can enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, shops and the boutique Golden Bear Brewery.
Today’s ride is grade one (easy). You will have plenty of time to relax and take everything in, especially the amazing food, beverages and activities on offer.
Accommodation: Mapua
After breakfast it’s on your bike again to ride through Ruby Bay towards the quaint village of Tasman. On leaving Tasman, a steady climb up to Tasman View Road is all worthwhile, as you take time to enjoy the spectacular 360 degree views of Tasman Bay and the ranges beyond (this section is grade 2-3 and has a climb of 200 meters over 4 km’s). Next you will drop down into the Riverside Community and on to Motueka. A recommended lunch or coffee stop is Motueka’s best kept secret, ‘Toad Hall Cafe’ at the beginning of Motueka. As you make your way around the amazing coastal trail of Motueka, you can enjoy the variety of bird species and gorgeous scenery.
From the outskirts of Motueka, Kaiteriteri is approximately 12km’s away. The short bike ride into Kaiteriteri takes in boardwalks and bridges through the farmland and orchards of Riwaka (NB: there are two great cafes in Riwaka together with the Hop Federation Brewery!) before entering the ‘Easy Rider’ trail of the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park. This 4km section through the mountain bike park winds through the stunning native beech forest. A reasonable level of fitness is required to bike this section and caution must be taken by inexperienced riders as there are tight turns and switchbacks.
Once you enter Kaiteriteri you can explore the beautiful golden sands which mark the gateway to the famous Abel Tasman National Park.
Accommodation: Kaiteriteri
Today you will experience something magical! Enjoy your day exploring the National Park. Kiwi Journeys are happy to help you with any of your bookings. We recommend taking the Sea Shuttle up at 9.00am to Tonga Quarry where you have a 1.5hr walk along the beach, and through native forest, to Awaroa Lodge, for lunch! This is a fantastic day out, where you can totally relax until the Sea Shuttle takes you back to Kaiteriteri at 2.40pm.
www.abeltasmanseashuttles.co.nz
www.abeltasmankayaks.co.nz
www.abeltasman.co.nz
Accommodation: Kaiteriteri
Farewell Kaiteriteri, and after exiting the mountain bike park, you will re-trace your steps back to Riwaka enjoying the leisurely ride with many scenic attractions along the way. A coffee stop at Mrs Smith’s Café is always a must.
Winding your way out of Riwaka turn right onto Factory Road, where the trail heads down the West Bank of Motueka River. Enjoy the quiet country roads passing through farmland whilst following the Motueka River. When you arrive at Peninsular Road, turn left off the Trail, and head to the Peninsular Road Bridge. This is a fantastic spot for a well-deserved swim in the pristine Motueka River.
To reach Riverhaven for your platter lunch, you will need to cross the Peninsular Road Bridge, then turn right and bike 1.5 km down Motueka Valley Highway. You will find it on your left. You have a lunch reservation (platter with your choice of wine, beer, or juice) at 12 noon following your 28 km ride from Kaiteriteri.
Should this option be unavailable, then Kiwi Journeys will meet you at the bridge at 12.30pm and shuttle you to Kohatu, stopping for lunch at the Kohatu Flat Rock Café. (these options are dependent on opening seasons/opening hours).
After lunch it’s back on your bike departing Kohatu and riding the new section of trail to the entrance of the Spooners Tunnel. At 1,352 metres long, this tunnel is the oldest disused rail tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere.The tunnel is pitch black and is a constant 10deg so take your jumper.After exiting the tunnel, a lovely downhill gradient takes you down to the Belgrove Tavern where you can relax for a drink in the manicured garden amphitheatre before cycling the final section to Wai-iti Domain and the newest part of the Trail, on to the quaint village of Wakefield, where you will stay the night.
Accommodation: Wakefield
Your final day of riding is a leisurely day making your way back to Nelson. You will cycle beside quiet country roads towards Brightwater where you can have your first coffee stop for the day at HQ Café.
A slight diversion onto Livingstone Road could have you visit the Kaimira Winery before cycling over the Waimea River via a swing bridge with stunning views of the New Zealand Alps. Continue cycling through the gorgeous vineyards, orchards and farmland into Richmond. Make your way back to the Kiwi Journeys Nelson Depot with the option of visiting the Grape Escape for Lunch, Te Mania/Richmond Plains winery, breweries or the Olde ‘Honest Lawyer Pub’, Whatever direction your taste buds steer you, you are in for a great final day of riding back into Nelson, to complete your Great Taste Trail adventure.
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$1579 per person (minimum 2pax)
Single supplement, additional $530
Rates are valid until May 31, 2025.
Subject to availability, seasonal surcharges may apply
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Cycle equipment which includes trail comfort bike, helmet, repair kit, panniers, odometer and trail documentation
Luggage transfers between accommodations (1 bag per person – limit 15kg per bag)
All transport during your tour
Mapua Ferry crossing
Wine Tastings and Winery Lunch on Day 4
Superior accommodation (4 nights accommodation, including breakfasts where provided by your hosts, ensuite/private bathroom based on twin/double share)
Luggage storage for excess luggage available if returning to Nelson after cycling
Kiwi Journeys welcome pack: Souvenir drink bottle & tee-shirt
Complimentary airport pickup and drop off (one per group)
Kiwi Journeys great service, equipment and trail support!
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12 months of the year. (Subject to availability)
Start dates are flexible - our Reservations staff will work with you to create an itinerary for your preferred dates (dependent on accommodation availability)
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Day 1 – Mapua
Day 2/3 – Kaiteriteri
Day 4 – Wakefield
Let Kiwi Journeys know what you would like included in your tour and we will taylor your itinerary to suit your needs.
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Enjoy this tour and take the effort out of the hills on our high-end pedal assist E-Bikes for an extra $300pp, a popular upgrade!
Pre/Post Tour Accommodation.
Abel Tasman National Park Walk, Kayak or Cruise.
