Tunnel to Town
Grade 1-2 (Easy to Beginner)
50km
Kiwi Journeys are excited to release the new ‘Tunnel to Town’ self guided tour. Following completion of a 5km section of trail into Wakefield, we can offer this amazing day of cycling, scenery and tasting.
Today you will ride through the longest disused rail tunnel in the southern hemisphere, see extraordinary mountain vistas, amazing scenery through farmland, orchards, hop gardens, vineyards, coastal estuaries as well as being able to sample world class food and beverage.
Either take the scenic route and head to Mapua (Option A) or follow the Great Taste Trail all the way in to Nelson (Option B).
Itinerary
Your adventure starts at our Nelson City depot at 8:45am, where you will be fitted to your bikes and briefed before you board our trail transport by road, and escape to the countryside at 9:00am.
With an approximate shuttle time of 45 minutes to Spooner’s Tunnel, our Kiwi Journeys driver will give you some useful tips about the trail including food and beverage stops.
At 1352 metres long, the Spooner’s Tunnel is the longest tunnel open to cyclists in the southern hemisphere. The old rail corridor into Richmond is unique and the amazing scenery combined with the peace and tranquility of the countryside must be experienced.
Highlights include riding through farmland, pristine native forests, following rivers, swing-bridges, past vineyards and berry farms to name a few. We highly recommend a stop for lunch at the Grape Escape Café followed by a tasting at the Richmond Plains/Te-Mania winery and then a real fruit ice cream made from local raspberries and boysenberries.
From Richmond you can choose to head to Mapua (Option A) or follow the Great Taste Trail all the way in to Nelson (Option B)
If you have chosen to ride via Mapua, great choice! From Richmond, Mapua is approximately 15 km’s. Enjoy the views from the coastal boardwalks of the Waimea Estuary and fertile farmland (home to a range of internationally significant bird species including the kotuku or white heron). Cross the spectacular Waimea Swing Bridge then on to Rabbit Island. Tip: If you are interested in wineries and tastings then we recommend a stop at the oldest and largest winery in Nelson, Seifried Estate.
The trail takes you along the main beach of Rabbit Island with beautiful scenery where you will come to the Ferry landing. Tip: Stop and explore the white sandy beaches and take a swim in the warm sea waters of Rabbit Island. If you prefer a more “fun” single track to the ferry, take Faulkners Track instead of the beach route.
A short trip across the channel on the iconic Mapua Ferry lands you at the Mapua Wharf. Here you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, shops and the Golden Bear Boutique Brewery before the return shuttle trip back to Nelson City.
If you decided to ride back to the Kiwi Journeys depot, there are many things to explore and taste. Some of the many options include stopping at Eddyline Brewery & Pizzeria, visiting Pics Peanut Butter World, McCashins Taproom and Nelsons Classic Car Museum. Detour off the trail to take the waterfront scenic route, exploring Tahunanui Beach, stand-up paddle boarding, many eateries and of course sample a craft beer.
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Option A: $175pp
Option B: $142pp
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Cycle equipment which includes trail comfort bike, light, helmet, repair kit, panniers or carrier bag, odometer and trail map
Bottled water
Transport: Nelson to Spooner’s Tunnel
Transport: Mapua Wharf to Nelson, Mapua Ferry (Option A)
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Summer (September to April)
Winter (May to August) - Weekends, School and Public Holidays only
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E-bike upgrade - $60 per day
Book Online
via Mapua
Direct to Nelson
