The Great Taste Trail is a trail built for cyclists, providing an off-road route through some of the most delicious and scenic landscapes of NZ
The Great Taste Trail is a well-formed and marked trail built for cyclists. Providing an off-road route through most of the delicious and scenic landscapes of Nelson / Tasman, it is also regularly used by locals.
Much of the trail is easy, flat riding in a heritage landscape of rolling hills and plains, lush valleys and beautiful golden beaches. For foodies, and lovers of wine, craft beer, or art, this trail has it all.
The Great Taste Trail consists of two main off-road sections. The inland section of trail, locally known as the Rail Route, passes through the densest area of wineries accessible from the trail. The Coastal Route travels through stunning rural and coastal landscapes. Connecting these two sections is an on-road section of the Great Taste Trail that should only be navigated by people who are comfortable with road riding. Cyclists should also note that this section is the last to be developed and therefore has the lowest concentration of accommodation and places to buy food and drinks. We have great relationships with places to stay in this remote region and have helped hundreds of happy cyclists explore this remote and rewarding section of the trail.
Tasman’s Great Taste Trail is part of a network of 23 Great Rides developed throughout the country under the NZ Cycle Trails Project. The first section of Tasman’s Great Taste Trail opened in 2012. Completing the full circuit of the Great Taste Trail requires approximately 200km of cycling. Diverse landscapes and a variety of “tastes” of this region make the Great Taste Trail a popular Great Ride for many of the people who complete a tour.
Rail Route & Coastal Route
The Rail Route and Coastal Route are off-road. The Rail Route runs south to Kohatu & Tapawera. The Coastal Route runs west to Kaiteriteri. The Coastal Route ends at Kaiteriteri – gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. It is easy to combine an Abel Tasman day trip or multi day trip with one of our multi day itineraries.
Interactive Map
Explore the Great Taste Trail with the interactive map below. Use the + and – to enlarge and reduce. Click on the orange symbols and the coloured route lines for more information
Multi Day Tours
Guided / Unguided
If you are wanting to extend your adventure out for more than a day, check out our un-guided and guided multi-day trip packages, that include bike hire (or you can bring your own), accommodation, transfers and more. Our guided multi-day trips on the Great Taste Trail are designed to enable you to ride the trail in a supported group, safe in the knowledge that you will see all the best things along the way.
Single Day Tours
Guided / Unguided
Check out our full day and half day, guided or unguided packages on the Great Taste Trail. You can choose from our tours: Spooners Tunnel, Marvelous Moutere, Rabbit Island Picnic, Great Taste Wine, one of our Great Taste Beer tours or the Great Taste Goose Chase. We can also design a bespoke adventure for you – get in touch!