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Pigeon Valley Loop
5 days from $740 NZD
A fabulous loop ride, this is one for experienced cyclists with a good level of fitness. It's Nelson at it's absolute best.
Introduction
On this ride the beautiful scenery is food for the soul, especially the Motueka Valley section where the soft, lush river valley is idyllic cycling country. This loop route includes an on-road linking section over the Pigeon Valley Saddle on day two. The combination of the Pigeon and Motueka Valley sections make this ride an absolute treat and it would be a great electric bike option.
To ride all sections of the Great Taste Trail, add the Spooners Tunnel section to day one of this itinerary.
Explore the Pigeon Valley Loop ride with the interactive map below. Use the + to zoom in and explore the landscape on the trail. Click on the orange symbols and the route lines for more information. ↓
Itinerary
Stoke → Wakefield → Motueka → Kaiteriteri → Mapua → Stoke (173.5 km)
Day one
The Gentle Cycling Company to Wakefield (22 km)
This leg is on the Great Taste Trail Rail route and we recommend taking time to stop along the way as there is a lot to see. This is a day of breweries and vineyards, plus a cheese shop, galleries, cafes and a pottery shop. And the landscape here is full of history, including the charming villages of Brightwater and Wakefield. This is a very easy leg, it is flat all the way. The new Spooners Tunnel section of trail can be added to the route today. This Spooners Tunnel section of trail is due for completion by summer 2018/2019 - please check our news page for more information.
Day two
Wakefield to Motueka via Pigeon Valley & Riwaka (69 km)
This is an on-road leg and there is a bit of a climb today, up and over the Pigeon Valley Saddle (325 m), with a gravel section of 14 km. There are no shops or cafes between Wakefield and Riwaka. The road is marked with Great Taste Trail markers and has low traffic volumes though logging trucks can be expected occasionally in one short section. Once over the saddle (the summit is 11 km from Wakefield) Pigeon Valley is lush and gently rolling and you will see the first old tobacco kiln on this road. The settlements in this valley are often just one house or perhaps a little school. Woodstock (32 km from Wakefield) is simply a junction and accommodation in the Woodstock area is very limited. From Woodstock to Riwaka (33 km) is an on-road section which is very quiet and lovely – and gently downhill virtually all the way, following the Motueka River. Enjoy the occasional roadside fruit stall, the tobacco and hop kilns, lovely picnic spots (and one fabulous swimming spot) beside the river here. The on-road section rejoins the Great Taste Trail Coastal Route at Riwaka and from here it is an easy 4 km to the western edge of Motueka. The town is bustling and colourful during the summer fruit-picking season so take time to relax here.
Day three
Motueka to Kaiteriteri (17 km)
It’s a short day today, so you will have time to enjoy the beach at Kaiteriteri or book a half day trip in the Abel Tasman National Park. This section of the trail is “honesty box” country so expect some fresh fruit (in season) including apples, pears, nashi, grapes, feijoas, citrus and melons. Leaving Motueka the trail heads to Riwaka, a cute little village that is home to a great cafe and a craft brewery – so plan to stop there! After leaving Riwaka there is a section that goes right through a kiwifruit orchard before the trail rejoins the coast. The trail then climbs and drops beside the road for a section before ducking into the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park. This last section of 3.2 km, takes the Easy Rider Trail through the park. The surface is smooth and it is not technical but you might want to take it very gently as there are some tight corners. As the trail winds down through bush and pine trees you will soon get the first glimpse of your destination – the golden shores of Kaiteriteri Beach. The beach here is the departure point for boats travelling into the Abel Tasman National Park.
Extra night option: Kaiteriteri with Park Day
Why not add a day trip in the Abel Tasman National Park to your cycling holiday. This option includes a second night in Kaiteriteri. From your accommodation, it is an easy walk down to the beachfront where your Park Day begins. Book your Wilsons Abel Tasman trip with us (standard retail prices apply) to receive a complimentary picnic lunch. Prices start at $82 adult for an Open Day Pass. Please request the “Kaiteriteri with Park Day” version of this itinerary at time of booking.
Day four
Kaiteriteri to Mapua (43.5 km)
You will be retracing your route on the Coastal Trail back to Motueka today, before continuing on to Mapua. Leaving Motueka, the trail follows the coast around the edge of the town then travels to Lower Moutere. There is a great cafe here, on the site of Riverside Community – the oldest alternative community in NZ. From here, the trail rises to follow a rolling ridge, with spectacular views out to Tasman Bay and across to Nelson city. The descent into the village of Tasman is a beauty and there is another great cafe here, with a quirky garden. The last section through to Mapua travels past apple orchards before another lovely descent down to the coast. Mapua village has lots to offer, including great bakery and the old wharf – a casual spot with kids swimming, two busy cafes, a brewery and hot-smoked fish and chips best eaten straight out of the paper.
Extra night option: Linger Longer in Mapua
If you have time, we recommend you consider spending two nights in Mapua. There are plenty of great cafes here for evening meals and the extra day would allow time for an on-road day ride up to Upper Moutere. This is home to Katie Gold and Owen Bartlett Pottery, the fabulous Neudorf Vineyard and Mahana Vineyards. This area is dotted with hop farms (some of which are visible from the roads) and the Moutere Inn, specialising in local craft beers, is located in Upper Moutere. For those with an interest in art, wine or beer, this day in the Moutere area is a must. For more information on this Upper Moutere day ride route see the day three description on this itinerary. When booking, please request a “Linger Longer in Mapua” version of this itinerary to add an extra night here.
Day five
Mapua to The Gentle Cycling Company (22 km)
The final section of your ride today starts with the ferry trip, which departs from the Mapua Wharf and takes about 5 minutes. Landing on Rabbit Island, the Coastal Trail is flat all the way back to Stoke. The first 7 km section follows the beachfront at Rabbit Island, through pine forest. This area is a popular picnic and swimming spot. Leaving the beach, the trail meanders around an estuary edge and crosses some farmland before entering the urban area of Richmond. There is an industrial strip here before you meet the Rail Route to continue into Stoke. And McCashins Brewery Café is perfectly positioned for a celebration drink before returning to base at The Gentle Cycling Company – mission accomplished.
Price
Pigeon Valley Loop 5 day trip
From $740 (adult, twin share)
E Bike surcharge $225
Includes 4 nights accommodation, twin share
Pigeon Valley Loop 6 day trip
From $863 (adult, twin share)
E Bike surcharge $270
Includes 5 nights accommodation, twin share
Please request one of these options at time of booking:
“Kaiteriteri Overnight with Park Day” option. (Includes a night in Kaiteriteri with a day trip in the Abel Tasman the following day. Starting price does not include Abel Tasman trip)
“Linger Longer in Mapua”. (Includes 2 nights in Mapua)
Pigeon Valley Loop 7 day trip
From $1010 (adult, twin share)
E bike surcharge $315
Please request the “Kaiteriteri Overnight with Park Day” and “Linger Longer in Mapua” options at time of booking