Extended Trail to Ride - Kohatu to Hidden Sculpture Garden

“Road Markers” by artist David Carson - entrance to Hidden Sculpture Garden

The completion of another off-road section of the Great Taste Trail opens the opportunity to ride the full Great Taste Trail loop route through the village of Tapawera. This is the final piece of trail to be constructed, as part of the NZ Cycle Trails Great Rides project. Here at The Gentle Cycling Company we will be adding an itinerary to our website soon, for this “Tapawera Loop.”

Great things do happen in Covid-19 Alert level 2. Until now, the Great Taste Trail (inland) from Nelson via Wakefield to Spooners Tunnel finished at the Flatrock Cafe at Kohatu. This new section of trail (about 3.5 km) from the Kohatu to the Hidden Sculpture Garden was opened for riding on Saturday 16 May 2020.

The Hidden Sculpture Garden is the home and work place of artist David Carson. Carson’s large scale works using found wood and metal are displayed here in an expansive meadow and lake setting.

People got out and enjoyed the abundant autumn colours, riding the new section of trail on the opening weekend. The Nelson Cycle Trails Trust have advised that the trail should be completed to Tapawera for summer 2020. The Great Taste Trail Master Map here shows point to point distances for the whole of the Great Taste Trail.

Flat Rock Cafe at Kohatu

Kohatu - signage to Tapawera and Spooners Tunnel