Trail Grades and Safety

Our trails have been graded according to the trail grade standards set out by NZ Cycle Trails. You can read them here.

We recommend riders are fit and well prepared and we encourage you to know your limits and choose a trail that's suitable for all the riders in your group. Also be aware that there are areas on the trails where there is no cellphone reception. You may want to carry a Personal Locator Beacon in these areas. Check network coverage here.

We recommend you check the weather before starting the trail.  Check it here.

 

Tasman's Great Taste Trail

Get an extraordinary taste of all Nelson Tasman has to offer, by biking the Great Taste Trail.

Experience the region’s towns, ride past orchards and vineyards, sparkling coastlines, rivers and hill valleys. It’s called The Great ‘Taste’ Trail because of the incredible diversity of experiences you sample along the trail.

You will traverse the edge of internationally significant coastal estuary systems, home to a number of rare bird species. Meander along Rabbit Island’s beach front, and drink in spectacular views of the coast, the mountains and Tasman Bay. Along the way you can pay a visit to the world-renowned Abel Tasman National Park, that is just the scenery!

The trail also lives up to its name with opportunities to refuel on quality coffee, real-fruit ice-cream, cafés and restaurants as well as offerings from famous local craft breweries and award-winning wineries. Some of these are trail-side, and others slightly off the trail, but make for fun exploring if you have the time.

This is a New Zealand Great Ride, 200km long, with two thirds being off-road trails.  You can choose a section or two and head out for a couple of hours, take the whole day, or enjoy a multi-day biking adventure.

Coastal sections are graded 1-2, and are largely flat, easy riding. There are a few more challenging grade 3 sections in the hill valleys.

 

Approximate riding times (excluding stops):

  • Town to Country: Nelson CBD | Airport | Richmond | Brightwater | Wakefield | 2-3 hours

  • Sparkling Coastline: Richmond | Rabbit Island | Mapua | Motueka | Riwaka | Kaiteriteri Beach | 4-6 hours

  • Rural Tasman: Wakefield | Spooners Tunnel | Tapawera | 2-3 hours
  • Back and Beyond: Tapawera | Baton River | Pokororo| Riwaka | 4-6 hours

View the trail map

Tasman's Great Taste Trail Map