- Ride Length
- 63 km
- Riding Time
- 4-6 hours
- Grade
- 3: Intermediate
- Status
- Complete
If you are seeking valleys and mountains, join the cycle trail at Tapawera. Be at one with nature amid vistas of the mountains, back country rural farmlands, crystal clear rivers and big skies. Outside of the towns at each end, you are away from cafes and shops, so make sure you are fuelled up for this section as there are few options for re-supply.
Tapawera is a prime producer of blackcurrants, berries and hops, as well as dairy, beef and sheep. Surrounded by stunning scenery, trout-filled rivers and national parks, tourism is also rapidly growing. So plenty of tastes sensations to appreciate.
This section is more challenging than the rest of the Great Taste Trail. Much of the trail is on rural gravel road, shared by vehicles including logging trucks and milk tankers. Please keep left at all times and take care as there are sections of loose gravel. If you are on an e-bike make sure you have sufficient battery for the route, which includes a hill climb. As you are in the back-country, there are no charging facilities and cell-phone coverage is limited.
From Tapawera there is a 15km stretch on gravel road up to the Baton Saddle and then a satisfying descent to the purpose built for cyclists Baton River Swing bridge. Although the Baton bridge is fully open for use, there are still final changes being completed in the area adjacent to the structure including a purpose-built rest area and wayfinding signage. Cycle trail then follows the Baton Valley Road for 14km to Woodstock.
From Woodstock to Riwaka you are mostly on-road so please take extra care and watch for traffic. With beautiful scenery the ride is an enjoyable section where the kilometres will pass quickly under your wheels. You will be peddling through orchards, hop gardens, farmland and native bush on quiet back-roads, running between the Motueka River and the eastern boundary of Kahurangi National Park.
On a warm summer day choose from numerous picturesque swimming spots along the Motueka River to have a refreshing paddle.
Get a Taste of …
Hop farms, Baton Valley, Baton River, views to Kahurangi National Park, remote rural life, Motueka River (swimming holes) and bush poetry.
