Trail Notices and Grades

We use the standard grading system for the New Zealand Cycle Trail to communicate what level of fitness/ skill is needed to ride each trail.

Dogs are not allowed on several sections of the Tasman's Great Taste Trail, including Spooners Tunnel and Rabbit Island. Read Tasman District Council's bylaw on dogs and other animals on Tasman's Great Taste Trail here.

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.

Great Taste Trail - Advisory - DETOUR on Lower Queen Street - approach to Kidson Bridge effective from 20 January 2026

Trail Notice – Kidson Bridge Access (Richmond Side)

Work has started on rerouting the trail approach to Kidson Bridge over the Waimea River, as part of strengthening the Tasman Great Taste Trail following the June/July flood events. A temporary detour is now in place taking riders and walkers along the river and up to the bridge.

Please follow the detour signage — as heavy machinery is operating in the area. Thanks for your patience as we build back better.

Great Taste Trail - Advisory - DETOUR on Lower Queen Street - approach to Kidson Bridge effective from 20 January 2026

Great Taste Trail Post 2025 Weather Event Trail Status - Update 23 January

Post Weather Event - Tasman Great Taste Trail Update - see trail map

Notice of Forestry Harvesting Operations on Tunnel Road (Northern Access to Spooners Tunnel)

From: 3 February 2026 to April (finishing date TBC).

Due to urgent forestry harvesting operations following the July 2025 storm, there will be logging trucks using Tunnel Road on Tasman's Great Taste Trail.

Weekdays: Tunnel Road will be open to cyclists only. Marshals will be on site when there are logging trucks and other vehicles present. Please expect delays and follow instructions at all times, there may be delays. Sorry no walkers.

Weekends & public holidays - Open to all recreation users Spooners Tunnel remains open. Walkers to access the Tunnel from Spooners Carpark during weekdays.

❌ Sections CLOSED Until Further Notice:

Wakefield to Quail Valley Road - Detour options below
Pokororo Bridge to Ngatimoti - Detour via the Motueka River West Bank Rd

DETOURS & Alternative transport options.

Shuttle services are available between Wakefield and Quail Valley Road - contact one of the local cycle tour operators.

For those who prefer cycling, there are two on-road detour options to ride between Wakefield and Quail Valley Road (note, both options are on road where traffic may travel at 100km/hr):

(Blue route below - recommended) From Wakefield, follow Eighty Eight Valley Road to the end. Turn right onto Wai-iti Valley Road until it joins the Great Taste Trail at State Highway 6. This option is using back roads with lower traffic volume and has signage showing the way. Please note there is no food or water options on this detour. The distance of this detour is 23km.
(Purple route below - for confident riders) From Wakefield, follow State Highway 6 to Quail Valley Road, where you can rejoin the Great Taste Trail. The distance of this detour is 8km.