TASMAN's GREAT TASTE Trail

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TASMAN’S GREAT TASTE Trail TASMAN’S GREAT TASTE TRAIL

Motueka Estuary NELSON © Chocolate Dog Studio ROUND TRIP showcases an enviable coastline TRAIL INFO with gorgeous white-sand beaches. Starting in Nelson, the trail passes 3-5 days 159km over boardwalks along the edge of the Waimea Estuary, home to a range of bird species, before 3-5 Days Much more than just a cycle trail, this is crossing over to Rabbit Island and 16-159km taking a short boat trip to Mapua. an adventure for mind, body and palate. Further on, the trail visits Motueka Not only is the scenery so beautiful it’s hard and its wineries, Kaiteriteri – gateway to the stunning Abel to keep focussed, there’s a multitude of Tasman National Park, and the TRAIL GRADES: places to stop and enjoy outstanding food Motueka River before heading to Wakeﬁeld on an unsealed NELSON TO WAKEFIELD GRADE 2 (EASY) and wine, stay the night, take a dip in the undulating country road that climbs NELSON TO MAPUA sparkling sea or browse the galleries. up to 300m (this will be replaced with a ﬂatter route via Tapawera GRADE 2 (EASY) and Kohatu Junction in the future). MAPUA TO MOTUEKA he trail is 159km in its afternoon cruise or a week of GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) entirety, comprising a scenic riding. Vineyards, breweries, From Wakefeld, the trail returns to MOTUEKA TO KAITERITERI network of cycleways that orchards, restaurants, cafés, Nelson on purpose-built cycle paths GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) T and lanes. From Wakefeld, a 26km gently wander along the coast boutiques and galleries are all RIWAKA TO WOODSTOCK and into the hinterland and can dotted throughout the picturesque return side trip can be taken to GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) be adjusted to suit a bite-size countryside, and the coastal leg historic Spooners Tunnel. WOODSTOCK TO WAKEFIELD GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) WAKEFIELD TO NORRIS GULLY GRADE 2 (EASY) look out for... Kaiteriteri Mountain MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Bike Park Available throughout the trail. Abel Tasman adventure, from gliding between This purpose-built 180ha DRINKING WATER: Water can beautiful bays by kayaking, off-road park is maintained National Park be purchased at shops at each sailing, skydiving or hiking the by enthusiastic volunteers With stunning azure water township along the trail. Some renowned Abel Tasman Coast who have helped shape fringed by native forest and drinking water is available at Track to unwinding on a stretch the park into a mountain blinding white-sand beaches, reserves such as on Rabbit of sparkling sand. You might even biking mecca. The park has you’d be forgiven for thinking Island. The largest distance spot shags, gannets and little trails for all skill levels and you’re on a tropical island at without water supply is between blue penguins diving for their is a hit with both locals and this national park. It offers Richmond and Rabbit Island dinner and fur seals lounging on visitors. (15km). an ideal mix of relaxation and the rocks.

79 © AA Traveller 2018 If you’re the creative type, you’ll feel right at MAP LEGEND 6 TT home in Nelson. open section town

section under café/restaurant Riwaka construction toilets Brooklyn start / finish point Nelson City T camping amous for its seafood, Museum where you will see fabric, art e r point of interest g e n v a ad i shelter horticulture, fruit and hop- and the human form combined with R o R r R ka AA Service u n k e growing and wine production, awe-inspiring results and a feet of h a u accommodation t B t F r o i-SITE Visitor Centre Nelson is the complete package for prestige cars. A st M We 1 state highway 6 tunnel wining and dining. Don’t miss the You can also learn about the lives Tasman chance to eat out here, whether it’s at of Nelson’s frst European settlers a fne-dining restaurant, local winery Ngatimoti at Broadgreen Historic House and or farmers’ market. Founders Heritage Park, tour the Ruby Bay Creativity is in the air here; Nelson world in six acres at Gardens of the Tasman Bay 6 has a vibrant arts and crafts World or browse the stalls at the ferry Rabbit Island TASMAN’S GREAT TASTE TRAIL WDTC scene. Discover it at the Nelson Market held every Saturday, TASMAN’S GREAT TASTE TRAIL NN studios of sculptors, where you can pick up arts and crafts, Thorpe painters, glass artisan produce and fantastic coffee. Dovedale Airport blowers, fashion If you’re seeking some fun activities, D Waimea ove designers thrill-seeking activities abound here. da 6 Estuary Stoke Stanley Brook le Dovedale Hill and jewellery Road Take a helicopter ride, skydive, go Summit 326m makers. Or, Motueka River quad-biking or canyoning, or fy like a head for one Richmond bird on the world’s longest fying fox – 6 of its cultural to name just a few. Pigeon Valley stand-outs – Road Brightwater Spooners Tunnel © Chocolate Dog Studio On the opposite end of the scale, Tapawera RIGHT: Nelson © davidwallphoto.com there’s The Suter Art rejuvenate at a boutique spa retreat Gallery, the World of or have a therapeutic treatment from WearableArt & Classic Cars WD e one of the many wellbeing specialists. ng Nelson Wai-iti a Kohatu n R after Admiral Lord Nelson • 134km W of Picton rdo Norris Gully 6 Belgrove Go

6 Spooners Tunnel TAHUNATAHUNA BEACH riding the trail KIWI HOLIDAYBEACH PARK & MOTEL NELSONNELSON after this a left turn takes you across KIWI HOLIDAY PARK & MOTEL Nelson Wakefield Woodstock Motueka Mapua Nelson TAHUNA BEACH the road onto a trail through farmland New Zealand’s best remembered 30km 30km 38km 26km 35km to Brightwater on the return journey KIWI HOLIDAY PARK & MOTEL NELSON 400m to Nelson. holiday destination since 1926 200m WAKEFIELD TO 0m New Zealand’s best remembered NORRIS GULLY, 22KM New Zealand’s best remembered NELSON TO WAKEFIELD, 30KM short hill climbs and panoramic views trail to Kaiteriteri turns right, go straight Spooners Tunnel can be visited as holidayholiday destinationdestination sincesince 19261926 OR NELSON TO MAPUA, 35KM to Lower Moutere, Motueka and ahead onto Factory Rd and through a side trip from Wakefeld. South of Starting from the Nelson i-SITE, follow Tasman Bay. Brooklyn to the West Bank Rd. Follow Wakefeld the route is on highway the Railway Reserve cycle path through the signs to Woodstock, crossing the for 5km to Wai-iti and then is back to MOTUEKA TO Nelson and Stoke. At Richmond, the Motueka River back to the main road on off-road trail. It goes alongside the trail splits in two. Either ride around the KAITERITERI, 16KM the third bridge. After about 300m on Wai-iti River and pastoral countryside, Waimea Estuary, across a custom-built Shortly after connecting with the coastal the main road turn left onto a side road then plantation forestry following swing bridge over the Waimea River to highway as you enter Motueka, the trail to Woodstock. the old railway line to the 1.4km- Rabbit Island and then by ferry to turns right. It heads out to the coast for long Spooners Tunnel. The tunnel WOODSTOCK TO Mapua, or carry on straight ahead a section before turning back inland to is not lit so a torch is required; you towards Wakefeld. Please note from cross the Motueka River to Riwaka. From WAKEFIELD, 30KM will also need a warm clothing layer. 1 May to 24 September the ferry to Riwaka it’s back towards and along the Follow the signs to the gravel Pigeon Spooners Tunnel is NZ’s longest Mapua only operates on weekends coast, with a short climb on a forest trail Valley Rd to Wakeﬁeld, which goes over decommissioned rail tunnel, the 5th through the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike and public/school holidays. a 300m saddle in pine forest. It’s used by longest tunnel open to cycling and 70 Beach Road, Tahunanui, Nelson Park to Kaiteriteri Beach. logging trucks on weekdays. Please pull walking in the world, and the longest in P 03 548 5159 E [email protected] MAPUA TO MOTUEKA, 26KM over and let them pass. the southern hemisphere. Freecall reservations: 0800 500 501 www.tahunabeach.co.nz From the Mapua wharf follow the signs RIWAKA TO At Wakeﬁeld, connect back onto the cycle From Norris Gully, you can continue through the back streets of Mapua, then WOODSTOCK 32KM trail to Richmond and Nelson. Cross the on the main road for 27km to Kohatu, along the coast to Ruby Bay. From here This section leaves the cycle trail for 70 Beach Road, Tahunanui, Nelson main highway and head up a short hill to Tapawera and Woodstock, or retrace the trail heads inland with a couple of a sealed back-country road along the P 03 548 5159 E [email protected] the cycle trail in front of the church. Soon your route back through the tunnel. Motueka River. After Riwaka where the Freecall reservations: 0800 500 501 www.tahunabeach.co.nz

80 81 Fun at Mapua Wharf From coastal splendour and picturesque © NelsonNZ.com Just minutes from Nelson’s CBD, locales to enterprising towns and the LEFT: Waimea Estuary, Tasman’s Tahunanui Beach has safe Great Taste Trail © Chocolate swimming and is great for a appealing city of Nelson, there’s plenty to Dog Studio Motueka grab your attention. family day out. Motueka has a pioneering culture of innovation, creativity and living in Along the trail balance with the land.

ot far from Nelson, the former Post Office, for example. Richmond boasts a Beautifully secluded, with plenty of Ncollection of vineyards, sunshine and three unforgettable most of which are within a 20km beaches, Kaiteriteri is a favourite radius. The area is home to potters, Kiwi holiday spot. Water activities glass blowers, wood turners, metal predominate here – spend the smiths and producers of feece day swimming, kayaking or boating

TASMAN’S GREAT TASTE TRAIL garments. There’s a large mall with before dining at one of the TASMAN’S GREAT TASTE TRAIL plenty of cafés, big-box shopping waterfront restaurants. stores and a busy downtown. The Known for its aromatic smoked Aniseed Valley, heading south out seafood, Mapua is an essential of the town, is home to popular stop for any food-lover. The walking tracks and swimming and refurbished waterfront is home to BBQ spots. cafés and fne-dining restaurants, Wakefield is a pretty frontier town with superb views to complement Ruby Bay is the beautiful bay and home of Wakefeld Bakery, the great cuisine. The wharf also Motueka waterfront © AbelTasman.com lining the seaward side of Mapua, rated as making some of the best has a range of shops and galleries. INSET: Family and kitesurfers, Tahunanui Beach, Nelson © NelsonNZ.com a busy tourist town. pies in New Zealand. Some of the If you’re feeling energetic, pick up architecture dates back to the bikes here and take the ferry over 1840s – the Anglican Church and to the trails of Rabbit Island. here is a wealth of artists and craftspeople here, great galleries Kaiteriteri and shops and an excellent museum. Motueka is important for misspelling of Kaiteretere (eat on the run) • 13km N of Motueka Tits fishing, hops, pip fruit, kiwifruit and vineyards. You’ll find your COME AND SAY HI! caffeine fix at the marina or enjoy a meal at one of the many eateries. And see how Pic's Peanut With locations in Nelson, A local icon, the wreck of the historic Janie Seddon, can be seen rusting Butter makers expertly craft Mapua & Kaiteriteri, Trail away on the foreshore. New Zealand's best loved Journeys are your ‘Great Motueka is an excellent place to base yourself for canyoning, skydiving, peanut butter. Taste Trail’ specialists with: Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park • With approx 30km of track scenic flights, winery tours, horse trekking and excursions into the sits on forested slopes behind network, the park offers trails to • Bike hire & sales our iconic golden beach. All impressive surrounding national parks, Kahurangi and Abel Tasman. It’s skill levels – beginner, intermediate • Single & multi-day adventures year round riding and situated and advanced. also a short drive from a number of idyllic beaches, including Kaiteriteri, a stone’s throw from our Free factory • Independent & guided tour options • The grade 2 EASY RIDER forms • Trail transport Marahau and the beautiful bays of Abel Tasman National Park. accommodation and many part of the Tasman Great tours: 10am, delicious food and beverage • Luggage transfers Taste Trail cycleway, connecting Monday-Friday. On rainy days, try the climbing wall, or the Gecko Theatre, a quirky options. Kaiteriteri, via Martin Farm Rd, to • e-Bikes Bookings essential via independent theatre with cushions, couches, popcorn served in bowls the Kaiteriteri-Riwaka Rd. website. • Mountain biking and arthouse films as well as Hollywood releases. The Saltwater Baths • Visit our website for more detailed • Mapua Ferry information and maps. 18 Elms Street, Wakatu Estate, Stoke on the foreshore, filled by the incoming tide, is another local favourite. Phone: +64 3 544 8402 Now operating on the Email: [email protected] West Coast Wilderness Trail! www.picspeanutbutter.com www.experiencekaiteriteri.co.nz Ph. 0800 CYCLE TRAILS (292 538), +64 3 548 0093 or BOOK ONLINE! Mapua email: [email protected] • www.trailjourneysnelson.co.nz Motueka Abel Tasman National Park abundant • 33km W of Nelson on SH 60 clump of trees with weka (native woodhen) • 46km NW of Nelson on SH 60 after Dutch navigator Abel Tasman

• Great Taste Trail specialists Email: [email protected] EXPLORE • Bespoke itineraries www.nautiluslodge.co.nz ZEALAN EW D’S • Specialising in premium and luxury tours N * * • Discover hidden gems, wineries and

P artisans IO Y N NE A ER MP • Park located on the Great Taste Trail. • Abel Tasman National Park ING KAYAK CO • Café, pool, tennis courts, sauna, and other activities activities on site. can be included Tariff: • Close to Abel Tasman & Nelson. (2 persons) • Clothes optional Feb-Mar. Park motels $124-$165 • Accommodation from cabins right through Cabins & Kitchen cabins to fully self-contained motel units. Modern, Spacious, Air-conditioned Studio, $65-$106. Beach house $325 Local People Power sites $36-$52 1-Bedroom & Superior Units 33 Toru St, Mapua • Ph: +64 3 540 2666 + Local Knowledge Spa Baths • Sky 50+ Channels • DVD Players Tent sites $36-$42 www.mapualeisurepark.co.nz = Great Experiences Secure bike storage : Winter specials. www.wheeliefantastic.co.nz Adjacent to Shops, Restaurants & Cafés UNLIMITED Email: bookings@ mapualeisurepark.co.nz Tel: +64 3 543 2245 or 0800 2 CYCLE Reservations: 0800 NAUTILUS (0800 628 845) or +64 3 528 4658 82 83