Great Taste Trail, Tasman Bay Access Kaiteriteri Waterfront Grade Easy/Moderate Time 4-5Hr Distance 33Km Map BP25, BQ25 Descript

Great Taste Trail, Tasman Bay

Access Kaiteriteri waterfront Grade Easy/moderate Time 4-5hr Distance 33km Map BP25, BQ25

Description The stretch of Great Taste Trail from Riwaka to Kaiteriteri officially opened in October 2014. Set off from Kaiteriteri beach, cross the bridge and turn right along Martin Farm Rd before veering left up a track underneath the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park sign. The track zigzags up the hill through pine forest before flattening out, with gaps in the trees allowing photo stops over Tapu Bay. Keep following the blue Great Taste Trail signs pointing to Motueka. Zigzag downhill towards the road, under which the track ducks through a tunnel before continuing up a hill with the ocean to your left. After this is a glorious descent to the flats of Riwaka; following the coastline at first, then across the new bridge over Riwaka River into an orchard. Cycle through the orchard, then follow the main road into Riwaka before continuing down School Rd, turning right along Lodder Lane and turning left when rejoining the main road. A designated cycleway heads over the narrow bridge crossing the Motueka River, delightfully separate from the traffic and, as you approach the 50km/h sign into Motueka, hang a left down Staples St to a lovely stretch of coastline, where the track runs parallel to Motueka Sandspit. The trail follows Motueka Quay, passing the rusting remains of the Janie Seddon, before veering right along Old Wharf Rd. Head left, immediately after the cemetery, along a track which follows the edge of the estuary, bending right, following Wharf Road to a roundabout. Take the second exist and follow the road towards Lower Moutere. You’ll soon reach Riverside Community Café, then follow country lanes up and over the hills (there’s a long drop toilet at the highest point for those who have really strained to reach it). From the top it’s not long to Harley Rd and, subsequently, a fantastic reward for all the previous hard work. You’ll barely need to pedal as you rocket downhill towards the Coastal Highway. As the road bends to the right to join the highway, fork left and continue for another 300m or so before a track leads right, ducking through a beautifully painted tunnel under SH60 and heading into Tasman village.

Elevation Profile

© Wilderness Magazine, www.wildernessmag.co.nz Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to map this route correctly, Wilderness Magazine does not take responsibility for any errors in the route. Users should use discretion when planning their routes and gather as much information as possible before departing.

Great Taste Trail, map1

Great Taste Trail, map2

Great Taste Trail, map3