TASMAN’S GREAT TASTE TRAIL TASTE GREAT TASMAN’S TASMAN’S GREAT TASTE Trail Tasman View Heights © Tasman’s Great Taste Trail BELOW LEFT: Bar, Mapua Wharf BELOW RIGHT: Abel Tasman National Park Both © NelsonNZ.com Trail Info NELSON KAITERITERI 1-4 DAYS 38-175km 1-4 Days Tasman’s Great Taste Trail starts from Nelson Airport or 38-175km hills with a gorgeous backdrop of Nelson i-SITE and offers panoramic coastal views over forest and mountains. Tasman Bay, Waimea Estuary and the Western Ranges. From Woodstock, a Grade 3 route heads over Dovedale hill to Wakefi eld TRAIL GRADES: iders pass over boardwalks From Mapua the route leads via on a hilly country road. This route is NELSON TO WAKEFIELD along the edge of the Tasman and Harley Rd to Motueka, temporary and will be replaced with a - GRADE 2 (EASY) Waimea Estuary, home to a which hosts award-winning wineries, fl atter route via Tapawera and Kohatu NELSON TO MAPUA R - GRADE 2 (EASY) range of internationally signifi cant bird then on to Kaiteriteri, the gateway to Junction in future. species, including the white heron and the Abel Tasman National Park. MAPUA TO MOTUEKA From Wakefi eld, Tasman’s Great Taste royal spoonbill. - GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) The Motueka Valley section of the Trail returns to Nelson on purpose- MOTUEKA TO KAITERITERI From here the trail crosses to Rabbit trail from Riwaka goes to Woodstock built cycle paths and lanes and takes - GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) Island, where riders can take a boat on country roads along the Motueka riders through vineyards and cafés, RIWAKA TO WOODSTOCK trip to Mapua wharf and enjoy cottage River’s west bank. The picturesque with various accommodation options. - GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) industry shops, cafés and restaurants. landscape is one of rivers and rolling The full loop is currently 165km. WOODSTOCK TO WAKEFIELD - GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) LOOK OUT FOR... MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Available throughout the trail. Mapua Flavours Abel Tasman National Park DRINKING WATER: Water Known for its aromatic smoked seafood, The Abel Tasman may be New Zealand’s a yacht, swim with seals, paddle a sea may be purchased at dairies and Mapua is an essential stop for any smallest national park (22,530ha), but kayak or go skydiving here. Water taxis supermarkets at each township food-lover. The it’s big on exquisite natural features. to the park are along the trail. Some drinking water waterfront cafés When you’re unwinding on a stretch of available from is also available at reserves such and fi ne-dining golden sand here you could be forgiven Kaiteriteri and as on Rabbit Island. The largest restaurants offer for thinking you’re on a tropical island. Marahau. Road superb views to You can spend your days exploring the access is via distance without water supply is from complement the beautiful bays and coves by yourself Kaiteriteri and Richmond to Rabbit Island, 15km. great cuisine. or with a guide. You can also charter then Marahau. 83 Nelson Wakefi eld Woodstock Motueka Mapua Nelson TASMAN’S GREAT TASTE TRAIL TASTE GREAT TASMAN’S 30km 30km 38km 26km 35km © AA Traveller 2015 MAP LEGEND 60 KAITERITERI open section tunnel optional route town Riwaka section under café/restaurant ge Brooklyn construction n MOTUEKA toilets a start / fi nish point R r r d e camping u oa iv point of interest R a R h n k k shelter t a e r B tu AA Service A st Mo We accommodation 60 i-SITE Visitor Centre Tasman 1 state highway Ngatimoti Ruby Bay Tasman Bay 6 ferry Rabbit Island WOODSTOCK MAPUA NELSON Thorpe Dovedale D Waimea ove da 60 Estuary Stanley Brook le Dovedale Hill Road Summit 326m Motueka River Richmond 6 Pigeon Valley Tapawera Road Brightwater WAKEFIELD ge Kohatu an R Belgrove on Gord 6 6 Spooners Tunnel RIDING THE TRAIL Follow the signs to Woodstock, crossing the “In the region’s fantastic Nelson to Wakefi eld, 30km Motueka to Kaiteriteri, or Nelson to Mapua, 35km 16km Motueka River back to the main road on the sunny environment, third bridge. After about 300m on the main Starting from the Nelson i-SITE, follow the Shortly after connecting with the coastal road turn left onto a side road to Woodstock. enjoy leisurely riding Railway Reserve cycle path through Nelson. highway as you enter Motueka, the trail through some stunning At the northern edge of Richmond, the trail turns right on Courtenay St. It heads out to Woodstock to Wakefi eld, splits in two. Either ride around the Waimea the coast for several kms before turning back 30km scenery – from Estuary, across a custom-built swingbridge inland to cross the Motueka River to Riwaka. Follow the signs to the gravel Pigeon Valley boardwalks around the over the Waimea River to Rabbit Island and From Riwaka it’s back towards and along the Rd to Wakefi eld, which goes over a 300m Waimea Estuary, through then by ferry to Mapua, or carry on straight coast, with a short climb on an easy forest saddle in pine forest. It’s used by logging ahead towards Richmond. trail through the Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike trucks on weekdays. Please pull over and let forested trails on Rabbit Mapua to Motueka, 26km Park and to Kaiteriteri Beach. them pass. At Wakefi eld connect back onto Island to a ferry ride the cycle trial to Richmond and Nelson. Cross From the Mapua wharf follow the signs Riwaka - Woodstock 32km the main highway onto Edward St and head across to a delicious through the back streets of Mapua, then This section leaves the cycle trail for a up a short hill to the cycle trail in front of the along the coast to Ruby Bay. From here the back-country road along the Motueka River. lunch in Mapua...” church. Soon after this a left turn takes you trail heads inland with a couple of hill climbs After Riwaka where the trail to Kaiteriteri onto a trail through farmland to Brightwater Richard Kempthorne, and panoramic views to Lower Moutere, turns right, go straight ahead onto Factory Rd Mayor of Tasman on the return journey to Nelson. Motueka and Tasman Bay. and through Brooklyn to the West Bank Rd. 84 TASMAN’S GREAT TASTE TRAIL TASTE GREAT TASMAN’S things to do... Tasman View Heights © Tasman Great Taste Trail TOP RIGHT: Fisherman, Ruby Bay, Nelson BOTTOM RIGHT: Family and kitesurfers, Tahunanui Beach, Nelson © NelsonNZ.com Ruby Bay Ruby Bay is the beautiful bay lining the seaward side of Mapua, a bustling tourist town. ALONGSIDE THE TRAIL park is maintained by enthusiastic Tahunanui Beach volunteers who are helping to shape and develop the park into a mountain Just minutes from the Nelson city From fantastic coastal spots and picturesque inland locales, to enterprising biking mecca. It’s already proving to be centre, this beach has safe swimming towns and the always appealing city of Nelson, there’s a lot to grab your a hit with locals and visitors, with a wide and is great for a family day out. attention along this trail. range of trails to suit all skill levels. Nelson Not far from Nelson, Richmond is look closely you’ll discover studios and after Admiral Lord Nelson • 110km W of Picton one of the fastest-growing areas of galleries tucked away in the area. the country and boasts a collection of Kaiteriteri is a holiday hotspot in vineyards, most of which are within a secluded location with plenty of a 20km radius of the town. The artists sunshine and three unforgettable here, including potters, glass blowers beaches, all combining to create a Kiwi and woodturners, won’t fail to impress. favourite. As you can imagine, water Wakefi eld is a small town with historical activities are popular here – spend the architecture dating back to the 1800s – day swimming, kayaking or boating see the Anglican Church and the former before checking out the waterfront Post Offi ce, for example. This is another cafés. Kaiteriteri is also a haven for town along the trail that’s popular with mountain bikers – the purpose-built artists and craftspeople, and if you Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park is a fantastic attraction. This 180ha off-road Mapua abundant • 33km W of Nelson on SH 60 castles motel 44 TAHUNANUI DRIVE, NELSON BOOK DIRECT: www.castlesmotel.kiwi.nz • 11 SPACIOUS STUDIO & 1-BRM UNITS • Park located on the Great Taste Trail. • SPA UNITS AVAILABLE • Café, pool, tennis courts, sauna, • FULL KITCHENS activities on site. • 32” FLATSCREEN LED TVS • FREE WIFI Tariff : • CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST AVAIL • Close to Abel Tasman & Nelson. (2 persons) • WALK TO BEACH/RESTAURANTS/ • Clothes optional Feb-Mar. Park motels $115-$154 • Accommodation from back backpackers CAFÉS/PLAYGROUND Cabins & Kitchen cabins • 5MIN DRIVE TO AIRPORT AND right through to fully self-contained units. $50-$99. Beach house $325 INTO NELSON CBD 33 Toru St, Mapua • Ph: 03 540 2666 Power sites $34-$50 • TARIFF FROM $110 (2 PERSONS) Tent sites $34-$40 EXTRA PERSON $20 www.mapualeisurepark.co.nz Winter specials. Phone: 03 548 5089 RESERVATIONS: 0800 450 555 Email: bookings@ mapualeisurepark.co.nz Email: [email protected] 85 TASMAN’S GREAT TASTE TRAIL TASTE GREAT TASMAN’S World of WearableArt & Classic Cars © NelsonNZ.com NELSON NELSON’S ART & CULTURE If you’re the creative type, you’ll love can also learn about Nelson’s history Nelson – the city is full of fantastic at the city’s heritage sites. Broadgreen original arts and crafts. There are Historic House and Founders Heritage frequent exhibitions of original artwork, Park are well worth checking out, with and you can visit the workshop of a local both portraying early settler life in the painter, sculptor, fashion designer, glass area.