Spooners Tunnel to Nelson One Day Cycle Self Guided Tour
Embark on a scenic mostly downhill or flat 40-kilometer bike ride, on the Great Taste Trail from Spooners Tunnel to Nelson. Feel the wind in your hair as you cycle amid the splendid scenery past vineyards and hop gardens, free-range chicken farms, and meandering streams. Cross Waimea River on a swing bridge.
To start your adventure we will transfer you from our Nelson Airport depot at Nelson Airport to the start of the ride at the top end of the 1.4 km Spooners Tunnel, the longest disused rail tunnel in New Zealand open for cycling. Enjoy a 10-kilometer downhill thrill at the start of your ride. Along the way, enjoy the great “tastes” of the trail as you pass through Wakefield and Brightwater, home of great pies, cafes, and craft beer at local artisan brew pubs,
At Appleby do a wine tasting, taste local cheeses, or a fresh berry ice cream or a craft beer. Then take a complimentary tour at Pics Peanut Butter world before heading back to Nelson Airport to finish your tour.
Options
Spooners Tunnel to Nelson One Day Cycle Self Guided Tour
Pickup included
What's included in Spooners Tunnel to Nelson One Day Cycle Self Guided Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Your cycle tour starts at the southern entrance to Spooners Tunnel, where we drop you off. Riding through Spooners Tunnel is a highlight. It is a 1.4km long rail tunnel, the longest decommissioned tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere. The railway line closed in 1955, against major protests at the time. Please note Spooners Tunnel is dark and chilly (13degr) all year round, so bring an extra layer. We will provide you with headlights and additionally, the midsection of the tunnel has reflectors laid down in the middle. You will feel your bike pick up speed as you commence the almost 10 km downhill section of the Trail as far as Belgrove where you can see a historic railway windmill, built in 1897, one of only 2 left in NZ. It originally pumped water to supply engines beginning the steep climb to Spooner's tunnel. Now used for domestic supply. This is the best remaining example of a wooden railway windmill in New Zealand. Then cycle on alongside the meandering Waiiti stream to Wakefield.
Wakefield
The lovely little rural village of Wakefield is a town with wonderful sense of history. Wakefield Primary School is New Zealand's oldest school and has been in continuous use since 1843. You will pass by the picturesque St John's Church, built in 1864, which is New Zealand's second oldest surviving church. Surprisingly the village also hosts some taste treats - the Wakefield bakery is famous for its great pies, arguably the best, and sweet treats too. For a relaxing coffee or lunch, there's also Cafe Villa where you can enjoy Organic coffee and great food. Scattered around the green pastoral landscapes from your bike you will see disused hop kilns now slowly coming back to life as increasingly hops and vineyards replace traditional agriculture. As you enter Brightwater you will pass the memorial to the Nobel prize winner, scientist Ernest Rutherford who was born nearby, and best known for being the first to split the atom. Then it's across a swingbridge and on to Old Factory Corner.
Old Factory Corner
Old Factory Corner in Appleby is a one-stop shop for local produce and specialty food vendors. Sustainability and showcasing the best of the Nelson Tasman region are at the heart of every business within this boutique complex. You will find great coffee, cafes with fine food, delicious fresh berry icecreams, and a deli bursting with products of the region where you can have a free cheese tasting. Just a little further along the road, there is a wine-tasting opportunity at a local organic winery, Te Mania and Richmond Plains.
Inclusions
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Use of bicycle
- Tastings of wine and beer are optional extras. Approximate cost for a wine tasting $10 for up to 4 wines
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Important Note – This is a customizable tour, the places you will visit may differ based on your interests and preferences and duration of stay in each attraction will vary
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Please arrive at the pick up point 30 minutes before departure time.
Meeting / End Points
- Look for the cream coloured terminal called Airport House, near the value parking area. We are around the side of the building. You will also see the blue container.
