Winter Escapes: Cycling based in Mapua

Winter offers some unique cycling opportunities in the Nelson Tasman region and especially along portions of the Great Taste Trail. Instead of a linear “round the Great Taste Trail” type tour  – the idea I have here is for several different cycle rides starting out and returning to Mapua.

Why Mapua? Mainly because Mapua is at the centre of the Great Taste Trail and offers unparalleled number of restaurants, cafes, boutique breweries and wine bars and local shops on the Wharf and in the Village , all  within 2-4 minutes walking distance of wherever you stay. Check out my post on what’s available, here. Plenty of variety, plenty of choice, for coffee, breakfasts, lunches and dinners. And almost all major wineries are open in the winter and available for tastings and in some cases meals, year round. Add in comfortable warm accommodation , a hot shower after a refreshing ride, and a stroll down to the Wharf for great food and ambience , from the Smokehouse fish and chips with a drink at the Golden Bear or the Rimu Wine bar, to a superb full course meals and fine wines at the Appleshed, Jellyfish, or Boatshed….and the ever popular local Sprig ‘n Fern in the Village.

But what about cycling?  Think of a hub and spokes approach. Out and back, not necessarily on the same route. . The ride can be short or long…and if you stay 2+ nights with us we’ll offer to pick you up from your longer (2 hours+) rides if you wish. There are also many short (1-2 hour) rides with spectacular country riding, ocean views, and excellent coffee along the way, not all along the Great Taste Trail itself.

Here are some preliminary ideas – I’ll have them on a map for you in a few days.

• Take  Mapua Ferry through Rabbit Island-Wakefield -Spooner’s Tunnel ending at the Belgrove Tavern,and a pickup for the return home (if you want to, you can cycle back through Brightwater and along the upper Moutere Highway ). Have a look at this great video on the Spooner tunnel
  

• Upper Moutere wine country, Mahana, and up to the top of Neudorf road (turn around for the long downhill home, or continue on to Woodstock and Motueka)- un
• or a day trip out to Kaiteriteri (again, we’ll pick you up if you like)