THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Cycle through Nelson’s vibrant brewing scene on a scenic, flat route with The Gentle Cycling Company. Enjoy craft beer tastings at two standout locations, then unwind at a legendary Kiwi pub.
Cycle through Nelson’s vibrant brewing scene on a scenic, flat route with The Gentle Cycling Company. Enjoy craft beer tastings at two standout locations, then unwind at a legendary Kiwi pub.
Book with The Gentle Cycling Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Gentle Cycling Company · Nelson, Nelson Region
Located in Tāhunanui, just a short ride from downtown Nelson, The Gentle Cycling Company's Great Taste Beer Tour offers a distinct way to discover the rich brewing culture of New Zealand’s South Island. This 30km flat, off-road route invites riders to pedal through a blend of urban charm and verdant outskirts, punctuated by stops at some of Nelson’s most dynamic craft breweries.
Nelson Region, often celebrated for its sunshine and fertile lands, provides an ideal backdrop for cycling enthusiasts and beer aficionados alike. The tour’s thoughtfully crafted loop begins near 70 Beach Road, Tāhunanui, following scenic bike trails that cross rivers and skirt native bush patches, where birdsong fills the air. Riders gain a close look at working microbreweries where hops and barley—key ingredients in New Zealand’s beer tradition—play a starring role.
What sets this tour apart is the mix of authentic brewery visits combined with smooth cycling on well-maintained off-road paths that suit riders of various skill levels. First, participants enjoy a tasting paddle at a local hop-focused brewery nestled within the outskirts, offering unique blends and freshly crafted flavors. Then the ride continues toward Nelson’s urban core to sample beers at an iconic pub renowned for its extensive craft beer lineup from around the country.
The Gentle Cycling Company ensures a worry-free experience by handling all logistics, including bike collection and return transport, so riders can relax and savor the journey. This combination of active travel and immersive local culture makes the Great Taste Beer Tour a standout offering in Nelson’s outdoor recreation scene. It complements the region’s adventurous spirit with a refreshing, social twist—appealing to those who want to balance scenic cycling with a celebrated taste of New Zealand’s craft beer heritage.
easy.
6–7 hours.
Suitable for casual cyclists in good general health with basic riding skills.
No advanced skills are necessary; the route is mostly flat and suitable for casual riders.
Yes, helmets are included, but guests are welcome to bring their own for comfort and fit.
The company monitors conditions closely and will work with you to reschedule or offer alternatives if necessary.
Yes, two brewery tastings are included along the tour.
Please inform the company in advance, and they will try to accommodate any special requests.
Yes, bike collection and ride home from the final stop are included to ensure a safe finish.
Nelson has a strong brewing history dating back to the 19th century, with a growing craft beer scene centered around traditional and innovative brewers.
Local breweries and The Gentle Cycling Company emphasize sustainable practices, including waste reduction and supporting local suppliers to minimize environmental impact.
The Gentle Cycling Company is a Nelson, Nelson based operator offering bike hire, shuttle services and a range of cycling experiences across the Nelson region. The company provides multiple bike hire durations, including 3‑hour, half‑day (4 hours), 6‑hour, full‑day, two‑day, three‑day and five‑day rentals. Riders can choose standard bicycles or electric bikes (e‑bikes); e‑bikes make hills easier and extend possible riding distances. Shuttle services include the Nelson Airport Shuttle, which carries up to 10 people and their bikes or luggage into Nelson or Richmond, and Coastal Shuttle options that transport groups up to 20 people to destinations such as Mapua, Motueka or Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park. Available trips and experiences listed include the Rameka Track Shuttle, Mapua Shuttle with a ferry to Mapua and Rabbit Island access, Kaiteriteri bike hire options, Spooner's Tunnel Tour, Great Taste Wine and Beer tours (Gold, Silver, Bronze), Paddle & Pedal Combo, Rabbit Island Picnic Tour, Great Taste Goose Chase, Mapua Cycle & Shuttle and a variety of independent multi‑day bike hire packages. The Gentle Cycling Company offers transport of bikes and luggage and can customize shuttle pickups or group arrangements on request. Trip names and summaries reflect the experiences offered; prospective customers should contact the operator directly for current availability, group requirements and booking details.
Book with The Gentle Cycling Company