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Cycle the stunning coastline from Nelson to Mapua, savoring two exceptional wine tastings and a ferry ride to Rabbit Island's golden sands. The Gentle Cycling Company’s Great Taste Wine - Gold blends scenic rides with fine food and wine for a memorable day out.
Cycle the stunning coastline from Nelson to Mapua, savoring two exceptional wine tastings and a ferry ride to Rabbit Island's golden sands. The Gentle Cycling Company’s Great Taste Wine - Gold blends scenic rides with fine food and wine for a memorable day out.
Book with The Gentle Cycling Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Gentle Cycling Company · Nelson, Nelson Region
Set along New Zealand’s scenic Northern South Island, Nelson is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and epicureans alike. At 70 Beach Road, Tāhunanui, The Gentle Cycling Company crafts a distinctive day trip blending coastal biking with wine culture—Great Taste Wine - Gold invites riders to cover around 30 kilometers of stunning terrain over 6 to 7 hours, immersing themselves in the region’s vibrant landscapes and flavors.
Starting at Nelson’s waterfront, the route heads north along the Tahuna coastline, unveiling sweeping views of Tasman Bay and the silhouetted contours of Rabbit Island. Characterized by its golden sands and regenerating native bush, Rabbit Island offers a moment of peaceful respite before cyclists embark on a short ferry to Mapua. This harbor village balances rustic charm with gourmet flair, featuring cozy wharfside cafes, artisan shops, and the celebrated Rimu Grove Wine Bar.
The day features two carefully selected wine tastings: one set against the sea breeze at Mapua, and another nestled within the oldest vineyard in Nelson, where grapevines draw on centuries-old soil enriched by volcanic origins. These tastings showcase Marlborough and Nelson’s acclaimed varietals—Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and aromatic whites—providing insight into New Zealand’s southern wine legacy.
Beyond the cycling and sipping, visitors can indulge in fine dining options at local favorites like Jellyfish and the Apple Shed, both renowned for fresh seafood and farm-to-table ingredients. The experience culminates with a coastal shuttle ride back to Nelson, ensuring uplifted spirits and legs can rest after a day of active indulgence.
The Gentle Cycling Company’s Great Taste Wine - Gold uniquely combines recreation and regional discovery, offering guests an authentic taste of Nelson’s outdoors and viticultural heritage. It stands out in a landscape rich with trails and terroir, tailoring an accessible, relaxed adventure that appeals to riders seeking both scenery and sophistication.
easy.
6–7 hours.
Basic cycling fitness needed; suitable for casual riders comfortable with 30 km on varied terrain.
No, the trip is designed for riders of all skill levels, including beginners comfortable with casual road cycling.
The Gentle Cycling Company offers well-maintained hybrid or comfort bikes suited for coastal roads.
Wine tastings are included, but meals at restaurants like Jellyfish or the Apple Shed are at your own expense.
A prearranged shuttle picks up riders from Mapua to return them safely to Nelson, eliminating fatigue after the ride.
Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own bikes, but rental gear and helmets are available if needed.
The trip is strictly for guests aged 18 and above due to the wine tasting components.
Nelson’s vineyards rest on fertile soils shaped by ancient volcanic activity, with the region hosting New Zealand’s oldest vineyard, established in the 19th century.
The cycling route and experiences promote low-impact tourism, supporting local sustainability efforts to protect coastal habitats and native flora.
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