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Combine cycling and paddling in Nelson with The Gentle Cycling Company’s Paddle & Pedal Combo. Ride scenic trails, glide on calm bay waters, and finish with city sights in one seamless adventure.
Combine cycling and paddling in Nelson with The Gentle Cycling Company’s Paddle & Pedal Combo. Ride scenic trails, glide on calm bay waters, and finish with city sights in one seamless adventure.
Book with The Gentle Cycling Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Gentle Cycling Company · Nelson, Nelson Region
Tāhunanui, a vibrant coastal area on New Zealand’s South Island, offers visitors a perfect blend of seaside calm and urban charm. The Gentle Cycling Company brings this dynamic to life with their Paddle & Pedal Combo tour, delivering a seamless mix of cycling and water adventure. Starting at the Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park, riders collect well-maintained trail bikes designed for comfort and ease over gentle terrain. The journey begins along the scenic Whakatu Drive cycleway, hugging the waterfront as bikers cruise past golden sands and native pōhutukawa trees, their crimson flowers a vivid splash against blue skies.
Midway, the group pauses at a local café to refuel with fresh coffee and homemade treats before arriving at the Moana SUP base. Here, guests swap pedals for paddles, sliding onto kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to glide across Tāhunanui Bay’s sheltered waters. Calm conditions and stunning views of the Richmond Ranges make this paddle a tranquil interlude, ideal for both novices and seasoned paddlers. Afterwards, bikers return to Nelson city, following a mapped route that winds through lively streets packed with artisan shops, craft breweries, and eateries featuring locally sourced cuisine.
This tour highlights Nelson’s unique character: its mix of natural beauty, outdoor lifestyle, and a thriving cultural scene. The Gentle Cycling Company’s local knowledge and thoughtful coordination create a smooth adventure, allowing guests to experience the region’s varied landscape without rushing. The commitment to quality bikes, expert local partners like Moana SUP, and flexible booking times make this combo a standout choice in Nelson’s active tourism offerings. Whether you’re after a casual ride, a dip on the water, or a taste of Nelson’s welcoming vibe, this tour strikes a balanced and memorable note.
moderate.
3–5 hours.
Participants should be comfortable with light to moderate cycling and able to paddle for around an hour over calm water.
No prior experience is necessary; guides provide basic instruction to get you comfortable on the water.
Yes, The Gentle Cycling Company and Moana SUP supply helmets, bikes, paddleboards, and kayaks.
The company monitors conditions and will reschedule or offer a credit if unsafe weather forces a cancellation.
Yes, the route is designed for all skill levels, primarily on flat, easy trails.
Absolutely; the route passes local cafés and downtown Nelson, perfect for grabbing a bite or browsing shops.
Expect 3 to 5 hours total, depending on your pace and time spent paddling.
Nelson is one of New Zealand’s oldest cities, with European settlement dating back to 1841 and rich Māori heritage tied to the Ngāti Kuia iwi.
The Gentle Cycling Company emphasizes low-impact tourism, promoting sustainable transport and working with local partners to protect Nelson’s coastal and urban ecosystems.
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