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Cycle through Spooner’s Tunnel on a scenic, mostly downhill 50 km route from Kohatu to Nelson. Cross swing bridges, visit charming villages, and unwind at local breweries after an unforgettable ride.
Cycle through Spooner’s Tunnel on a scenic, mostly downhill 50 km route from Kohatu to Nelson. Cross swing bridges, visit charming villages, and unwind at local breweries after an unforgettable ride.
Book with The Gentle Cycling Company
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Gentle Cycling Company · Nelson, Nelson Region
In New Zealand’s Nelson Region, The Gentle Cycling Company offers a unique cycling experience that captures the area’s rugged charm and rural beauty: the Spooner's Tunnel Tour. This ride covers 50 kilometers of mostly downhill terrain from Kohatu to Nelson, combining physical exhilaration with cultural and natural discovery. After a shuttle from Nelson to Kohatu, riders embark on a route that winds through lush farmland, native forests, and hop gardens, with scenic views stretching from mountains to the Tasman Sea.
The highlight of the tour is the nearly 1.4-kilometer-long Spooner’s Tunnel, a former rail tunnel now transformed into an atmospheric passageway for cyclists. The tunnel’s darkness demands a good headlight but rewards riders with a thrill few outdoor pursuits offer. Beyond the tunnel, the trail crosses several swinging bridges and passes through the charming villages of Wakefield and Brightwater, where local cafés offer spots to pause and recharge.
For those seeking a little detour, the Old Factory Corner food cluster offers gourmet treats, craft breweries, and a chance to connect with Nelson’s vibrant food scene. Completing the ride, Eddyline and McCashins Breweries near Nelson provide perfect locations to celebrate with a well-deserved drink.
This journey combines gentle downhill cycling on well-maintained off-road paths with a rich blend of natural landscapes and local culture. The Gentle Cycling Company plays a vital role in the region’s outdoor recreation landscape by making this extended day trip accessible, fun, and memorable, especially for riders who want an active adventure without the stress of navigating complex terrain or heavy traffic. In short, the Spooner's Tunnel Tour is more than a ride—it’s a carefully curated introduction to the heart of Nelson’s scenic and community spirit.
easy.
4-6 hours including stops.
Suitable for those with basic cycling fitness comfortable with up to 50 km distance.
No, bike hire is not included. You must bring your own bike or rent one separately.
The tunnel is about 1.4 kilometers long. It’s safe but very dark, so a powerful headlight is essential.
Yes, the villages of Wakefield and Brightwater have cafés and eateries, and there is a notable food cluster at Old Factory Corner nearby.
The trail is mostly downhill and off-road with easy terrain suitable for riders with basic bike handling skills.
It can be suitable for confident children and beginners comfortable with a lengthy ride and night riding conditions in the tunnel.
The trip can be done year-round but spring to fall offers milder weather and more daylight.
Spooner’s Tunnel was once a key railway route for transporting timber and goods before its closure and repurposing as a cycle trail.
The Gentle Cycling Company promotes minimal impact riding and supports local conservation efforts to preserve native forest and wildlife habitats along the trail.
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