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Cycle through the rolling hills and boutique wineries of Upper Moutere with The Gentle Cycling Company’s unique 'Tuscany of NZ' Wine Tour. Experience scenic country roads, local history, and delicious wine tastings in the heart of Nelson’s vibrant wine region.
Cycle through the rolling hills and boutique wineries of Upper Moutere with The Gentle Cycling Company’s unique 'Tuscany of NZ' Wine Tour. Experience scenic country roads, local history, and delicious wine tastings in the heart of Nelson’s vibrant wine region.
Book with The Gentle Cycling Company
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Operated by The Gentle Cycling Company · Nelson, Nelson Region
Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Nelson sits on the northern edge of the South Island, where vibrant coastal landscapes meet fertile valleys. Just a short ride from the town center, The Gentle Cycling Company invites riders to experience their 'Tuscany of NZ' Wine Tour — a thoughtfully crafted journey through the Upper Moutere region, an area renowned for its rolling hills, boutique wineries, and rich settler history.
The tour covers 15 to 40 kilometers along quiet country roads marked by gentle ascents and descents. Riders can expect to cruise past olive groves, fruit orchards, and historic German settler cottages dating back to the 1850s. The terrain’s hilly profile makes e-bikes a popular choice here, offering effortless pedaling and more time to take in the sights. Along the way, stops at top wineries like Gravity, Heaphy, Moutere Hills, and Neudorf provide excellent tastings of boutique wines paired with locally-sourced platters.
More than just wine, visitors indulge in cultural touches — from galleries showcasing regional art to visiting a peaceful Buddhist temple. Lunchtime or dinner options include the historic Moutere Inn, New Zealand’s oldest pub, or fine dining at Moutere Hills Restaurant, melding the area’s culinary heritage with fresh local flavors. The friendly shuttle service brings you from the doorstep at 70 Beach Road, Tāhunanui, Nelson, to the starting point and back, making logistics a breeze.
This unique blend of active cycling, scenic rural landscapes, and world-class wine tasting makes this tour a standout. It reflects Nelson’s broader appeal as an outdoor recreation hub, combining adventure with laid-back local culture. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or someone looking for an immersive day trip through New Zealand’s wine country, the 'Tuscany of NZ' Wine Tour offers a balanced and memorable outing.
moderate.
7–8 hours.
Participants should have a moderate fitness level to handle rolling hills and a day-long ride, though e-bikes can aid less experienced riders.
E-bikes are highly recommended for this tour, and The Gentle Cycling Company provides them as part of the package.
The ride covers rolling hills on quiet country roads, moderate in difficulty, with e-bikes helping to ease climbs.
The package includes bike, helmet, map, briefing, shuttle transfers to and from the winery region, and route planning assistance.
Yes, the company works with guests to plan a personalized itinerary to suit preferences and dining choices.
Food is typically available at winery tastings and local pubs, and guests can choose where to stop for meals or platters.
In case of poor weather or trail closures, the company offers solutions such as rescheduling or credit for future rides.
Upper Moutere was settled by German families in the 1850s, whose heritage shaped the local architecture and community spirit.
The tour encourages low-impact cycling on quiet roads and promotes responsible wine tourism to protect the rural landscape.
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