If you’re looking for a day packed with scenic beauty, cultural interest, and tasty experiences in New Zealand’s South Island, this self-guided cycling tour offers it all. For $93 per person, you get about nine hours of adventure starting in Nelson, taking you through a historic tunnel, along estuary boardwalks, past vineyards, and into buzzing Mapua Wharf. With a mix of scenery, local flavors, and a bit of history, it’s a well-rounded day out.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is the chance to cycle through the longest disused tunnel in the southern hemisphere, and to enjoy stunning coastal views. We also love how flexible it is: you’re self-guided, giving you the freedom to pause and explore at your own pace. On the other hand, some riders might find certain tracks a tad rugged or busy—so it’s not ideal if you prefer strict guided routes or have mobility issues. It’s best suited for active travelers who enjoy a mix of cycling, sightseeing, and sampling local wines.
This experience suits those who crave adventure with a relaxed vibe—perfect for couples, groups, or solo travelers eager to explore New Zealand’s countryside and coast without the fuss of a guided tour. If you love discovering authentic local spots, exploring at your own speed, and enjoying scenic cycling with a sense of history and flavor, this tour fits the bill.
Key Points
- Historic Tunnel: Cycle through the longest disused tunnel in the southern hemisphere, a highlight for both history buffs and adventure seekers.
- Stunning Views: Coastal boardwalks and estuary vistas provide breathtaking scenery, especially at Waimea Estuary.
- Local Flavors: Enjoy stops at wineries, breweries, and cafes, tasting some of the region’s best produce and wines.
- Flexible Experience: With a self-guided approach, you control your pace — ideal for independent travelers.
- Transport & Logistics: Includes shuttle transfers, ferry crossing, and all necessary cycling gear, making it an all-in-one package.
- Considerations: Some tracks can be rugged or busy, and the tour isn’t suited for those with mobility issues.
Starting Point and Overall Setup
You’ll meet your guides beside the Nelson i-SITE Visitor Information Center, where you’ll be fitted with a comfort bicycle, helmet, and trail map. We appreciate how thorough the equipment setup is—each bike comes with a repair kit, panniers for snacks, and an odometer to track your ride. After a quick briefing, you hop aboard a shuttle at 9 AM—about 45 minutes later, you’ll arrive at Spooners Tunnel, ready to begin your journey.
This setup is practical, especially since transportation between Nelson and the tunnel is included, so you don’t need to worry about navigating local roads. The self-guided format allows you to explore at your own pace while having the safety net of pre-arranged logistics.
Planning more time in Mapua? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Long Disused Tunnel: A Highlight
The first major highlight is cycling through the 1352-meter Spooners Tunnel, the longest disused tunnel open to cyclists in the southern hemisphere. We loved the eerie quiet inside the tunnel, a stark contrast to the lively countryside outside. It’s a unique experience—imagine pedaling through a historical relic that once served a different purpose altogether.
Reviewers mention that the signage and map are excellent, making navigation straightforward. However, some tracks are more rugged than expected, and a few cyclists noted sharing narrow or dusty roads with large vehicles. This is a reminder to stay alert and respect the traffic rules. The tunnel is a real curiosity, blending heritage with adventure in a way that’s hard to match.
Countryside and Scenic Cycling
Emerging from the tunnel, you’ll cycle through farmland, native forests, and along riverbanks. The route weaves past vineyards and berry farms, a testament to the region’s productive agriculture. We enjoyed the peaceful landscape and the chance to see New Zealand’s rural life up close. The route into Richmond is relatively flat, making it accessible for most riders, though some may find certain sections a bit rugged or narrow.
The views from the coastal boardwalks of the Waimea Estuary are particularly enchanting. Here, you’ll be treated to sights of native bird species, including the white heron, and expansive estuary vistas. It’s a perfect spot to pause, take photos, and appreciate nature’s tranquility.
Lunch and Tastings
After about an hour of cycling, you’ll stop at the Grape Escape Café, renowned for its local produce and relaxed atmosphere. The café offers a welcome break and a chance to refuel. Many reviewers highlight this as a pleasant, friendly stop. Afterwards, a visit to Richmond Plains/Te-Mania winery offers a tasting of regional wines, rated highly for its knowledgeable staff and quality selections.
Following the wine tasting, you’ll enjoy local fruit ice cream, a refreshing treat made from berries picked nearby. These stops give you a taste of the region’s culinary pride and add a delightful flavor to your day.
More Great Tours NearbyRide to Mapua and Coastal Delights
Next, you’ll pedal about 15 kilometers along the coast to Mapua. The route is dotted with galleries, cafes, and shops—a lively hub where local artists and artisans display their work. The Mapua Wharf area buzzes with activity, and you’re free to explore the galleries, grab a coffee, or simply soak up the charming seaside atmosphere.
Along the way, you’ll cross the Waimea Swing Bridge, a fascinating piece of engineering. Keep your camera ready for shots of the estuary, the bridge, and the distant hills. If you’re interested, you might visit Seifried Estate, the oldest and largest winery in Nelson, which is a popular stop for wine enthusiasts.
Rabbit Island and the Final Leg
Once in Rabbit Island, you can relax on white sandy beaches, possibly taking a dip in the warm waters—perfect for a quick refresh after a busy day. The island’s beaches are a peaceful spot to unwind, especially if the weather cooperates.
The final step involves crossing the channel on the iconic Mapua Ferry—a charming, free ride that adds a quintessential Kiwi touch to the day. The ferry transports you back to Mapua Wharf, where you can explore more or simply enjoy the lively scene before the Trail Hopper bus returns you to Nelson.
Price and Value
At $93 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive package: all equipment, transportation, ferry crossing, and water are included. Without guide-led groups, you have the flexibility to explore at your own speed—a big plus for independent-minded travelers. The cost reflects good value considering the variety of experiences packed into one day.
Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of adventure, scenery, and local flavor. Reviewers praise the friendly staff and well-organized logistics, which help smooth out the day’s challenges. The self-guided format means you control your pace—so if you want to linger at a winery or take extra photos, you can.
One thing to note is that some tracks can be more rugged or busy—a good heads-up for those who prefer smoother, guided rides or have mobility constraints. Also, food costs are not included, so plan to budget for meals or snacks at cafes and wineries.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is ideal for active travelers who like to explore at their own pace, enjoy scenic cycling, and savor local wines and foods. It’s perfect for those who appreciate heritage sites like Spooners Tunnel and love combining outdoor adventure with cultural stops. If you’re comfortable cycling for several hours and want a day that mixes nature, history, and local flavors, this tour hits the mark.
The Nelson Self-Guided Tunnel to Town Cycling Tour offers a thoroughly enjoyable way to see a slice of New Zealand’s South Island countryside and coast. You’ll love the sense of discovery, from cycling through the historic tunnel to sipping regional wines and enjoying coastal vistas. The logistics are well-organized, making it accessible for independent travelers, and the stops at wineries and galleries add a delicious local touch.
While certain rugged tracks or busy roads might be a consideration, most riders will find the experience rewarding and well worth the effort. It’s an especially good fit for adventure lovers, wine enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxed yet active day in nature.
If you’re after a day that balances history, scenery, and local flavor, and you like setting your own pace, this tour will likely become a memorable highlight of your New Zealand trip.
FAQ
Is transportation between Nelson and Spooners Tunnel included?
Yes, the tour includes a shuttle transfer from Nelson to Spooners Tunnel, making the start of your ride hassle-free.
What equipment is provided?
All cycling gear is included—comfort bike, helmet, repair kit, panniers, odometer, and trail map. You just need to bring your sense of adventure.
Are food and tastings included?
Not automatically. Food at cafes, wineries, and breweries is at your own expense, although tastings at the winery are available and well-rated.
How long is the cycling route?
You’ll cycle approximately 15 kilometers from Richmond to Mapua, plus the route through the tunnel and other scenic sections.
Is this tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
It’s not recommended for people with mobility issues, as some tracks are rugged and the activity involves cycling for several hours.
What’s the best time of day to take this tour?
Most departures are in the morning, giving you ample time to enjoy stops and explore Mapua in the afternoon.
Can I do this tour if I’m not an experienced cyclist?
While the route is accessible for most, some tracks can be rugged or narrow. E-bikes are available, which can make the ride easier.
This self-guided cycling adventure beautifully combines history, scenic views, local flavors, and flexibility, making it a memorable option for travelers eager to see Nelson’s natural beauty at their own pace.
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