The Nelson Tasman region is brimming with awesome rides. From mountain bike parks to New Zealand Cycle Trails, there really is something for everyone down there.
On our recent stay in Kaiteriteri we decided to pedal out to Motueka for lunch along the Great Taste Trail and back, a super chill 18kms each way.
Local shuttle provider Kiwi Journeys have some great trail maps and offer a fab shuttle service, more about that in our next review.
The trail starts from the Kaiteriteri mountain bike park which you can ride to from the beach, just head over the estuary bridge and turn right to get to the mountain bike park.
At the park you follow the Easy Rider trail which has a gentle but fun flow, heading up over to the the back side of the park out next to the main road. From here you will pass under the main road and head East towards Riwaka and the Riwaka bridge featured in our video. Theres a great little cafe just past the tennis courts, if you feel the need for some caffeine.
The trail heads then weaves through some of the local orchards which were in full swing when we visited, there were also a few inviting looking fruit stalls at the side of the trail, no wonder it’s called the Great Taste Trail!
Once past Riwaka and the Motueka bridge, you can carry on ahead to the western end of Motueka town or turn left and head out towards the Motueka waterfront and their impressive sandspit.
Keep an eye out for some interesting sites along the way, from Mini’s (the car) split in half to giant recycled Moas (the bird not the ride-on) and historic shipwrecks.
You can take any one of the many streets heading into town, or you can go to the wharf, head up Ward Road and go to one of our favourite cafes in Motueka, Toad Hall.
Another favourite was the Smoking Barrel and their famous donuts, they’re really really good!
