Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GREAT TASTE TRAIL
In a stroke of genius propelled by great weather and easy topography, Nelson has
developed what is destined to be one of NZ's most popular cycle trails. Why? Be-
cause no other is so frequently punctuated by stops for food, wine, craft beer and
art, as it passes through a range of landscapes from rolling countryside to estuary
boardwalk.
The full 175km trail is due for completion in 2016, but there's plenty of track
ready for riding now, including the 69km Coastal Route from Nelson to Kaiteriteri.
This can be ridden over two days (there's plenty of accommodation along the way)
or you can just bite off a little chunk such as a ride to lunch. A good taster would be
the 14km section from Stoke (near Nelson city) to the wineries around Brightwater.
The cycle companies on
Click here
can help you with bike hire and advice; see
SH60 via Mapua
Skirting around Waimea Inlet and along the Ruby Coast, this is the quickest route from
Nelson to Motueka (around 45 minutes' drive), although there are various distractions to
slow you down.
10am-6pm)
winery, where a diverse range of interesting wines is available to taste. The
with vine views and a tapas-style menu.
downe Rd, Appleby;
10am-5pm)
, where you can watch Ola the master and his colleagues
working the furnace.
Just up the road is the turn-off to
Rabbit Island
, a recreation reserve offering estuary
views from many angles, sandy beaches and plenty of quiet pine forest. The bridge to the
island closes at sunset; overnight stays are not allowed.
bit Island turn-off. It's one of the region's biggest, and is home to a pleasant garden res-
taurant and the delicious Sweet Agnes riesling.
As you reach the end of the inlet, you can either continue along SH60 or detour along
the original coast road, now named the
Ruby Bay Scenic Route
. Along it lies the settle-
ment of
Mapua
at the mouth of the Waimea River, home to arty shops and eateries in-
