Nestled in the picturesque Tasman region, the Nelson: Self-Guided Tunnel to Town Cycling Tour via Mapua offers an unforgettable adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. Cyclists embark on a 9-hour journey, exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island. From traversing the longest disused tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere to savoring local cuisine and wines, this self-guided tour promises an immersive experience that showcases the best of the region. With a bike fitting, scenic routes, and a ferry ride, it’s no wonder this tour has captured the attention of travelers seeking an extraordinary cycling experience.
Key Points
- Self-guided cycling tour through the Mapua region, priced at $95.42 per person, with a duration of 9 hours and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Tour includes bike fitting and briefing in Nelson City, followed by a shuttle to Spooner’s Tunnel, the longest disused tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Route features farmland, forests, rivers, vineyards, lunch, tastings, and local ice cream, concluding with a ferry ride across the Waimea River.
- Cycling experience of approximately 15 kilometers from Richmond to Mapua, with a focus on scenic landscapes and cultural attractions.
- Tour rated 4.4 out of 5 based on 7 reviews, highlighting effective signage, high-quality bikes, and overall enjoyment of the cycling adventure.
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary and Highlights
- Included Amenities
- Participant Information and Restrictions
- Customer Reviews
- Start at Nelson City
- Cycle Through Spooner’s Tunnel
- Ride to Mapua and Explore
- Recap
- More Tours in Mapua
- More Tour Reviews in Mapua
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Mapua we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Nelson Cycling Tour offers a self-guided Tunnel to Town cycling experience through the Mapua region, priced from $95.42 per person with a duration of 9 hours.
Participants can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without paying today.
The tour begins in Nelson City with a bike fitting and briefing before a shuttle transports riders to the starting point at Spooner’s Tunnel.
Cyclists will then embark on a scenic journey through farmland, forests, rivers, and vineyards, enjoying lunch, tastings, and local ice cream along the way.
The tour concludes with a ferry ride across the Waimea River and a transfer back to Nelson.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Mapua.
Itinerary and Highlights
Participants begin their self-guided cycling tour at 8:35 AM in Nelson City, where they’ll receive a bike fitting and briefing before shuttling to the starting point at Spooner’s Tunnel. They’ll pedal through the longest disused tunnel (1352 meters) in the Southern Hemisphere, surrounded by stunning scenery. The route continues through farmland, native forests, rivers, swing-bridges, vineyards, and berry farms, with a lunch stop at Grape Escape Café and tastings at a local winery. The cyclists will ride approximately 15 kilometers to Mapua, taking in coastal boardwalk views and spotting native birds, before crossing the Waimea Swing Bridge and visiting Rabbit Island’s beaches. The tour concludes with a return via the iconic Mapua Ferry.
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Spooner’s Tunnel | Longest disused tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere |
| Farmland and Forests | Scenic ride through diverse landscapes |
| Wineries and Cafés | Lunch and tastings along the way |
| Coastal Views | Boardwalk vistas and native birds |
| Rabbit Island | Beaches and scenic sights |
| Mapua Ferry | Iconic return journey |
Included Amenities
The tour’s included amenities cover all the necessary cycling equipment, transportation, and food-related services.
Participants receive a comfort bike, light, helmet, repair kit, panniers or carrier bag, odometer, and trail map to ensure a smooth and well-equipped journey.
Transport between Nelson and Spooners Tunnel, as well as the Mapua Ferry crossing, are also part of the package.
Bottled water is provided, while food and alcoholic beverage tastings can be enjoyed at one’s own cost.
The tour aims to offer a comprehensive and hassle-free experience, allowing participants to focus on the stunning scenery and explore the region’s highlights without worrying about logistics.
Participant Information and Restrictions
With certain physical limitations in mind, the Nelson Cycling Tour may not be suitable for people with mobility impairments.
Participants meet at the Nelson i-SITE Visitor Information Center, and they’re advised to bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing. Luggage or large bags aren’t allowed on the tour.
This self-guided cycling experience takes participants through diverse landscapes, from farmland and native forests to vineyards and berry farms. While the route includes some rugged tracks and shared roads with vehicles, the overall consensus is that it’s a fun day with amazing scenery and good-quality bikes.
Participants can expect to cover approximately 15 kilometers from Richmond to Mapua, enjoying coastal views and spotting native wildlife along the way.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews
Overall, reviewers have praised the Nelson Cycling Tour, awarding it an impressive 4.4 out of 5 rating based on 7 reviews. Customers have highlighted the tour’s effective signage and high-quality bikes, though some noted the occasionally rugged tracks and shared roads with vehicles.
However, the general consensus among reviewers is that the tour offers a fun day with amazing scenery.
Some key takeaways from the customer reviews include:
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Positive feedback on the clear route signage and well-maintained bikes
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Acknowledgment of the more challenging, rugged sections of the tour
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Appreciation for the stunning scenery and landscapes encountered along the way
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Emphasis on the overall enjoyment and satisfaction with the cycling experience
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General agreement that the tour is a great way to explore the Nelson region.
Start at Nelson City
Commencing at 8:35 AM in Nelson City’s city center, the self-guided Tunnel to Town Cycling Tour kicks off with a bike fitting and briefing session for participants.
This is where cyclists receive their comfort bicycles, lights, helmets, repair kits, panniers or carrier bags, odometers, and trail maps.
The tour leader provides a rundown of the day’s itinerary, highlighting key stops, safety considerations, and recommendations for making the most of the experience.
With everyone geared up and informed, the group then hops aboard a shuttle that whisks them away to the starting point of the cycling route – the famous Spooner’s Tunnel, located just 45 minutes from Nelson.
Cycle Through Spooner’s Tunnel
Cyclists embark on a 1,352-meter journey through the longest disused tunnel in the southern hemisphere, marveling at the engineering feat that once facilitated rail travel.
As they pedal through the cavernous passageway, they’re enveloped in an eerie silence, save for the echoes of their wheels and the rhythmic hum of their bikes.
The tunnel’s dim lighting casts an ethereal glow, revealing:
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Intricate brickwork lining the walls
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Remnants of the original rail tracks beneath their tires
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Dripping condensation that creates a natural symphony
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Glimpses of daylight peeking through the distant openings
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A sense of history and adventure palpable in the stale air
Emerging from the tunnel, cyclists are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding farmland, forests, and waterways that lie ahead on their self-guided tour.
Ride to Mapua and Explore
After traversing the historic Spooner’s Tunnel, the cycling tour heads towards the coastal town of Mapua, where riders can enjoy scenic coastal boardwalks and spot native birds along the way.
The 15-kilometer ride from Richmond to Mapua offers breathtaking views as cyclists pedal past vineyards, berry farms, and the iconic Waimea Swing Bridge.
Upon reaching Mapua, participants can explore the quaint wharf, browse the local galleries, and indulge in the town’s renowned restaurants and breweries.
This picturesque finale to the self-guided tour provides a well-rounded experience, allowing cyclists to enjoy the natural beauty and vibrant culture of the Tasman region.
Nelson: Self-Guided Tunnel to Town Cycling Tour via Mapua
“Route signage and supplied map were excellent, although some tracks were more rugged than suggested – plus it included walking the bikes over a bus…”
Recap
The Nelson: Self-Guided Tunnel to Town Cycling Tour via Mapua offers an unforgettable adventure.
Cyclists experience the breathtaking scenery of the Tasman region, from Nelson City to the scenic routes of farmland, vineyards, and rivers.
The highlight is the journey through Spooner’s Tunnel, the longest disused tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere.
With included amenities and a variety of activities, this 9-hour tour provides an immersive and memorable exploration of the area.
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