Tunnel to Town

Tunnel to Town is an exhilarating cycling adventure that takes participants on a unique journey through the South Island’s stunning landscapes. Riders will traverse the longest disused rail tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere, Spooners Tunnel, while immersed in breathtaking vistas of rolling hills, vineyards, and coastal estuaries. The tour culminates with a visit to a renowned local winery, where guests can indulge in wine tastings and savor the region’s culinary delights. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or seeking a thrilling new experience, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and exploration in the heart of Nelson’s picturesque countryside.

Key Points

• Explore the longest disused rail tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere, Spooners Tunnel, on a guided cycling excursion through stunning scenery.
• Enjoy a diverse range of landscapes, including mountain views, farmland, coastal estuaries, and horticultural areas during the cycling tour.
• Sample renowned local wines and cuisine at a renowned winery, complementing the scenic cycling experience.
• Receive all necessary cycling equipment, including comfort bikes, lights, helmets, and maps, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey.
• Discover the unique history and architectural features of the Spooners Tunnel as you cycle through its dark, narrow, and illuminated passage.

Overview of the Tour

Tunnel to Town offers a guided cycling excursion through the longest disused rail tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere, showcasing the diverse scenery of Nelson, New Zealand. The tour takes riders through mountain views, farmland, coastal estuaries, and horticultural areas.

Stops include a renowned winery for wine tasting and opportunities to sample local cuisine. The experience is comprehensive, with all necessary cycling equipment provided, including trail comfort bikes, lights, helmets, repair kits, carrier bags, odometers, and trail maps.

Bottled water and snacks are included, though meals are at the traveler’s own cost. Transport options include either Nelson to Spooners Tunnel or Mapua Wharf to Nelson via the Mapua Ferry.

Included Equipment and Transport

The tour’s included equipment provides cyclists with all the necessary gear for the journey, such as trail comfort bikes, lights, helmets, repair kits, carrier bags, odometers, and trail maps.

Bottled water and snacks are also provided as part of the package, though all meals are at the traveler’s own cost.

Participants can choose between two convenient transport options – either starting the tour from Nelson and riding to Spooners Tunnel, or taking the Mapua Ferry from Mapua Wharf to Nelson at the end of the journey.

With everything included, cyclists can focus on fully seeing the stunning scenery and unique experiences along the way.

Meeting Point and Schedule

Participants meet at Kiwi Journeys, located at 77 Trafalgar Street in Nelson 7010, New Zealand, and should arrive by 8:30 am for a briefing before being transported to the starting point at Spooners Tunnel.

The tour concludes back at the same meeting point. Participants receive a detailed briefing on the day’s activities, safety protocols, and an overview of the scenic route.

From there, they’re transported to the beginning of the tunnel, where the cycling portion of the tour commences.

The entire experience is carefully coordinated to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey through the unique landscapes of Nelson, New Zealand.

Health and Safety Considerations

Cycling the longest disused rail tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere requires certain health and safety considerations. While most travelers can participate, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for individuals with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

The tour has a maximum group size of 11 travelers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Participants should be aware of the following:

1. The tunnel can be dark and narrow, requiring caution while cycling.

2. The terrain can be uneven, with potential for bumps and turns.

3. Weather conditions, such as rain or wind, can impact the cycling experience.

4. Participants should be in good physical condition and capable of cycling for the duration of the tour.

Tour Highlights and Ratings

Tunnel to Town showcases diverse scenery, including mountain views, farmland, coastal estuaries, and horticultural land in Nelson, New Zealand.

Travelers can enjoy wine tasting at a world-renowned winery and sample local cuisine during the guided cycling tour.

The tour has received a 4.5-star rating from 3 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, with reviewers highlighting the beautiful scenery, helpful bike shop staff, and enjoyable stops such as the Rutherford Memorial and The Grape Escape for lunch.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts, making it a flexible and convenient option for visitors to the region.

Cycling Through Spooners Tunnel

The highlight of the Tunnel to Town tour is cycling through the longest disused rail tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere – Spooners Tunnel. Stretching over 2.5 km in length, this former railway line now provides a unique and captivating cycling experience for adventurous visitors to Nelson.

Cyclists can expect:

1. Riding through the dark and atmospheric tunnel, illuminated only by their provided bike lights.

2. Catching glimpses of the tunnel’s intricate brickwork architecture as they pedal along.

3. Enjoying the tranquil and serene environment, away from the noises of the outside world.

4. Emerging into the picturesque countryside, with stunning mountain vistas and lush farmland.

The Spooners Tunnel cycling segment offers an unforgettable journey into Nelson’s rich history and natural beauty.

Exploring Nelson’s Diverse Scenery

Beyond the captivating Spooners Tunnel, the Tunnel to Town tour showcases Nelson’s remarkable diversity of landscapes, from majestic mountain vistas to bountiful farmland and coastal estuaries.

Riders pedal through picturesque rolling hills, passing by verdant vineyards and orchards. The tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the region’s horticultural bounty, with stops to sample local wines and cuisine.

Along the way, cyclists take in breathtaking views of the rugged Tasman Ranges, their snow-capped peaks providing a dramatic backdrop to the lush, fertile countryside.

Whether it’s the tranquil estuaries teeming with birdlife or the flourishing vineyards, the Tunnel to Town tour immerses visitors in the full splendor of Nelson’s diverse natural wonders.

Sampling Local Cuisine and Wine

Highlights of the Tunnel to Town tour include opportunities to sample the region’s renowned wines and local cuisine.

Travelers can indulge in wine tastings at a world-class winery, savoring the distinctive flavors that have made Nelson’s vineyards famous. The tour also offers the chance to sample local dishes, showcasing the area’s fresh, seasonal produce.

Some of the top culinary highlights include:

• Tasting regional specialties at the Mapua Wharf, a charming seaside village

• Enjoying a leisurely lunch at The Grape Escape, featuring locally-sourced ingredients

• Discovering artisanal food products and baked goods from Nelson’s thriving producer community

• Pairing the area’s award-winning wines with the tour’s scenic cycling routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Bicycle on the Tour?

No, travelers cannot bring their own bicycles on this tour. All necessary cycling equipment, including a trail comfort bike, is provided as part of the tour package to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

What Is the Weather Like During the Tour?

The weather during the cycling tour is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and minimal precipitation. Participants should come prepared for varying conditions, as the tour traverses several microclimates and terrain. Checking the forecast beforehand is recommended to ensure a comfortable experience.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Level Requirements?

The tour generally accommodates a wide range of ages and fitness levels, though it’s not recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions or those with mobility issues. Most travelers can participate, with a maximum group size of 11.

Can I Purchase Additional Food and Drinks During the Tour?

Travelers can purchase additional food and drinks during the tour. The tour provides bottled water and snacks, but all other meals are at the traveler’s own cost. There are opportunities to sample local cuisine and visit wineries along the way.

Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour?

Yes, the tour can be customized or extended. Travelers can inquire about adding extra stops or lengthening the duration of the cycling tour. Specific options and pricing are available through the tour operator upon request.

Recap

The ‘Tunnel to Town‘ cycling tour offers an exhilarating and unique experience for adventurous travelers.

From the thrill of riding through the historic Spooners Tunnel to the stunning natural scenery and delightful culinary delights of the Nelson region, this tour provides an unforgettable blend of excitement, exploration, and indulgence.

It’s a must-do activity for anyone seeking an active and memorable adventure in New Zealand’s South Island.