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Cycleway · Motueka, Tasman
Great Taste Trail
A circular cycleway around the Nelson and Tasman region, about 200 km long and classified as a Great Ride. In Motueka it starts on the waterfront and follows via Riwaka to Kaiteriteri Beach on an easy section.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Great Taste Trail
The Tasman’s Great Taste Trail is one of New Zealand’s Great Rides, the country’s flagship cycle trails. It forms a roughly 200 km loop linking Nelson, Richmond, Wakefield, Motueka and Kaiteriteri, mostly off-road, passing orchards, vineyards, villages and stretches of coastline.
Motueka sits in the middle of the coastal branch. To the south, the section to Māpua is about 26 km, easy grade, with gentle hills and views over Tasman Bay and the mountains to the west. In Māpua, a small ferry for cyclists and pedestrians crosses the channel to Rabbit Island; the service runs limited departures, especially in winter.
To the north, the Motueka–Riwaka–Kaiteriteri section is about 16 km, also easy. It begins on Motueka’s waterfront, passes near the hull of the Janie Seddon, crosses the Motueka River and follows rural roads among orchards and hop fields to Riwaka. Then comes a coastal stretch with bridges and boardwalks and an underpass that leads to the Kaiteriteri mountain-bike park, before descending to the beach.
Bike hire is available in Motueka, and e-bikes are allowed on the trail.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1–2 hours to Kaiteriteri; about 2–3 hours to Māpua.
Best time
October to April, when days are drier and longer. In summer, start early to avoid heat and crowds.
How to get there
The waterfront section starts at Old Wharf Road, about 1 km south of the centre of Motueka. The trail is signposted along its length.
Tip
A same-day return to Kaiteriteri is about 32 km. If you plan to go to Māpua, check the channel ferry timetable in advance.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Great Taste Trail
What is the Great Taste Trail?
A large cycling circuit linking towns, villages, orchards and beaches of Nelson and Tasman, with its own waymarking.
Is the Great Taste Trail difficult?
Not around Motueka: north and south the terrain is almost flat, with only a few gentle climbs.
Can you hire a bike in Motueka?
Yes — there are bike-hire services, including e-bikes, which are permitted on the trail.