Nelson - Tasman Biking

When it's a case of 'if I go, the bike goes', book a trip to Nelson Tasman. Epic cycling and mountain bike trails traverse forests and mountains, coasts and plateaus. You'll be like a kid in a sweet shop.

The bike-mad residents of Nelson Tasman know a good trail when they see it. Actually, many of the mountain biking parks were hand-built by locals themselves. The region is criss-crossed by a spaghetti-like network of world-class trails. It's been rated as a Gold Riding Centre by IMBA. In short, if you like cycling, this is just the place to explore.

From gentle coastal rides to easy urban trails to bone-jangling adventures, mountain biking in Nelson Tasman has it all. Tasman's Great Taste Trail and the Dun Mountain Trail are cycling highlights, where the views will leave you as breathless as the pedalling. Many visitors come here for the wealth of things to do outdoors and the towns are built for bikers, so rest assured if you're planning a trip to Nelson Tasman, you'll be well looked after.

Image: Dean McKenzie for www.nelsontasman.nz

Urban Cycling Trails

  • You'll be panting like a steam train on the Stoke Railway Reserve Trail in Tasman, which crosses through the heart of Nelson.
  • Hug the coastline as you cycle between Central Nelson and the seaside suburb of Atawhai. This is the perfect sea-breeze-in-your-hair jaunt.
  • Enjoy the best of both worlds along the Maitai Walkway. Follow the path of the Maitai River upstream from Nelson into the mountain peaks and valleys.

Image: www.nelsontasman.nz

Beginner Mountain Bike Trails

  • Chop the 174km of Tasman's Great Taste Trail into bite-sized portions for an easy ride. In fact, you'll be doing a lot of biting as you stop along the way at orchards, restaurants and vineyards.
  • On the edge of Abel Tasman National Park is Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park. Watch the pros sail off cliffs and then tackle the beginner trails.

Image: www.nelsontasman.nz

Intermediate to Advanced Mountain Bike Trails

  • The epic Dun Mountain Trail climbs 878m into the mountains. From there the views span the Waimea Plains, Tasman Bay and Abel Tasman National Park.
  • Remote and wild, the incredible landscape of Kahurangi National Park is both biking challenge and almighty adventure. You'll stay in cool backcountry huts along the way.
  • You simply cannot leave without biking through Abel Tasman National Park. The Rameka Track is a challenging downhill beast, made harder by the distractingly amazing views.
  • How does biking over 70km of trails in lush native forest sound? Meet the Wairoa Gorge Mountain Bike Park and its staggering views.

Created in partnership with Nelson Regional Development Agency