Tunnel to Town via Mapua – Self-Guided Cycle Tour
Your adventure starts in Nelson City where you will be fitted to your bikes and briefed before boarding trail transport to the countryside. With an approximate shuttle time of 45 minutes to Spooner’s Tunnel, your driver will give you some useful tips about the trail including food and beverage stops.
At 1352 meters long, the Spooner’s Tunnel is the longest tunnel open to cyclists in the southern hemisphere. The old rail corridor into Richmond is unique and the amazing scenery combined with the peace and tranquility of the countryside must be experienced.
Highlights
Riding through farmland, pristine native forests, following rivers, swing-bridges, past vineyards, and berry farms.
From Richmond, Mapua is approximately 15 km. Enjoy the views from the coastal boardwalks of the Waimea Estuary and fertile farmland (home to a range of internationally significant bird species). Cross the spectacular Waimea Swing Bridge then on to Rabbit Island where a short trip across the channel on the ferry lands you at the Mapua Wharf. Here you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of galleries, studios, restaurants, cafes, shops, and breweries before the return shuttle trip back to Nelson City. Distance: 50 km. An E-bike upgrade is available at an additional cost.
Includes
- Cycle equipment includes trail comfort bike, light, helmet, repair kit, carrier bag, odometer and trail map
- Bottled water
- Mapua ferry
- Shuttle transport