March 10, 2025
Nelson to Kaiteriteri
The Great Taste Trail!
Today was the first day in the Great Taste Trail. I didn’t have an end destination in mind but just started pedaling anti-clockwise. I stopped at the campground cafe and it wasn’t open yet. I then got to Richmond and made the mistake to ride into town. There’s something very obnoxious about being in nature and then suddenly being thrust into crazy traffic. It felt gross and when the first cafe I found wasn’t appealing I doubled down on the mistake and went to McDonald’s. I’m ashamed. This was a poor choice with so much food down the road.
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I got back on the trail and it weaved its way down the beach line with several boardwalk sections. It wasn’t long and I was on Rabbit Island and headed for the Mapua ferry that crosses over a small section of inlet. I initially rode right past the ferry waiting area because it didn’t look like more than a picnic area. I quickly realized my error and doubled back and waited with another cyclist with a clear view over to the ferry. A couple from Auckland turned up on bikes and they were really helpful giving me ideas of where to ride near Nelson and Wellington. We all boarded a short time later for the 5 minute ride across.
On the other side in Mapua there were several more cafes to choose from so I settled on one and enjoyed another coffee and muffin. This place had great food which made me regret my earlier choice of McDonald’s. I slowed my pace here and checked out some art stores that had really spectacular metal work.
After Mapua the trail headed back along the water through Ruby Bay and Tasman and then there was a really nice rural section with spectacular views of grasslands and also some ocean views. This part of the trail was great and also quiet. I think sheep like me now because they let me get real close to them as they were enjoying shade by the trail. The temperature today was a perfect 25 C.
After the rural section there was another nice ride along the beach, then through Riwaka and soon afterwards I made it to Kaiteriteri. I decided on pizza for an early supper since I didn’t really have a lunch and then to the Holiday Park right in town. I’m staying a couple nights and tomorrow I plan to take a boat ride to Abel Tasman National Park where I’ll hike a portion of the way back and then grab the return boat. It should be a great diversion from riding and use some other muscles.
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Highlights:
-Mapua was very nice with a great cafe and art shops
-beach views and the rural section
-fairly easy riding without much climbing until the end
Distance: 79 km and 625 m
Today's ride: 79 km (49 miles)
Total: 4,382 km (2,721 miles)
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