Spooners Tunnel (One day Self-Guided Cycle Tour)

Nelson Cycle Hire will transport you to the start of the ride at one end of the 1.7 km Spooners tunnel, the longest disused rail tunnel in New Zealand open for cycling.  You are in for a treat as the first 10 km, being all downhill, is a real blast. The ride from Spooners to Nelson is 40 km approx. and it’s pretty much all downhill or flat.  You will cycle through vineyards, hop country, past free range chicken farms, and alongside meandering streams, see some vestiges of the old tobacco farming days, with picturesque old hop kilns, forested hills and pastoral scenery.

Along the way, visit Wakefield (where there’s an opportunity for a side trip to visit the Higgins Park Steam Museum Thursday to Sunday) and great pies to be had. Cycle through Brightwater township, the birthplace of Lord Rutherford, the father of Nuclear Physics. Here you will find cafes, craft beer and a well-known pottery. Cross the river on a swing bridge then it's time for gourmet treats when you visit cafes, wineries for wine tastings, taste locally made cheeses, beer at a local artisan brewery, or indulge in a fresh berry icecream.  Your tour ends at Nelson airport.