our clients enjoying self-guided cycle tour

Ride through scenic trails to Spooners Tunnel

Exploring old tobacco farms and hop kilns by cycle

Cycle through vineyards and hop fields in scenic countryside

Free cancellation: Get a full refund of ticket price up to 24 hours in advance

4.8 / 5 (64)

Spooners Tunnel (One day Self-Guided Cycle Tour)

Cycle through the longest disused Rail Tunnel in the southern hemisphere, then after an exhilarating 10 km downhill ride, enjoy an easy coast through pastoral scenery back to Nelson City.

From: NZ$125

Per Person

On Request: Confirmed within 48 hours, or fully refunded.

Highlights

Cycle through 1.7 km long disused rail tunnel
Vineyards and Wine tastings
Artisan breweries and Beer tastings
Cycle past hop gardens, alongside meandering streams
One way ride with transport to start of ride

Full Description

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 f...

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Includes

Accessories including helmet, locking cable, pump and puncture repair kit

Headlamp and hi vis vest for the tunnel

Cycle Hire, helmet, lock, pump and repair kit, headlamp for the tunnel, hi-vis vest, map and transpo

Meeting Point

Meet at Nelson Cycle Hire depot in Airport House, located at Nelson Airport (just 150 m from the main arrivals and departures terminal). Look to your right as you exit the arrivals terminal, and you will see a cream coloured terminal called Airport House. If you are driving, please follow the signs to the Value parking area, and you will see Airport House on your left, and Nelson Cycle Hire is located around the side of the building.

Additional Information

A minimum of 2 people are required to run the tour.

Cancellation policy

Full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before activity starts.

From

NZ$125

Per Person

On Request: Confirmed within 48 hours, or fully refunded.

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Airport House, Nelson Airport, Trent Drive, Nelson, 7011

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You will receive your ticket by email straight away. The activity provider will contact you if there are availability issues so you can arrange a different time or day, or receive a full refund.
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You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the day of the experience, local time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bikes are provided?

You’ll receive a standard (non-electric) bike, along with all essential gear.

Is the ride mostly downhill, and what is the terrain like?

Yes, the ride is largely downhill or flat, making it both scenic and enjoyable. The first 10 km after exiting the 1.5 km Spooners Tunnel is mostly downhill. After that, you’ll cruise across vineyards, hop fields, alongside meandering streams, passing farms and rural landscapes, with minimal elevation change. The tunnel itself is dark, quiet, and chilly, so a headlamp is provided.

Are there food or drink stops along the route?

Yes, plenty of great local pit stops along the way:

Youll pass through Wakefield, where you can take a detour to visit the Higgins Park Steam Museum or grab bakery treats like pies.

In Brightwater, there are cafes, craft breweries, a pottery shop, and access to local wine tastings, cheeses, artisan beer, and fresh berry ice cream.

What fitness level is recommended for this tour?

This tour is suitable for a broad range of fitness levels.

What should I wear and bring for the cycle tour?

Wear comfortable active wear and closed‑toe shoes. Bring water, a helmet, snacks, and a camera.

Is there a minimum number of people required for the tour to operate?

Yes, a minimum of 2 people is required to run the tour.

What is your cancellation policy?

We offer a full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before the activity starts.

Spooners Tunnel (One day Self-Guided Cycle Tour)

From: NZ$125

Highlights

Cycle through 1.7 km long disused rail tunnel

Vineyards and Wine tastings

Artisan breweries and Beer tastings

Cycle past hop gardens, alongside meandering streams

One way ride with transport to start of ride

Full Description

Includes

Additional Information

NZ$125

Book Your Experience

Traveler Details

Payment Details

NZ Bank Account (Direct Debit)

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bikes are provided?

Is the ride mostly downhill, and what is the terrain like?

Are there food or drink stops along the route?

What fitness level is recommended for this tour?

What should I wear and bring for the cycle tour?

Is there a minimum number of people required for the tour to operate?

What is your cancellation policy?

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