Scenic Spooners Tunnel Adventure in Nelson Tasman

Exploring New Zealand’s Nelson region on two wheels offers a unique way to see its lush landscapes and charming towns. This Spooners Tunnel bike tour by The Gentle Cycling Company promises a memorable day of scenic views, historic sights, and a bit of adventure, all wrapped into a manageable 7-hour package.

While we haven’t personally pedaled through it, our research shows this experience is perfect for those who love outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, and a touch of history. We’re particularly fond of the stunning landscapes, the thrill of the tunnel, and the local spots to relax at the end. One thing to consider is that the tour involves moderate physical effort — ideal for those with a reasonable level of fitness.

This tour is best suited for travelers seeking a balanced blend of gentle cycling, cultural insights, and scenic beauty. If you’re after a day that combines active adventure with laid-back sightseeing and some delicious local treats, this could be an excellent choice.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: Ride through hop fields, forests, and farmland with picturesque views at every turn.
• Historic highlights: Follow the old railway route with informative panels explaining the area’s transport history.
• Longest tunnel adventure: Experience the thrill of cycling through Spooners Tunnel, the longest cycle tunnel in the southern hemisphere.
• Comfort and convenience: Bikes, helmets, and safety equipment are provided, plus private transport to start.
• Food and drinks: Start with coffee and cheese scones, finish with local craft beer—bring your own lunch.
• Accessible for moderate fitness levels: The trail has exhilarating downhill sections but requires some physical stamina.

The Itinerary: What to Expect on This Scenic Ride

Starting Point and Shuttle Transfer

The adventure kicks off at 70 Beach Road, Tahunanui, Nelson, where a private shuttle whisks you into the scenic Tasman hills — a landscape dotted with hop fields and native bush. The shuttle ride takes roughly 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to soak in the views and get ready for the cycling portion.

The Flat Rock Café Welcome

Your first stop is at Kohatu Flat Rock Café, an inviting spot to enjoy a hot coffee and a cheese scone. This is more than just a caffeine break; it sets the tone for the day—relaxed, scenic, and infused with local charm. Many reviews highlight the café’s cozy atmosphere and the quality of their baked goods, making it a perfect start before hitting the trail.

The Off-Road Trail Experience

Once equipped with your bike — a standard bike is included, with an e-bike upgrade available — you’ll begin your 50km journey along the historic railway route. The trail is predominantly off-road, winding through vibrant hop plantations, native forests, and small villages.

The route is as varied as it is scenic, with plenty of downhill stretches that make the ride feel exhilarating rather than tiring. The trail is well marked, and informative panels along the way offer insights into the area’s history, particularly how the railway shaped this part of New Zealand.

The Highlight: Spooners Tunnel

The most talked-about feature is Spooners Tunnel, which at 1.4 km makes it the longest cycle tunnel in the southern hemisphere. Cycling through complete darkness, with provided lights, is a surreal experience — and a true highlight for many bike enthusiasts. The tunnel’s cool, air-conditioned interior offers a different perspective of the landscape, and many reviews note how seamless the experience is thanks to the well-organized safety equipment and briefing.

Returning to Nelson

After the tunnel, the trail continues through native bush and farmland, gradually downhill, leading back toward Nelson. This relaxed descent delivers a mix of scenic farmland, river views, and lush greenery, making the ride both soothing and visually rewarding.

End of the Tour: Local Pubs and Relaxation

The ride concludes at a local tavern, where you can unwind with a craft beer or soft drink, celebrating your day of exploration. The atmosphere here is friendly and casual, perfect for sharing stories about the ride. Many reviewers mention how the combination of natural beauty and local hospitality makes this a memorable finish.

Inclusions and What You Need to Know

The tour offers excellent value, especially considering the private transportation, bike, helmet, and safety gear included. The private group size ensures a relaxed, personalized experience, with a briefing along the way that’s tailored to your pace and interests.

You’ll need to bring your own lunch and water for the ride back, as no food or drinks are provided during the trail. This is a good chance to pack a picnic or some snacks, especially if you plan to spend extra time exploring or taking photos.

The tour operates at 9:00 am, promising a full day of adventure. It’s suitable for moderate fitness levels, which means you should be comfortable with some uphill and downhill cycling, although the downhill sections make it accessible for most.

The Value of This Experience

At $117.63 per person, this tour offers a lot in terms of scenery, history, and active fun. The inclusion of a standard bike (with an upgrade to e-bike), safety gear, and private transport makes it a seamless experience, removing logistical stress. The fact that only your group participates adds a feel of exclusivity, making it a personalized outdoor adventure.

While it is a full-day activity—about 7 hours—it balances activity with plenty of breaks, scenic stops, and the chance to soak in the surroundings. The highlight, of course, being the long tunnel ride, offers a thrill that’s hard to match on other local bike tours.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for outdoor lovers, history buffs, and those who enjoy a mix of activity with scenic relaxation. It suits travelers with moderate fitness, capable of cycling around 50km with some downhill assistance. It’s also great for those interested in local agriculture and railway history, with plenty of informative panels along the route.

Couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for an authentic, active day in Nelson will find this tour rewarding. And if you’re someone who enjoys ending the day with a local beer, this tour ticks that box as well.

The Sum Up

The Scenic Spooners Tunnel Adventure blends history, nature, and active exploration into a memorable Nelson experience. The highlight, cycling through the longest cycle tunnel in the southern hemisphere, is not only a fun challenge but also a great photo opportunity. The route’s diversity — hop fields, native forest, farmland — ensures visual interest at every turn, making it perfect for those who love scenic rides.

The inclusion of transport, gear, and personalized briefings means you can focus on enjoying the ride, not worrying about logistics. The option to upgrade to an e-bike makes it accessible for a broader range of fitness levels, and the end-of-ride local pub provides a fitting reward.

This tour offers excellent value for those craving a mix of adventure, history, and stunning scenery. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or a casual explorer, you’ll come away with a genuine appreciation for Nelson’s natural beauty and the stories behind its landscape.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
This tour is best suited for travelers with a moderate fitness level. While children could join if they’re comfortable cycling long distances and are supervised, it’s mainly geared towards adults or older teens.

Do I need to bring my own snacks or water?
Yes. The tour does not include food or drinks during the ride, so it’s recommended to bring your own water bottle and some snacks or a packed lunch.

What happens if it rains?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I upgrade to an e-bike?
Yes, e-bikes are available as an upgrade, which can make the ride easier, especially on uphill sections or if you prefer a less strenuous experience.

How long is the tunnel ride?
Spooners Tunnel is 1.4 km long, making it the longest cycle tunnel in the southern hemisphere. Cycling through it is often considered the most memorable part of the tour.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 9:00 am, allowing for plenty of daylight hours to enjoy the ride and scenery.

This Nelson bike tour offers a well-rounded, authentic way to see the region’s natural beauty and history with a touch of adventure. Perfect for active travelers eager to experience New Zealand’s landscapes in a fun, relaxed setting.