- Ride Length
- 34 km
- Riding Time
- 2-3 hours
- Grade
- 1: Easiest
- Status
- Complete
Riders staying anywhere from Nelson through to Richmond can easily join the trail at many points along the way. If you start at the Nelson i-Site, go alongside the river for about 100 meters until you hit the junction with a “tastes of Nelson” sign. Then you follow the signs and head along to the St Vincent Street cycle route, which follows excellent commuter paths along the historic railway reserve towards the airport.
The Nelson Airport is another good place to start the trail, especially if coming from out of town. From here, join the coastal route to Richmond. This section provides easy, relaxed riding and goes adjacent to State Highway 6 for a while, so smile at commuting cyclists and watch the Waimea Inlet tide as you travel, or head off the trail for refreshments.
Just before you get to Richmond the trail splits. The trail that goes right takes you on towards Māpua. The trail that continues straight, brings you to Richmond's main street, Queen Street where you’ll find shops and cafes. If you want to take the cycle trail towards Brightwater cross Queen Street and follow the signs.
Cruise through the Waimea Estates vineyards and then ride along the Waimea River stop bank where local organisations have been busy replanting with natives until crossing the Waimea River on a purpose-built cycle bridge.
Follow the trail through Brightwater village where food and drink options await, as well as local pottery and crafts. Checkout the story of the early 1900s chicken-powered street lights and the Lord Rutherford Memorial, which displays the history of one of New Zealand’s greatest scientists, most famous for being the first to split the atom.
The trail then brings you through stands of native bush and rolling farmland to the charming rural village of Wakefield, which includes the historic St John’s Church, built in 1846.
Get a Taste of …
Nelson CBD, Classic Cars Museum, The Honest Lawyer Country Pub, Waimea Inlet, McCashin’s Tap Room, Pic’s Peanut Butter World, Richmond CBD, wineries, Wairoa River and suspension bridge, Brightwater’s cafes, local pottery and crafts, Lord Rutherford Memorial, Wakefield village and historic buildings, native bush and rolling farmland.
