Day Trips
4–7 hours
Taking safety measures
Recommended by 93% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
from
$75.88
per adult
Kiwi Journeys
Kiwi Journeys
5
Multi-day Tours • Bike Tours • Wine Tours & Tastings • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Day Trips
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Kiwi Journeys is New Zealand's trusted local cycle tour operator, specialising in self-guided and supported tours on Nelson’s Great Taste Trail and the amazing West Coast Wilderness Trail. We offer everything you need to enjoy these memorable ‘Great Rides’ including the regions largest range of quality e-Bikes, trail bikes, mountain bikes and family equipment. Our services include the Mapua Ferry, transport, luggage transfers, accommodation, support, personal advice and insider tips. Kiwi Journeys depots include Nelson City, Mapua Wharf, Kaiteriteri and Hokitika on the West Coast. Kiwi Journeys have now partnered with Electrify.NZ meaning you get the latest e-Bikes on the market including KTM, Haibike, Smart-Motion and Black. We look forward to offering you an amazing experience!
Nelson, New Zealand
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Kiwi Journeys
Bike Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$107.92
per adult
Bike Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$90.55
per adult
Travelers talk about
(36 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
378 reviews
Excellent
338
Very good
29
Average
9
Poor
0
Terrible
2
John H
Wellington, New Zealand6 contributions
Jun 2022
We wanted to go for a short mid-week 2hr bicycle ride round Nelson on a beautiful winter's day - 3 adults plus a 18 month old toddler. I thought this might be as bit much of an ask, but no problem. The 18 mo was loaded into a kiddie's trailer and taken for a test drive which he loved, so we set off with 2 electric and one manual bike. All the gear was top-notch and well maintained, and the suggested bike route was perfect
The trip could not have been better. If the longer trips are as good as this, you'll be in for a wonderful time
Thanks guys
The trip could not have been better. If the longer trips are as good as this, you'll be in for a wonderful time
Thanks guys
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brenda O
Whanganui, New Zealand7 contributions
Feb 2023
The all woman team at Kiwi Journeys Hokitika made a great trip to the Wilderness Trail exceptional. They provided a package that included quality accommodation at each stage, provided useful advice and lots of great banter en-route each day.
I was unable to ride due to a wrist injury, and the Kiwi Journeys Hokitika team didn't miss a beat, ensuring that I could still walk the best sections of the trail each day. They went the extra mile and I was so appreciative. The Wilderness Trail includes some lovely sections for day walks by the way! Our group definitely recommends the Wilderness Trail, the scenery is varied and beautiful and let the Kiwi Journeys team take all the hassle out of planning transfers, extra sojourns and accommodation - they are experts and nothing is too much trouble and they are proudly West Coast locals. Thanks gals
I was unable to ride due to a wrist injury, and the Kiwi Journeys Hokitika team didn't miss a beat, ensuring that I could still walk the best sections of the trail each day. They went the extra mile and I was so appreciative. The Wilderness Trail includes some lovely sections for day walks by the way! Our group definitely recommends the Wilderness Trail, the scenery is varied and beautiful and let the Kiwi Journeys team take all the hassle out of planning transfers, extra sojourns and accommodation - they are experts and nothing is too much trouble and they are proudly West Coast locals. Thanks gals
Written February 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much Brenda, you were an awesome group and we were happy to help to make it all work for you.
Written March 1, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Themadgies
North Island, New Zealand40 contributions
Jan 2023
We did the 3 day Tapawera-Wakefield-Mapua-Nelson ride and it was fantastic, in fact it was better than that!. The team at Kiwi Journeys were amazing from initial contact to the completion of the ride. They are so very helpful, organized everything perfectly, found pre and post accommodation for us when we were struggling to find any ourselves and are just genuinely great people to deal with. Totally recommend using this company and we will definitely use them again.
Written January 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
EMma N
1 contribution
Nov 2021
This trip exceeded our expectations! It was the staff that made all the difference! The trip was very well organised with thorough and regular comm's from Suzanne and this carried on during the whole 6 days we were there. Suzanne guided us well on our own pre trip and then managed the details of the Wilderness Trail for us so well. Her genuinely West Coast off sider Lauren was just as capable and obliging and threw in her life stories of living in the local community to really let our experience it first hand. Nothing was too much to ask and all the accommodation and food recommendations were superb. This trip was a highlight of my year and these awesome ladies made it so!
Written November 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for choosing to use us for your trip. I really enjoyed being able to assist you to incorporate the two days of more adventurous cycling in to your tour. Your group was fabulous and not even our wet weather could dampen your spirits. Lauren absolutely loved having you here and we are still laughing about some of the events!
Written December 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jan G
New Plymouth, New Zealand7 contributions
Mar 2023
I joined 3 Oz girls for the West Coast Wilderness Trail, then the Great Taste Trail around the Nelson/Mapua area. None of us experienced track riders. I cannot rate these trips highly enough; the organisation was exceptional, the support people always helpful and cheerful and did everything to make our ride stress free. They went out of their way to assist when we had our one small hiccough on the West Coast trip.
The trails were good, although the MBT track was a bit of a surprise, although doable.
We were even brought an amazing picnic (wine included!) on the Great Taste ride!
Accommodation different each night and all excellent; we learned so much history en route.
The only advice I would give; if you want to go through the brewery, or PICs peanut butter; check the times tours are open and book well ahead.
Thank you to the wonderful teams who took such good care of us. (we are already talking about doing another trip).
The trails were good, although the MBT track was a bit of a surprise, although doable.
We were even brought an amazing picnic (wine included!) on the Great Taste ride!
Accommodation different each night and all excellent; we learned so much history en route.
The only advice I would give; if you want to go through the brewery, or PICs peanut butter; check the times tours are open and book well ahead.
Thank you to the wonderful teams who took such good care of us. (we are already talking about doing another trip).
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ben W
Wellington, New Zealand57 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We are a family of three (two adults & a nine year old) and wanted to hire some bikes for a ride around Rabbit Island.
The guys in the shop were great, friendly, full of grea advice and extremely helpful. Really reasonable prices for three bikes for three hours (helmets included)
Bikes were new and really well suited for the trek, we were given maps and guidance and had a blast. Weather was amazing which helped of course.
Recommended
The guys in the shop were great, friendly, full of grea advice and extremely helpful. Really reasonable prices for three bikes for three hours (helmets included)
Bikes were new and really well suited for the trek, we were given maps and guidance and had a blast. Weather was amazing which helped of course.
Recommended
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marg Ingram
Christchurch, New Zealand15 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
Kiwi Journeys were great and very helpful from when we arrived till when we finished. Those who hired bikes loved them. I had my own bike, and Kiwi Journeys were very helpful and sorted out my problems very quickly and thoroughly.
But:
Because we weren't doing their standard trip the office staff had been insistent we pay full price. Eventually (after several emails and phone calls) a manager phoned, and our total was reduced by almost $1000, to a more realistic cost.
Weirdly, they only offered us one map, between a group of 6! But after asking we did get 3.
Accommodation was all good, but Mapua on the Water with it's fabulous views and location would have been much better if the hosts had left us to our own for our continental breakfast instead of rushing us, rationing what we ate and drank, turning on the dishwasher while we were still finishing and having us out of the house by 9.30am when we only had a short ride ahead of us! They just wanted us out!
All that aside, I would definitely recommend Kiwi Journeys.
But:
Because we weren't doing their standard trip the office staff had been insistent we pay full price. Eventually (after several emails and phone calls) a manager phoned, and our total was reduced by almost $1000, to a more realistic cost.
Weirdly, they only offered us one map, between a group of 6! But after asking we did get 3.
Accommodation was all good, but Mapua on the Water with it's fabulous views and location would have been much better if the hosts had left us to our own for our continental breakfast instead of rushing us, rationing what we ate and drank, turning on the dishwasher while we were still finishing and having us out of the house by 9.30am when we only had a short ride ahead of us! They just wanted us out!
All that aside, I would definitely recommend Kiwi Journeys.
Written February 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
teddybearmydog
Whanganui, New Zealand56 contributions
Feb 2023
This is a great trail to ride with lots of nice vistas and an eventful experience. The crew at Kiwi Journeys did their best to give us a complete and happy experience. They were well organised and on time. My partner handled the ride easily as he is an experienced rider but for me it was not that enjoyable. My own bike got damaged and I had to hire a bike. I found the bike not up to my standard and had 3 falls which luckily did not result in serious injury.
However the accommodation was great especially the Scenic Waterways and Teichelmanns B & B. The excursions were great as well - loved the Hokitika Gorge walk and the Treetops walk.
Just be aware:
Supervise the loading and unloading on the trailer if you are taking your own bikes and make sure they are up to the job as there are some very rutted areas on the ride on the gravel roads (not trail).
It is a grade 2 and 3 trail so be sure to be a competent rider or get plenty of practice before hand.
Overall it is a trail for all and we had the most fantastic weather which was a bonus.
This is not meant to be a bad review it is just my honest opinion and my experience.
However the accommodation was great especially the Scenic Waterways and Teichelmanns B & B. The excursions were great as well - loved the Hokitika Gorge walk and the Treetops walk.
Just be aware:
Supervise the loading and unloading on the trailer if you are taking your own bikes and make sure they are up to the job as there are some very rutted areas on the ride on the gravel roads (not trail).
It is a grade 2 and 3 trail so be sure to be a competent rider or get plenty of practice before hand.
Overall it is a trail for all and we had the most fantastic weather which was a bonus.
This is not meant to be a bad review it is just my honest opinion and my experience.
Written February 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Cassie, great that you enjoyed the trail. It is a pity that your damaged bike ( this was not damaged by Kiwi Journeys), meant you needed to hire a bike.
All of our bikes are fit for the trail, we pride ourselves on having top quality bikes. Please read other peoples reviews which would say the contrary to what you have said.
We have loaded 1000's of bikes and our drivers do a great job of doing so. Please do not imply Kiwi Journeys had anything to do with your wheel not being properly fitted - this was your responsibility.
The trail is predominantly Grade 1 and 2 , with a very small section of Grade 3.
Wishing you happy cycling on our fabulous trails around Aotearoa.
Written March 1, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FabsKiwi
Pauatahanui, New Zealand10 contributions
Nov 2021
3 girlfriends and I did the Wilderness trail from Ross to Greymouth and we can honestly say that despite the weather being average, Suzanne and Lauren at Kiwi journeys were top nosh and we would recommend them 100%.
They were efficient, kept top communication with us from the time we booked through to the the very end as well as being kind and fun.
We enjoyed all the accomodations and met some wonderfull and warm people.
Riding was a lot of fun with the extras like hot tub, a river swamp cruise, tree top walk, bush walk with Lauren our best guide, dinner in Hokitika, whitebait in Kumara and of course the celebration drinks and nibbles at the pub in Greymouth to finish our trip.
We loved the experience of the West Coast and would go back in a hurry, not to mention the we have now 2 friends in the West coast. See you soon girls!
They were efficient, kept top communication with us from the time we booked through to the the very end as well as being kind and fun.
We enjoyed all the accomodations and met some wonderfull and warm people.
Riding was a lot of fun with the extras like hot tub, a river swamp cruise, tree top walk, bush walk with Lauren our best guide, dinner in Hokitika, whitebait in Kumara and of course the celebration drinks and nibbles at the pub in Greymouth to finish our trip.
We loved the experience of the West Coast and would go back in a hurry, not to mention the we have now 2 friends in the West coast. See you soon girls!
Written May 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TravellerJK25
Auckland, New Zealand2 contributions
Feb 2021
Recently cycled the West Coast Wilderness Trail as part of a package deal booked through Kiwi Journeys. The whole booking process was easy (thanks Lynnie), great communication and follow-up.
The trip itself was fantastic, with wonderful bikes, accommodation, hosts, meals, shuttles & logistics and inclusions such as the Treetop Walk and boat ride to Lake Mahinapua. Highly recommend!
The trip itself was fantastic, with wonderful bikes, accommodation, hosts, meals, shuttles & logistics and inclusions such as the Treetop Walk and boat ride to Lake Mahinapua. Highly recommend!
Written February 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi TravellerJK25. So lovely to get your review and your summary of this wonderful tour package that Kiwi Journeys offer on the West Coast Wilderness Trail. It truly is stunning scenery and with the extras you mention make it a truly memorable trip and thrilled you loved the bikes as well.
Hope to see you sometime here in Nelson riding the Great Taste Trail. Keep turning those pedals Lynnie
Written February 25, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beth B
Mokena, IL14 contributions
Hello is there an extra cost for the electronic bikes? Do we need to reserve them when we make our reservations? Thank you.
Kiwi Journeys
Nelson, New Zealand
Hi Beth, Yes there is an additional cost for ebikes. We highly recommend you go online and book your ebikes as this is a very busy time of year for Kiwi Journeys. Or you can always contact our reservations staff to help on this. Many thanks and look forward to meeting you.
Hi, We are arriving in Nelson on February 4th on the Azamara Journey Cruise Line and am interested in the Self-Guided Nelson to Mapua Cycle Adventure. We have 4-6 people interested and were wondering how far your location is from the cruise line dock. Can we walk to your location? Also your web site states that you depart at 9:00 a.m. Is that a definite time or can we leave at 9:30? It sounds like you will shuttle us to the trail, but on a map it does not look like it is very far. Can you clarify the process. Thank you,
Irene Davies
Kiwi Journeys
Nelson, New Zealand
Hi Irene. Thanks for your message. We would love to organise a Nelson to Mapua Cycle Adventure. This is really popular, and we know you will love it. It is a comfortable 20-30 minute walk from the dock to our shop and leaving at 9.30am is just fine. Even later would work. You will be fitted to your bikes at our Nelson depot, and given all the details you will need to enjoy your day ride to Mapua which is 32kms and all flat. Mapua is a fabulous seaside spot, where you can enjoy galleries, restaurants, a wine bar, brewery etc. The Mapua shuttle leaves at 5.30pm, and could drop you back at the dock. You may like to upgrade to an e-bike! It would certainly pay to book, as there was a cruise ship visited us recently, and it was a very busy day! You are welcome to email us via our website. Look forward to hearing from you soon and seeing you on February 4th. Kind Regards Glen for Kiwi Journeys