Cycle to Tahunanui, then Stand-Up Paddle the Sheltered Nelson Waterfront

NELSON WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE

Cycle to Tahunanui, then Stand-Up Paddle the Sheltered Nelson Waterfront

A one-day Paddle and Pedal Adventure in Nelson that combines a short coastal bike ride with an hour of SUP or kayak and a longer afternoon on the Great Taste Trail.

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Cycle to Tahunanui, then Stand-Up Paddle the Sheltered Nelson Waterfront.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Nelson
Operator
Paddle Nelson
Category
Water Activities
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This Paddle and Pedal Adventure pairs a short, scenic ride from Nelson Cycling at Tahunanui with a calm, sheltered paddle from Tahunanui Beach — then opens into hours of cycling on the Great Taste Trail to local wineries and artisan breweries, all arranged so a single day can deliver both water and land experiences.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Tahunanui Beach Paddle
THE WATER

Tahunanui Beach Paddle

After a five-minute ride to the beach you have a one-hour SUP or kayak hire on Tahunanui’s calm, sheltered water with easy access to Fifeshire Rock and Haulashore Island; all required equipment is provided.

Great Taste Trail Cycling
THE ROUTE

Great Taste Trail Cycling

Following the paddle you’ll spend 3+ hours or more cycling the Great Taste Trail toward nearby wineries and artisan breweries — an easy-distance extension of the day with an optional e-bike upgrade.

Simple Start and Finish
THE LOGISTICS

Simple Start and Finish

Pick up bikes from Nelson Cycling at Tahunanui Motor Camp, leave your bike with Paddle Nelson while you’re on the water, and either return to the base or continue out to Mapua with an available shuttle option.

What the day feels like

How the day unfolds

Collect your bike from Nelson Cycling at Tahunanui Motor Camp and, after a short briefing and a five-minute ride, launch for an hour of SUP or kayaking along Nelson’s iconic waterfront. The paddling is calm and sheltered; after returning the board or kayak you remount for a multi-hour ride on the Great Taste Trail to wineries, breweries and local sights, with time left to enjoy lunch or a booked visit to Pics Peanut Butter before returning your bike or taking a shuttle to Mapua.

Tahunanui Beach Paddle

THE WATER

Tahunanui Beach Paddle

After a five-minute ride to the beach you have a one-hour SUP or kayak hire on Tahunanui’s calm, sheltered water with easy access to Fifeshire Rock and Haulashore Island; all required equipment is provided.

Great Taste Trail Cycling

THE ROUTE

Great Taste Trail Cycling

Following the paddle you’ll spend 3+ hours or more cycling the Great Taste Trail toward nearby wineries and artisan breweries — an easy-distance extension of the day with an optional e-bike upgrade.

Simple Start and Finish

THE LOGISTICS

Simple Start and Finish

Pick up bikes from Nelson Cycling at Tahunanui Motor Camp, leave your bike with Paddle Nelson while you’re on the water, and either return to the base or continue out to Mapua with an available shuttle option.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who gets the most from this day trip — and who should reconsider.

1
Active Day-TrippersA full-day excursion that combines easy coastal paddling and multi-hour cycling—ideal for guests comfortable on a bike and in the water; the e-bike upgrade is available for a less strenuous ride.
2
Families with childrenFamilies can participate, but children must be accompanied by a responsible adult and should be comfortable in the water before hiring equipment.
3
Beginner paddlersAccessible for newcomers: the launch is on calm, sheltered water and instruction and a conditions briefing are included, but operators require participants to be comfortable in the water.
4
Cyclists seeking sightseeing ridesWell suited to riders who want a scenic, multi-hour spin on the Great Taste Trail with stops at local producers; bikes can be left during the paddle and there is an option to take a shuttle from Mapua.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Arrive on your bike about 10 minutes early to sign in and be briefed; operators provide SUPs or kayaks, buoyancy aids, leash and paddle, plus bicycle and helmet. Be comfortable in the water before hiring.

Logistics & Timing

This is an all-day activity: a short morning paddle (one hour) is followed by 3+ hours of cycling; bikes are collected and returned at Nelson Cycling at Tahunanui Motor Camp, and bikes may be left with Paddle Nelson while you paddle.

Inclusions

The operator provides SUP or kayak hire, buoyancy aid, leash and paddle, bicycle and helmet, plus instruction and a conditions briefing.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the experience?

The trip is an all-day experience, featuring a one-hour paddle and 3+ hours of cycling for the rest of the day.

What is the price?

The stated rate is $90 per person; children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Where do I meet?

Pick up bikes from Nelson Cycling at Tahunanui Motor Camp (Tahuna Holiday Park, 70 Beach Road, Tāhunanui, Nelson) and arrive about 10 minutes early to kit up and be briefed.

What happens if it’s too windy to paddle?

If the wind is too strong to be safe on the ocean, the operator will contact you in advance to move your booking.

Can I leave my bike while I go paddling?

Yes—bikes can be left with Paddle Nelson while you are on the water.

Is equipment provided and is instruction included?

Yes—SUP or kayak hire, buoyancy aids, leash and paddle, bicycle and helmet are provided, and an instruction and conditions briefing is included.