A railway tunnel left unused for 60 years is about to open up to cyclists and walkers.
On Sunday, Spooners Tunnel will become the newest section of the Nelson Tasman Great Taste Trail to be unveiled.
At 1.35km, it will be the Southern Hemisphere's longest tunnel used exclusively by cyclists and walkers.
It's dark, it's cold, and it's all one straight line. If you cycle south to north, the gentle downward slope will allow you to basically freewheel the entire distance.
This is just the latest cycleway to bring new life to historic New Zealand.
Spooner's Tunnel is in Belgrove, south-west of Nelson.
Opened in 1893, the tunnel was dug by hand.
It was supposed to connect Nelson to the West Coast, but it only got to Gowanbridge before the Government of the day pulled the pin.
In 1955, the tracks were pulled up and the tunnel boarded up.
Cycle Trail Chair Gillian Wratt says cycling opens up the country "in a way that driving doesn't."
It could be the perfect school holiday experience -- and it's free. Just remember your torch and jacket.
Watch the video for the full Story report.
