Coppermine Saddle to Maitai Dam

Trail Grades and Safety

Our trails have been graded according to the trail grade standards set out by NZ Cycle Trails. You can read them here.

We recommend riders are fit and well prepared and we encourage you to know your limits and choose a trail that's suitable for all the riders in your group. Also be aware that there are areas on the trails where there is no cellphone reception. You may want to carry a Personal Locator Beacon in these areas. Check network coverage here.

We recommend you check the weather before starting the trail. Check it here.

Ride Length: 9.6 km
Riding Time: 20-60 minutes
Grade: 4: Advanced
Status: Complete

From Coppermine Saddle the trail descends on a flowing and windy, purpose-built mountain bike track. After zig-zagging through a small patch of trees, the trail hugs the side of Dun Mountain offering views north to Delaware Bay.

The trail descends through the red-brown rocks of ‘Boulder Valley’ before delivering you back into the forest around the south branch of the Maitai River. The section from the saddle to the forest is rocky and technical. Once in the trees, the trail follows a flowing section of benched single-track beside the river before reaching the Maitai Dam – Nelson’s water supply.

[Be warned, following the August 2022 extreme weather event, the descent from Coppermine Saddle to Maitai is rough and has loose rocks and boulders in places. It is recommended for experienced riders. We'll be returning our attention to this section of the trail as soon as we have finished other priority works.]