Maitai Dam to Brook Street

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.
The Trail is Grade 3 to Coppermine Saddle and the descent from the Saddle to Maitai Dam is Grade 4.

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: 13 km
Riding Time: 1-1.5 hours
Grade: 3: Intermediate
Status: Complete

The final section of the Coppermine Trail parallels Nelson’s water pipeline on a cruisy, bush-lined trail on a bench above the river. After around 4 km, at Smiths Ford, the trail joins the quiet Maitai Valley Rd.

Tired riders can simply follow the road back to Nelson, while those with gas left in the tank can head up to Tantragee Saddle via Groom Creek Road. From Tantragee Saddle you can follow the Coppermine Trail back down to Brook Street or choose from a number of purpose-built tracks in the Codgers MTB Park.

To access Groom Creek Road, turn off the Maitai Valley Rd at the Maitai Esplanade Reserve, just after the Maitai Valley Motor Camp.