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.

 

Maitai Dam to Brook Street

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 follow the Maitai River Walkway. To access the walkway, use the ‘pipeline bridge’ which is 2.5 km downstream from Smiths Ford on your left, just before the Maitai Valley Motor Camp.

Alternatively, ‘Te Ara Kopiko’ trail will take you from the Maitai River Walkway back up to Tantragee Saddle*. 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.

*This is private land owned by Ngāti Koata and a free recreation access permit can be downloaded HERE.