Trail Notices and Grades
We use the standard grading system for the New Zealand Cycle Trail to communicate what level of fitness/ skill is needed to ride each trail. The Coppermine Trail is Grade 3 to Coppermine Saddle and the descent from the Saddle to Maitai Dam is Grade 4.
Coppermine Trail Forestry Work - Groom Creek / Te Ara Kopiko week day closure from 26 May for approximately 5 days - No access over Tantragee Saddle from the Maitai during this time. Open on weekends.
This is to advise that there will be forestry operations including heavy machinery operating in the vicinity of Groom Creek Road, Te Ara Kopiko trail, Fireball Road and Golf Course Road. For health and safety reasons there will be no public access over the Tantragee Saddle on weekdays from Monday 26th May. Please plan to ride back down the Maitai Valley to return to Nelson CBD. There is great riding from the Golf Course down the true left of the Maitai River.
May 2025 Groom Creek closureGroom-Creek-+-Fireball-Rd-Council-Closure-Maps.pdf
Signage and traffic control will be prominent advising of trail closures but if in doubt refer to the Council website. Please refer to NCC Maps for more detail of trail closures https://shape.nelson.govt.nz/harvesting-our-forests
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.
