Cycle Trails - Nelson
New Zealand is an outstanding visitor destination, and there’s no doubt that one of the best ways to explore it is by cycling, the Nelson Region is no exception and we have two trails which will appeal to a wide cross section of cyclists and day trippers.
The trails are close to iconic attractions such as the Abel Tasman National Park. The region also has good weather and is renowned for its strengths in the arts, and in food and wine.
Dun Mountain Track
The 38km Dun Mountain Trail is a copper mine epic which begins and ends in The Brook, a Nelson suburb and follows the route of New Zealand’s first railway (1862) as it winds through forest before crossing an alpine mineral belt and descending past the Maitai Dam down the Maitai River and back into Nelson. This exciting one day ride, usually for the more experienced rider, but an upgrade to an intermediate level has made it possible for more to enjoy.
Early sections give glimpses of the Waimea plains to the south and west. More extensive views can be enjoyed back across Nelson and beyond to Tasman Bay and Abel Tasman National Park. Third House is a good place to pause for a break and a chance to listen to bellbirds, or be entertained by ever-inquisitive wekas. The trail’s emergence onto the mountaintops near Windy Point and Coppermine Saddle offer stunning views of Tasman Bay.
SUGGESTED SKILL LEVEL - Grade Three Intermediate
Tasman's Great Taste Trail
Starting at Richmond, the trail offers panoramic coastal views over Tasman Bay, Waimea Estuary, and the Western Ranges, including Mt Arthur, Mt Owen and the Crusaders.
Riders pass over boardwalks along the edge of the Waimea Estuary; home to a range of internationally significant bird species including the white heron.From here the trail crosses to Rabbit Island, where riders can take a boat trip to Mapua wharf and enjoy cottage industry shops, cafes and restaurants. The route north-west from Mapua leads to Motueka, which hosts award winning wineries, then on to Riwaka, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park.
The southern section of trail passes down quiet back roads along the Motueka River’s west bank emerging into a landscape of sheltered valleys surrounded by forest and glacial mountains. At Tapawera, cyclists will then begin a 56kms ride along an abandoned railway corridor past historic tobacco drying kilns to Kohatu Junction. Riders are advised to bring a torch as moving further north, you will pass through New Zealand’s longest decommissioned Spooner rail tunnel, a gentle curve of 1.384kms emerging just south of Belgrove. The trail then passes through Wakefield and then heads back to Richmond, which rounds off the 175km.
Two Parts to this trail are already open
Rabbit Island to Mapua
From the entrance to Rabbit Island (30km west of Nelson) follow an easy cycle trail which is suitable for all ages and fitness levels to the western end of the island. where a brand new ferry has been built to transport cyclists and walkers across to Mapua’s bustling wharf area. Mapua has a range of shops to buy food from. After refuelling, catch the ferry back to Rabbit Island and cycle back to the start.
Nelson to Richmond
Fourteen kilometres of easy cycle trail between Nelson and Richmond is open and ready to ride. It provides a pleasant half-day ride.
A rail trail starts from the small park on the corner of Saint Vincent St and Totara St, 2km southwest of the Nelson i-Site. After another 2km you will ride onto Beatson Road and down to another cycle trail beside Whakatu Drive. You pass Nelson Airport and will now be on the Tasman’s official Great Taste Trail Loop Trail. Carefully follow the cycle trail signs down to the Coastal Route to Richmond. From Lower Queen Street in Richmond the path continues another 1.4 km to the Appleby Highway over bridge. It will be extended to Brightwater by the end of 2011.