A beginners guide to bikepacking
The Heaphy Track
With sun-soaked days, trails that range from cruisy to adrenaline-inducing, and plenty of good food and friendly faces, Nelson Tasman is built for this kind of adventure. Whether it’s an overnighter or a full-blown mission, here’s what you need—no fluff, just the good stuff.
There’s a reason bikepackers fall in love with our region. Actually, there are heaps.
With some of the most reliable sunshine in Aotearoa, our region lets you ride comfortably almost any time of year.
From alpine tussocks and native bush to coastal gravel roads and vineyard-laced valleys—it’s all here.
We’ve got a growing web of cycle trails, mountain tracks, and quiet country backroads that link up beautifully.
Think charming country cafés, bike-friendly accommodation, and that classic Kiwi generosity when you need a hand or a yarn.
You don’t need top-of-the-line gear to get started—just a solid setup, a bit of know-how, and a healthy dose of adventure. Here’s what you’ll need:
A hardtail mountain bike or gravel bike with wide tyres is a solid start. Make sure it’s comfy, trail-ready, and ideally given the once-over by a good mechanic before you head off.
Frame bags, handlebar rolls, and seat packs help spread the load evenly and keep your ride smooth and stable. Our mates at Scottish Express not only rent out top-notch bikepacking gear but also run shuttles, making it a breeze to get to and from the trail without the logistics headache.
Go for compact sleeping systems and minimal cooking gear—think smart, not bulky. Both the Old Ghost Road and Heaphy Track huts are fully serviced with cooking facilities so you can pack lighter without missing the comforts. For dehydrated meals and an ultralight kit, pop into MD Outdoors—they’ve got all the good stuff to keep your setup lean and trail-ready. You can also hire a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) from them.
A map, GPS, or trail app like NZ Topo50, All Trails, Trailforks, Komoot, or Ride with GPS will help you stay on track. Make sure you’ve downloaded your maps as some spots are off the grid.
Multi-tool, spare tube (or tubeless repair kit), pump, tyre levers, chain link—don’t leave town without the basics to keep you rolling. Swing by and see our mates at Gravity Nelson, they’ve got the gear and the know-how to get you sorted.
Before heading off on a multi-day mission, it’s a smart move to give your gear a proper shake-down. A classic local favourite? Ride up to Third House Shelter on the Coppermine Trail. It’s close to town, has a good mix of climbing and terrain, and gives you a solid sense of how your loaded bike handles. If you’re feeling up for it, tackle the full loop—just be ready for a rugged Grade 4 descent on the Boulder Valley side. Either way, it’s a stunning ride and a brilliant chance to fine-tune your packing, pacing and pedal power. Just don’t forget your layers—it’s alpine conditions up at the saddle.
To complete the dry run, book a night at Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park. It’s the perfect spot to practise the full camp setup—pitching your tent, cooking a meal (or heading down to Sprig & Fern Tāhuna), and sorting your sleep system—all without leaving town. And hey, hot showers and a beachside morning coffee from Raglan Roast don’t hurt either.
Perfect for easing into the adventure, these routes are all about low stress and high reward.
Let’s roll—literally. One of the best ways to ease into bikepacking is by cruising a familiar local gem, like Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. It’s gentle, scenic, and packed with places to stop for a bite or a breather.
Singletrack Sisters, a women’s riding crew based right here in Nelson Tasman, took on a two-day adventure from Nelson to Tapawera and back—cruising through Māpua Wharf, with a quick re-supply stop at Neudorf Vineyards, and winding along riverside trails, all while soaking up the wide-open beauty of rolling farmland. It was the perfect blend of laid-back pedalling and a proper overnight adventure.
A ride from Lyell Campground to Lyell Hut on the Old Ghost Road is the perfect step up for those looking to push a bit further—offering a steady climb through lush beech forest, epic views, and a classic backcountry hut stay to round it out. Expect 3 to 4 hours of riding each way.
Feeling strong? Keep climbing and stay at the Ghost Lake Hut for an even bigger reward. Perched high above the bushline, it’s one of the most scenic huts in the country—think jaw-dropping views over craggy ridgelines and deep valleys, especially at sunrise. It’s a more demanding climb, but totally worth it if you’re up for the extra grind.
Overpacking’s a classic rookie move. You definitely don’t need four pairs of spare socks. Have a yarn with the crew at MD Outdoors about putting together a solid ultralight setup. If you ask us, Injinji socks are the unsung heroes of the gear list.
Weather, trail conditions, or a perfect detour to a vineyard—leave room for the unexpected.
Stick to marked trails, take all your rubbish with you, and tread carefully around local wildlife and sensitive spots. Follow the Tiaki Promise.
From rural general stores to roadside honesty boxes, every dollar helps keep our small communities ticking.
Always pack a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon). Before you head off into the backcountry, check DOC's website for any alerts or trail updates, and if you’re passing by a local DOC Visitor Centre, pop in for a chat. The crew there is full of handy info and is always keen to help you make the most of your adventure.
Sort your gear shuttle with the locals
Don’t fancy lugging a full load the whole way? Book a gear transfer with one of our local bike operators and enjoy the ride without the weight. They’ll get your bags where they need to be—so you can focus on the scenery, not the schlepping. Too easy.
