The Coppermine Trail - NZ's Great Ride
Coppermine Trail, Nelson City
Start in central Nelson, roll into the hills, then drop into one of the most satisfying descents in New Zealand.
Amazing alpine landscapes
Exhilarating 20km downhill
Panoramic views
Kick things off right in the heart of Nelson city, then roll straight into the hills. The Coppermine Trail takes around 4 to 6 hours, easing you in with a steady climb through Koata Park before following the old Dun Mountain tramway. It is not brutal, just a good honest grind with history boards along the way and views that keep getting bigger the higher you go. Tasman Bay and the ranges slowly unfold beneath you.
The beech forest soon gives way to the strange and colourful mineral belt, with its scrappy, stunted shrubs and rust red earth. Windy Corner is a good excuse to catch your breath and take it all in. Then it is on to Coppermine Saddle at 878 m, where the full sweep of the top of Te Waipounamu stretches out in every direction.
From there the fun really kicks in. A legendary downhill drops you through bright red rock gardens and lush native bush, serving up 20 km of pure flow and adrenaline. By the time the trail flattens beside the Maitai River, you will be grinning ear to ear. The easy cruise back to town is the perfect wind down before grabbing a well earned coffee, pint, or plate of something local.
