The Coppermine Trail - NZ's Great Ride

Coppermine Trail, Nelson City

The Coppermine Trail, one stellar day on a Great Ride

Start in central Nelson, roll into the hills, then drop into one of the most satisfying descents in New Zealand.

The Coppermine Trail treats you with amazing alpine landscapes.

Starting in Nelson’s vibrant city centre, the Coppermine is a 4–6 hour ride which heads directly into spectacular hill country.

Highlights

Unique alpine landscapes
Exhilarating 20km downhill
Panoramic views
Full loop from Nelson city centre

43km

Total distance

4 to 6 hours

Time

1,161m

Climbing

3 & 4

Grade

4 to 6 hours | 43km | Grade 3-4

Highlights

Amazing alpine landscapes
Exhilarating 20km downhill
Panoramic views

Third House Shelter is a cosy rest stop along the Coppermine Trail, offering a scenic breather with bush views and a bit of history tucked into the Richmond Ranges.

One of NZ’s most memorable one-day adventures, this Great Ride follows the long-gone Dun Mountain Railway.

From city streets to mountain air

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.

Things you need to know

The climb to Coppermine Saddle is a grade 3 (intermediate) ride, with the rocky descent to Maitai Dam stepping up to grade 4 (advanced). From the dam, it's an easier grade 3 (intermediate) ride back into Nelson. A full-suspension mountain bike is the best choice for this trail, and e-bikes are becoming a popular way to tackle the climb.
The trail is well signposted, but you're heading into remote country. Come prepared with plenty of food and water, a map, and the gear to handle any mechanical issues. Mobile coverage is patchy, so don't rely on your phone. Toilets are available at key points along the route, and carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) is strongly recommended.
Much of the ride travels through alpine terrain where the weather can change quickly, even on a fine day. You can ride the Coppermine Trail year-round, but it's always worth checking the forecast and current track conditions before you set off. Pack warm, waterproof layers and be ready for changing conditions.
If you're after something shorter, there are plenty of great options from either end of the trail. Koata Park has a network of loops for all ages and abilities, making it an easy way to enjoy part of the experience without committing to the full ride.
Looking for another adventure on two wheels? Our region is also home to Tasman's Great Taste Trail, one of New Zealand's Great Rides. It's a completely different experience, winding through coastal landscapes, vineyards, orchards and welcoming towns at a more relaxed pace.

From city to backcountry

Rich Payne from GMBN heads to Nelson, New Zealand, to tackle the Coppermine Trail. This isn’t just an amazing mountain bike ride - it’s a ride through history!

Cycle Nelson: Coppermine Trail Guided MTB Tour

Set out on one of Aotearoa’s most spectacular mountain bike adventures - a guided ride that combines alpine scenery, thrilling descents, and rich local history with expert guidance, trail tips, and fascinating insights along the way.

from NZ$660

Gold Partner

Cycle Nelson: Coppermine Trail Guided Heli Bike Experience

Scenic helicopter flight over Nelson, the coastline, and the Richmond Ranges. Stunning single-track descent and MTB Park option. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure combining epic scenery with thrilling terrain, tailored to you.

from NZ$1300

Gold Partner

Cycle Nelson - Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Hire

Ride the most 'family friendly' MTB Park in the region with stunning views and beautiful bush-clad trails.

from NZ$50

Gold Partner

Gravity Nelson

Gravity Nelson focuses on helping mountain bikers maximise their riding fun in and around Nelson. We provide free trail & riding advice, rental bikes, provide mountain bike coaching and guiding as well as shuttles, and have a shop and mechanic too.

from NZ$89