Coppermine Trail

As a Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Great Ride, the full loop (38km) best suits confident grade 4 mountain bikers and takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete. A steep climb up Dun Mountain, one of Nelson Tasman’s most distinctive mountains due to its unique geology, will take you to Third House. Bordering the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary, you’ll be treated to the glorious sound of native birds, including weka, bellbird, and tui. As you exit the native beech forest and traverse the stunted scrub cover of Nelson’s mineral belt, broad panoramas of Tasman Bay and the Richmond Ranges will be revealed as you continue your journey to the summit. The Coppermine Saddle is the highest point (878m above sea level) and is the perfect place to stop for lunch and enjoy the view. From the saddle, the track descends on a steep, zigzagging, flowy mountain bike track that is technically challenging, and those less confident may opt to take a U-turn at Coppermine Saddle and head back the way they came. The final section of the trail back to Brook Street follows the path of Nelson’s water pipeline to the Maitai Dam, offering the option to continue along the banks of the Maitai River if you wish.