Maungatapu Track

• Pelorus Bridge
• Cycle Trails & Mountain Bike Parks

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The Maungatapu Track has somewhat of a dark and intriguing history. Beginning at the Pelorus Bridge, the track follows a steep road over the Maungatapu Saddle into the Maitai Valley, connecting Nelson City with Havelock.

Not for the faint-hearted, this track is rated grade 4 (advanced) and is suitable only for experienced mountain-bikers due to its challenging terrain. Climbing to approximately 800m, the track includes a number of steep ascents, and stretches approximately 35km between the two townships.

Most notably, this track takes riders past the site of the Maungatapu Murders where 5 men were killed in 1866. A gang lay in wait, murdering 5 local men for the cash and gold they were carrying, before burying them in shallow graves nearby. A landmark referred to as ‘Murderers Rock’ marks the site of the killing and attracts the interest of many who choose to tackle the track.

How to get there: The Maungatapu Track starts at the beginning of Maungatapu Road, which veers off to the left directly after the Pelorus Bridge.

Photo credits: (1-3) Giselle Purcelle, (4-5) Jenelle Strickland.