Pinkbike's destination showcase
Koata Park (Firball Skid)
Nelson, or Whakatū, is the second oldest settled city in New Zealand, originally named after Admiral Nelson, from 'Battle of Trafalgar' fame, in the early 1800s. Fast forward 170 years and it's more affectionally known as one of the sunniest places in the country, a place where many dream of moving to; for the typically good weather it experiences, its beautiful beaches, warm waters, and proximity to nature.
Nelson, when uttered in mountain bike circles, often conjures up visions of big pedally climbs, grade 5+ descents and trail options for days, but it's not just super-tech singletrack on offer here. There are flowy jump trails, green and blue progression trails, dedicated bike parks, shuttles, and even back-country heli-drops if you're up for it. There's always somewhere exciting to ride, no matter the weather.
Classics such as Peaking Ridge, 629, and Involution could have you riding until your legs fell off. The newer 38km Coppermine Trail (NZ Great Ride) takes you far out into the backcountry, joining the old tramway, a narrow gauge, horse-drawn operation that is considered New Zealand’s very first railway. It was used to transport chromium copper from hillside mines – hence the name ‘Coppermine’. For newer riders looking to grow, or people out for shorter rides, Koata (Codgers) trails have you covered, starting right in the heart of town.
Nelson's trails sport all types of surfaces. Roots, rocks, shingle, and clay. There are certain trails that will hold up great in less agreeable weather, so there is always something to ride. Singletrack is the most popular local flavour, and the majority of trails run through deep bush, meaning the wind isn't a factor most of the time. If you've had your fill in the mountains, you can always rent an e-bike and cruise Tasman's Great Taste Trail all the way out to Kaiteriteri. If you fancy, stop in at any of the cellar doors Nelson has to offer.
Once you're done either pedalling your face off or cruising the flow trails you can literally roll down the hill and into the centre of town. Nelson is a very bike-friendly city, and you'll find plenty of spots to refuel and hydrate. The Free House Pub has made a name for itself as a quirky yet very popular spot for a beverage, this dog-friendly pub is located in a reformed church. They even allow you to bring your own food, provided it isn't "globally homogenous, branded fast food", in their words. The Sprig & Fern is another Nelson classic, which now more than eight different spots located all around the area, so you'll never be too far from a refreshing drop.
Only one hour South, you have the much-fabled Wairoa Gorge, or hit the 'McGazzaland' pump track in Wakefield. To the Northeast, you have the Marlborough Sounds and all the riding there. West opens up to the Abel Tasman, the Heaphy, and the Old Ghost Road (we're truly spoilt in this part of the country), and if you go any further north, you'll be on the beach.
Head out towards the golden sands of the Abel Tasman, and you can spend a day at the Kaiteriteri MTB Park. Cruising through Motueka, the summer vibes come flooding in all year round. Home to orchards and hop farms, Motueka attracts those seeking a more alternative, eclectic lifestyle. A drive through Motueka wouldn't be complete without a stop at Toad Hall, which is voted NZ's best café. Also, partly situated in a reformed church, this café is complete with a local produce store, fresh fruit ice cream, a really satisfying menu and a host of local beers. There are also so many interesting spots to sit at. It's definitely worth a stop.
Ten minutes up the road, you arrive in the stunning township of Kaiteriteri, a holiday staple for any true Kiwi. Golden sand beaches, beautiful views back across to Nelson, and only a few minutes drive from the Riwaka Tavern, where every summer they wheel out a staple New Zealand act from the 2000's - seeing Shihad, The Exponents, or The Feelers playing at a holiday hotspot is a rite of passage for most New Zealand youth.
It doesn't matter your level of ability at Kaiteri MTB Park, there's something for everyone, the new Kamakaze trail has seen so much love poured into it, it alone is worth the trip. Trails like GST or Jaws are a hoot. Try Tree Hugger for some playful tech, and Big Airs is your super fun jump line that is great for progression. There's a well-built uphill trail and also the ability for shuttles. After a massive day of riding, head to local park supporters Gone Burgers, where all the burgers are aptly named after the trails you've just ridden.
At Cable Bay Adventure Park, you will find over 400 hectares of native forest, including Matai, Totara, and Kahikatea, as well as almost every species native to the South Island of New Zealand. One tree pointed out to us, right next to the trail, was estimated to be 1800 years old. That's undoubtedly seen some things.
Richard and the crew have an excellent vision for the future, looking at ways to enhance and protect the area, provide access to previously hard-to-reach areas, make proactive conservation possible, and promote responsible recreation opportunities. Spending time with the team allows you to feel their passion for their mission. They are committed to nurturing the environment and developing the park to align with Māori culture and the local tangata whenua, Ngāti Tama.
If all that good stuff wasn't enough, the trails themselves are fantastic. The majority of trails are suited to the slightly more experienced rider, however, they have a couple of newer grade 3 trails such as Stinger, which is super flowy and fun to ride. Some highlights such as CCR, Gamble, and Jurassic will get your heart racing, and then there is Deliverance for those after a true double black diamond experience. All the trails are built by a small and passionate group of volunteers who focus on minimising the impact of the building on the areas they pass through. The public can enter the park for free, whilst I would recommend booking some shuttles on their 6-seater Polaris, as it's a long way up, and you're guaranteed to want to do more than one run.
After a big morning of riding, head to the café for a feed. When we were there, we wanted a big breakfast (we'd been in since dawn), but they'd stopped making breakfasts. Our thanks go to the legend in the chefs' hat, who must have seen we were especially in the mood for scrambled eggs, offering to whip something off-menu up for us. We ended up being treated to one of the best bacon and egg brekkies we'd ever had.
There are so many options, one trip never feels like enough. Nelsons' trails are situated on a mix of public and private land, with local landowners Ngāti Koata granting public access to their land. Most of the trails in Nelson are created, supported, and maintained by the Nelson Mountain Bike Club, a super passionate group of volunteers with a membership base of over 3,000. You can donate directly to the club to help them continue doing great things for mountain biking in the area.
Nelson has an active forestry industry, therefore, track closures can happen from time to time, so it's best to check what's open before you set off on your ride. With all the riding on hand in the area, there is always something open and ready to ride. If you're unsure what to ride next, ask a local. The Nelsonians are super into their mountain biking and won't hesitate to suggest a ride for you.
Keep an eye on Nelson Mountain Bike Club's website and app.
