Dun Mountain Trail (Coppermine)
Also known as: Coppermine Trail, The Coppermine
Panoramas of Tasman Bay and Kahurangi ranges, the striking mineral-belt geology of Coppermine Saddle, beech forest and Maitai Valley swimming holes; NZ's first railway history.
Who in your group rides what
Whether everyone in your group gets a day at Dun Mountain Trail (Coppermine) - the grades on offer, the named zones, and how mixed abilities split up.
Climb to saddle Grade 3 (intermediate); Coppermine Saddle to Maitai Dam descent Grade 3-4 (advanced); Maitai return Grade 3.
Group split: less-confident riders do Brook St to Third House return (23km, Grade 3, 3-4h) or loop lower Codgers; strong riders complete the full 40-43km loop with the Grade 4 Maitai Dam descent.
Best for reasonably fit, experienced riders on full-suspension bikes; not ideal for beginners on the descent.
The riding
Old narrow-gauge tramway grade (gravel/rock) on the climb, rocky alpine singletrack and rock gardens on the descent, bush-lined riverside trail on return.
Long gentle tramway climb, then rocky Grade 4 downhill with rock gardens, drop-offs and a few gnarly surprises; exposed alpine mineral-belt ridge near the saddle.
Well signposted as a NZ Great Ride; official Coppermine Trail map and free Great Rides app (offline) recommended. Carry a map.
Popular shared Great Ride, also used by walkers and trail runners; busier near town, quieter and remoter up high.
Season & conditions
Rideable most of the year; upper saddle can get cold, wet and occasionally snow-dusted - largely snow-free but weather-dependent.
Year-round, but the alpine upper section is best in settled weather; summer sun means carrying sun protection.
Busy Dec-Mar holiday season; crisp, clear winter riding days.
Alpine weather changes fast at the saddle; extreme rain/wind causes washouts, slips and closures. Sun exposure on treeless upper section.
Getting there & gear
Free public access; no permit or fee.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Brook Street trailhead ~15 min ride from central Nelson; sealed access. Loop returns via Maitai Valley Road.
Nelson served by air, InterCity buses and Picton ferry; local cycle operators offer hire and transport. Self-propelled loop by design.
Full-suspension MTB, tool kit and basic mechanical skills advised; carry a full day's food and water. Cell coverage poor beyond Third House.
Toilets at Third House and Coppermine Saddle; cafes, pubs, bike hire and services in Nelson.
Nelson city bike hire/transport operators; Nelson i-SITE and Heart of Biking; links to Tasman's Great Taste Trail.
Hazards & rescue
Grade 4 rocky descent with drop-offs, dual-use track (walkers/runners), fast-changing alpine weather, poor cell coverage past Third House. Check trail status for closures.
None required; self-guided. PLB hire and telling someone your plans advised for the remote section.
Remote mid-section with limited coverage; Third House is a landmark refuge. Carry a PLB; dial 111 where coverage exists.
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand mountain-bike network report. Coordinates are approximate.