Nelson's classic mountainbike loop, a must do for all visitors.'
The Coppermine trail follows the Dun Mountain walkway along an historic railway line. This climbs gently along the face of the fringe hill first through pine forest and then into native bush. Along the way you get stunning glimpses of Nelson, and across the Tasman bay to the Abel Tasman. At around the 14km mark (9 miles) you reach the mineral belt that the trail is named after and will be struck by breathtaking veiws of both the sea and mountains. The trail continues another 3km (2miles) to the Coppermine saddle (altitude 800m) where the 10km (6mile) singletrack descent begins. Turn on that suspension and set the bike in "full squishy" this is where the fun begins with an awesome flowing descent.
Once you reach the Matai dam either follow the singletrack alongside the pipeline or the road back to Nelson. A traditional post ride treat is fish and chips and craft beer at the Milton st Sprig and Fern.
This ride can be shortened by approx 10km road riding by parking a car at the Matai Valley campground and following the forrestry roads to the Tantragee Saddle and then onto the Dun Mountain Walkway.
Duration 3-6 hours
It's usual to start the Dun Mountain Trail from Brook Street but due to logging operations that section was closed so I drove round to the end of the trail at the camp ground on Maitai Road where there is a car park and a map board. I rode up Groom Road to the Tantragee Saddle and joined the trail there.
| ThankThis trail is a one day back-country adventure style of ride with scenic and historic interest. You'll gradually climb to Coppermine Saddle (878 metres, 2880 feet), which is above the tree line and is starting to feel a little alpine.
From there it's a long, long, rocky, bumpy ride that will have you hard on the brakes for eight kilometres. There are some interesting hairpins but as a mountain bike trail it's a waste of altitude. Down by the river, the trail mellows and you'll enjoy a bit of speed.
The Dun Mountain Trail is a good ride but there is not a lot of magic in it. There are better options if you want to enjoy the back-country or take in some inspiring scenery. As a mountain bike trail it's a good fitness ride on the way up but just a bomber on the way down.