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
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